The Indians were no more concerned about the environment than you are. That is one of the lies of the centuries. Indians used a burn and slash farming method. They would burn off the trees in an area or girdle them if it wasn’t safe to burn. They would farm the land until it was worn out and then move on. Again and again. I don’t know if it is true but one book I read claimed that the great prairies of America were created by the Indians so that the buffalo would have more range. They destroyed the trees so grass would grow. True? My doubts are not based on their willingness, but on their long range planning and cooperation skills.
How about fishing? One method of fishing was to put a poison in the stream that would paralyze the fish. When they couldn’t swim, they could not breathe. They would die and float to the surface to be harvested. Not very environmentally friendly but certainly efficient.
So relax. God made the world to be used and managed. We might be able to do a better job of it but the answer is not to worship the creation.
homo unius libri
I suspect the natives used more judgement than we sometimes give them credit for, but they also had to use the tools and knowledge available to them at the time. I believe they did use some habitat management (and some less than ideal farming methods). The main difference is that they did it for survival, while we generally do it for profit.
ReplyDeleteNative Americans didn't understand the barter system or "profit" before Europeans showed up or they would of (they started selling skins to Europeans just like everyone else). and alot of the tribes did worship the creation. I agree with Pumice that we over romanticize the American Indian. If we want true stewardship we must get people outdoors more and hope they love the experience and love the outdoors. People are less likely to abuse what they love or need.
ReplyDeleteGorges,
ReplyDeleteIsn't the purpose of profit to enhance survival? I guess my concern is that we romanticize a group of cultures that were no more noble than ours. People are people. All cultures have all types.
Have you written a post on how American tribes used habitat management. I consider you a credible source. It would be interesting.
Thanks for the words.
Grace and peace.
Gabe,
ReplyDeleteEven in the enjoyment of nature you find that some are sensitive and some are not. We have a place up in the national forest near Yosemite. It is an old 160 acre homestead in the middle of government owned land. It is divided up into 1/2 acre plots and has nothing provided but water. On a given weekend there might be 20 people in the entire area.
I love to get up before dawn, make my coffee, grab my bible and guitar and find a place to enjoy the recreation of the day. I can hear the wind boasting about its approach for miles. It is glorious. Once I had the misfortune to be there when the place across the road was occupied. They brought generators and boom boxes and we were entertained by a series of Nirvana CD's. Somehow I don't think they had quite the appreciation I did for creation. But that could just be me being judgmental. They did invite us over for a beer.
Thanks for the input.
Grace and peace