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I got this from the
following website and have permission to post it here as a
Thanksgiving Prayer.
http://aihc1998.tripod.com/mohawkpr.html
An English version follows
the original Mohawk. I just think it is a beautiful prayer. If it
were not for the help of the Native Americans, our Pilgrim
forefathers would likely have perished. It is fitting to honor
the Native American tribes on Thanksgiving to repay the debt we
owe.
Kanian'Kehaka (Mohawk)
Prayer of Thanksgiving: A Good Morning Message/Prayer
"Ohenton Kariwatehktwen Teithinonwaratonkhwa"
Akwekon onkweshona entitewatkawe ne kanonhweratonhtsera.
Teithinonwaratonkhwa ne Ohnekashona.
Teithinonwaratonkhwa ne Ohtonteshona.
Teithinonwaratonkhwa ne Kakhwashona.
Teithinonwaratonkhwa ne Kahishona.
Teithinonwaratonkhwa ne Ononhkwashona.
Teithinonwaratonkhwa ne Kontirio.
Teithinonwaratonkhwa ne Karontashona.
Teithinonwaratonkhwa ne Otsitenokona.
Teithinonwaratonkhwa ne Kaieri Nikawerake.
Teithinonwaratonkhwa ne Ahsonhthenhneka Karahkwa.
Teithinonwaratonkhwa ne Tshitewahtsia Karahkwa.
Teithinonwaratonkhwa ne Otsistohkwashona.
Teithinonwaratonkhwa ne Kaieri Niionkwetake.
Teithinonwaratonkhwa ne Shonkwaiatison.
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English Translation:
To be a human is an honor,
and we offer thanksgiving for all the gifts of life.
Mother Earth, we thank you for giving us everything we need.
Thank you deep blue waters around Mother Earth, for you are the
force that takes thirst away from all living things.
We give thanks to green green grasses that feel so good against
our bare feet, for the cool beauty you bring to Mother Earth's
floor.
Thank you, good foods from Mother Earth, our life sustainers, for
making us happy when we are hungry.
Fruits and berries, we thanks you for your color and sweetness.
We are thankful to good medicine herbs, for healing us when we
are sick.
Thank you, all the animals of the world, for keeping our precious
forests clean.
All the trees of the world, we are thankful for the shade and
warmth you give us. Thank you all the birds in the world, for
signing your beautiful songs for all to enjoy.
We give thanks to you gentle Four Winds, for bringing clean air
for us to breathe from the four directions.
Thank you, Grandfather Thunder Beings, for bringing rains to help
all living things grow.
Elder Brother Sun, we send thanks for shining your light and
warming Mother Earth.
Thank you Grandmother Moon, for growing full every month to light
the darkness for children and sparkling waters.
We give you thanks, twinkling stars, for making the night sky so
beautiful and sprinkling morning dew drops on the plants.
Spirit Protectors of our past and present we thank you for
showing us ways to live in peace and harmony with one another.
And most of all, thank you Great Spirit, for giving us all these
wonderful gifts, so we will be happy and healthy every day and
every night.
Translation by Chief Jake Swamp
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