One of my favourite genres has always been the western -- I blame my dad *lol*; I was drawn to both the cowboy and, especially, the Native American. Of course, it was only as I got older that I realised the way they've been portrayed in films isn't at all true, and started finding out about the 'real thing'.

When I started crafting, and collecting quotes, I was delighted to find Native American quotes, and first used them in the 'Cowboys and Indians' altered book I did way back in 2005.

These are a selection from my collection; the images are from an image CD I bought for crafting, except the first one, which is one I took.

'Listen to all the teachers in the woods. Watch the trees, the animals and all the living things – you'll learn more from them than books.' ~ Joe Coyhis

'The Circle has healing power. In the Circle, we are all equal. When in the Circle, no one is in front of you. No one is behind you. No one is above you. No one is below you. The Sacred Circle is designed to create unity. The Hoop of Life is also a circle. On this hoop there is a place for every species, every race, every tree and every plant. It is this completeness of Life that must be respected in order to bring about health on this planet.' ~ Dave Chief, Oglala Lakota

'Silence is the absolute poise or balance of body, mind and spirit. The man who preserves his selfhood is ever calm and unshaken by the storms of existence … What are the fruits of silence? They are self-control, true courage or endurance, patience, dignity and reverence. Silence is the cornerstone of character.' ~ Ohiyesa, Santee Sioux

'Do right always. It will give you satisfaction in life.' ~ Wovoka, Paiute

'Treat the earth well: it was not given to you by your parents, it was loaned to you by your children. We do not inherit the Earth from our Ancestors, we borrow it from our Children.' ~ Ancient Indian Proverb

'All things share the same breath - the beast, the tree, the man, the air shares its spirit with all the life it supports.' ~ Chief Seattle

'The old Lakota was wise. He knew that man's heart away from nature becomes hard; he knew that lack of respect for growing, living things soon led to lack of respect for humans too. So he kept his youth close to its softening influence.' ~ Luther Standing Bear, Oglala Sioux

'One does not sell the earth upon which the people walk.' ~ Crazy Horse

Favourites on Friday - Native American Quotes