Cherokee Earth Dwellers: Stories and Teachings of the Natural World

Ayetli gadogv, or standing in the middle, is at the heart of Cherokee understanding of the natural world. This perspective offers a rich understanding of nature grounded in Cherokee creature names, oral traditional stories, and reflections of knowledge holders. Elder Hastings Shade created booklets with over six hundred Cherokee names for animals and plants, and this book emerges from a deep and continuing collaboration between Christopher B. Teuton, Hastings Shade, Loretta Shade, and others. It presents teachings about the body, mind, spirit, and wellness that have been shared for generations, revealing a living, communicative world and humanity's role within it.

Format: Hardback
Length: 296 pages
Publication date: 03 April 2023
Publisher: University of Washington Press

Ayetli gadogv, which translates to "standing in the middle," holds a central place in Cherokee understanding of the natural world. From this vantage point, Cherokee Earth Dwellers provides a profound and intricate understanding of nature, rooted in Cherokee creature names, oral traditional stories, and insights from knowledgeable individuals. During his lifetime, esteemed elder Hastings Shade painstakingly compiled booklets containing over six hundred Cherokee names for animals and plants. This comprehensive collection serves as the foundation of this book, while a chorus of voices weaves together to create a rich tapestry of knowledge. This collaborative effort has been nurtured by Christopher B. Teuton, Hastings Shade, Loretta Shade, and others.

By embracing our responsibilities as humans to our more-than-human relatives, this book offers teachings about the body, mind, spirit, and wellness that have been passed down through generations. From the delicate dance of clouds to the soaring melodies of birds, the vastness of oceans to the intricate structure of quarks, this expansive Cherokee view of nature unveils a vibrant and interconnected world. It also highlights humanity's vital role within this tapestry.

Through the lens of ayetli gadogv, Cherokee Earth Dwellers invites us to reconnect with nature, embrace our interconnectedness, and cultivate a deeper sense of harmony and balance with the world around us. It serves as a testament to the wisdom and resilience of the Cherokee people, as well as a valuable resource for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of the natural world and their place within it.

Dimension: 254 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780295750163