Thanksgiving Address

Thanksgiving Address. Known as the **Words That Come Before All Else** in the Haudenosaunee tradition, this oration is a foundational spiritual and diplomatic protocol. It expresses gratitude to all elements of the natural world, establishing a reciprocal relationship between people and the cosmos. Delivered at the opening of gatherings and ceremonies, it sets a mindful framework for community discourse and action.

Origins and history

The origins of the address are deeply embedded in the creation stories and philosophical systems of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, also known as the Iroquois. It is considered a gift from the Sky World, with its principles reflected in the narrative of the Peacemaker and the formation of the Great Law of Peace. Historically, it has been a central part of longhouse ceremonies and was a required opening for meetings of the Grand Council at Onondaga Nation. Its practice was maintained through oral tradition despite pressures from colonialism and policies like the Indian boarding schools in the United States and Canada.

Content and structure

The address follows a specific order, offering thanks to a sequence of natural phenomena and beings. It typically begins with the people and earth, then moves to the waters, fish, plants, food plants, medicine herbs, animals, trees, birds, the four winds, thunderers, the sun, grandmother moon, the stars, the enlightened teachers, and finally the creator. Each segment acknowledges the life-giving role of that element, often referring to specific entities like the maple, three sisters (corn, beans, squash), and the eagle.

Cultural significance

The address is far more than a list; it is a core articulation of Haudenosaunee worldview, emphasizing kinship, responsibility, and sustainability. It reinforces the Good Message of unity and peace. By placing humans within, not above, a web of relations, it counters anthropocentric views. Its recitation is an act of reciprocity, fulfilling a duty to give thanks and thereby strengthen the bonds that sustain life. This philosophy is echoed in the work of modern figures like John Mohawk and Oren Lyons.

Variations and adaptations

While the core structure is consistent, variations exist among the six nations of the confederacy—the Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca, and Tuscarora—and even among different clans and speakers. Adaptations have been made for educational settings, environmental conferences, and interfaith events. Notable written versions have been published by authors like Jake Swamp and institutions such as the Six Nations Polytechnic. Translations exist in English and French, though nuances from the original Mohawk or Onondaga are often noted.

Contemporary usage

Today, the address remains a living practice, opening events ranging from local school days in communities like Akwesasne or Ohsweken to international forums like those at the United Nations. It is taught in Native American studies programs at universities including Cornell University and University at Buffalo. Environmental organizations and indigenous rights groups, such as the Indigenous Environmental Network, use its principles to advocate for ecological protection. Its enduring message continues to influence broader dialogues on ethics, conservation, and intercultural understanding.