Loss of Indigenous Eden and the Fall of Spirituality

The follow-up to his award-winning book The Knowledge Seeker, Blair Stonechild's Loss of Indigenous Eden and the Fall of Spirituality continues to explore the Indigenous spiritual teachings passed down to the author by Elders, examining their relevance in today's world. Exploring how the rise of civilization has been antithetical to the relational philosophy of Indigenous thinking—whereby all things are interrelated and in need of care and respect—Stonechild demonstrates how the current global ideology of human dominance, economic growth, and technological progress has resulted in all-consuming and destructive appetites that are damaging relationships between humans and the natural world. Most troubling is the loss of respect for spirituality so fundamental to Indigenous stability. There must be international reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, their culture and spirituality, Stonechild insists, if humanity itself is to survive. "'One of the best articulations in print of some introductory teachings of a contemporary Elder.' --Mark Rumi, professor of Religion and Culture, University of Winnipeg. As a follow-up to his award-winning The Knowledge Seeker: Embracing Indigenous Spirituality, Blair Stonechild continues his exploration of the Indigenous spiritual teachings passed down to him by Elders, and then moves his study further afield. He identifies the rise of what he terms a dominant Wetiko worldview, marked by an all-consuming and destructive appetite that is antithetical to the relational philosophy of Indigenous thinking whereby all things are interrelated and in need of care and respect. Based on Stonechild's work with Indigenous peoples around the world, from Inuit communities in northern Canada to the Dalits in India and the Uighurs in the Xinjiang Autonomous Region of China, Loss of Indigenous Eden and the Fall of Spirituality brings together and highlights the fundamental commonalities that connect all Indigenous nations, while calling for global recognition and respect of their rights and spirituality."-- Provided by publisher Highlights The Commonalities Between Indigenous Nations, While Calling For Global Recognition And Respect Of Their Rights And Spirituality. As A Follow-up To His Award-winning The Knowledge Seeker: Embracing Indigenous Spirituality, Blair Stonechild Continues His Exploration Of The Indigenous Spiritual Teachings Passed Down To Him By Elders, And Then Moves His Study Further Afield. He Identifies The Rise Of What He Terms A Dominant Wetigo Worldview, Marked By An All-consuming And Destructive Appetite That Is Antithetical To The Relational Philosophy Of Indigenous Thinking Whereby All Things Are Interrelated And In Need Of Care And Respect. Based On Stonechild's Work With Indigenous Peoples Around The World, From Inuit Communities In Northern Canada, To The Mapuche In Chile, The Dalits In India And The Uighurs In The Xinjiang Autonomous Region Of China, The Loss Of Indigenous Eden And The Fall Of Spirituality Brings Together And Highlights The Fundamental Commonalities That Connect All Indigenous Nations, While Calling For Global Recognition And Respect Of Their Rights And Spirituality.