Inspiring Nature Quotes from Indigenous Leaders

November is Native American Heritage Month, a chance for us all to reflect on the contributions and wisdoms of the original stewards of these colonized lands. In commemoration, inspired by an Instagram post from @IndigenousWomenHike, we wanted to pass the mic for some inspiring words about our natural world from indigenous leaders (and not famed conversationalist and writer John Muir).  

As Indigenous Women Hike puts it, John Muir quotes are "like the live laugh love of the conservation world. Retire those tired JM quotes."  

Here are some of our favorites to take their place, share some of your own favorites!  Click to download a larger version.

Quote graphic saying, “The elders were wise. They knew that man's heart, away from nature, becomes hard; they knew that lack of respect for growing, living things, soon led to lack of respect for humans, too."
“Man does not weave this web of life. He is merely a strand of it. Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself.” - Chief Seattle
"“Take only memories, leave nothing but footprints.” - Chief Seattle
“What's good for the fish is what's good for the people.”  - Norm Harry
"If we build a society based on honoring the earth, we build a society which is sustainable, and has the capacity to support all life forms." - Winona LaDuke