Native American Philosophy/indigenous thought

Andrew Jacques

Native American philosophy and indigenous thought had a lot to do with the theories and ideas that developed American Philosophy. Probably the best example from the very little I have had a chance to read was chapter one in American Philosophy about King Ferdinand of Aragon. When Columbus set sail to go back to the new lands, the King of Spain gave him a letter to read to the Native Americans. The letter basically told them that if they didn't the way of the church, they would be killed. This may not have much to do with American philosophy, but it could be responsible for the fact that this nation is considers a "Christian Nation." More important to the philosophy of America is the thought of Sa-Go-Ye-Wat-Ha, meaning "He-who-keeps-them-awake." He was responsible for making the idea of freedom of religion a movement that was important to Native Americans. He made the point that it was possible for God to have different ways of religion for different people. This way, the Native Americans would not have to be forced into the way of the white man.