Neither Wolf Nor Dog

Kent Nerburn is a writer, a sculptor and an educator. His book, Neither Wolf Nor Dog, epitomizes education. The book had to be written and Kent was wisely chosen to be its author. In my opinion, all North Americans should read it.

It will initiate a needed healing process. A prerequisite healing for the continued growth and development of North America. The book is not easy nor is it enjoyable reading. This is not because of the concepts and vocabulary. But because of the sad truth. It is the real voice of the survivors of a genocide. It is the voice of native North America. It asks only to be heard. A humble request, but it is a very painful story. The narrator is an old American Indian. The old man is not lamenting, he has a much higher purpose. It includes everyone. I have Cherokee blood mixed with Welsh, Irish, German and Swedish. I was not raised in aboriginal culture. However, I am a perpetual student of that aspect of my heritage as well as the others mentioned. I found Kent's book at a crucial time and I am very thankful.

It helped me to see that I have been unconsciously disrespectful to the native people of this land where I was born, because of my ignorance. I believe our planet can continue to exist in a natural way if we accept the teaching of its aboriginals. For this to be accomplished, the true story of the North American Native must be heard. Not for the sake of eliciting pity or guilt, but to prepare a stable basis for a massive spiritual healing. A healing that only begins when people learn the truth. The truth of the Native North Americans.

Only after this healing can aboriginal people share their wisdom with the rest of us. They can teach people how to respect the planet, before it is entombed in concrete and steel. They can teach us to acknowledge red along with the other colours of white, black, yellow and brown. They can teach us to abandon our cherished myths of the noble savage. They can teach us to be proud of our combined heritage. Every centimeter of North America is a witness to the truth that awaits telling and each feature on the landscape has an ancient name. It is time to learn them. Neither Wolf Nor Dog is also a test. Open your heart. Teach your children.

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