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There is a recognition that the life
in our communities has changed dramatically over the generations.
Change is inevitable, but culture is a mechanism to make sure that
the changes are not detrimental to the social, ceremonial, economic,
educational and political life of the community. Each generation
of Haudenosaunee must apply all of the principles, beliefs and values
described above to assess the world in which they find themselves,
and they formulate a response to their world that allows them to
survive on their own terms. Native Americans, some say, have been
given a way to accomplish this. It is called the Seventh Generation
philosophy.
The Chiefs are instructed so that when they deliberate on the serious
matters of the Council, they are to consider the impact of their
decisions on seventh generation into the future. This way, they
are to proceed cautiously, thinking of what effect their decisions
will have on the welfare of their descendants. It requires a special
attention to the future. But it also produces a sense of stability.
Some things will always need remain the same because we still live
on the same earth, we still live in same areas, we still have many
of the traditions that allowed our ancestors to survive.
These very same traditions will be essential for the future generations.
Keeping the traditions alive and viable is the responsibility of
this generation. Our gift to the future is all of the things that
have been described above. But these traditions are not simply words
on paper that can be studied when needed. The traditions must be
practiced each and every day. The Haudenosaunee way of life requires
a commitment to make it happen, sometimes, in spite the current
trends and desires of the people to change those traditions.
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