The Thanksgivings

The Thanksgivings

By Harriet Maxwell Converse
November 23, 2017

We who are here present thank the Great Spirit that we are here
to praise Him.

We thank Him that He has created men and women, and ordered
that these beings shall always be living to multiply the earth.

We thank Him for making the earth and giving these beings its
products to live on.

We thank Him for the water that comes out of the earth and runs
for our lands.

We thank Him for all the animals on the earth.

We thank Him for certain timbers that grow and have fluids coming
from them for us all.

We thank Him for the branches of the trees that grow shadows for
our shelter.

We thank Him for the beings that come from the west, the thunder
and lightning that water the earth.

We thank Him for the light which we call our oldest brother,
the sun that works for our good.

We thank Him for all the fruits that grow on the trees and vines.

We thank Him for his goodness in making the forests, and thank
all its trees.

We thank Him for the darkness that gives us rest, and for the kind
Being of the darkness that gives us light, the moon.

We thank Him for the bright spots in the skies that give us signs,
the stars.

We give Him thanks for our supporters, who had charge of
our harvests.

We give thanks that the voice of the Great Spirit can still be
heard through the words of Ga-ne-o-di-o.

We thank the Great Spirit that we have the privilege of this
pleasant occasion.

We give thanks for the persons who can sing the Great Spirit’s
music, and hope they will be privileged to continue in his faith.

We thank the Great Spirit for all the persons who perform the
ceremonies on this occasion.