Work
American Indians value work and productive activity. A person has the responsibility to provide for one’s family and extended family, to nurture the children and to contribute to the well-being of the tribe or community. In today’s world those responsibilities are carried out in the workplace in addition to practicing the old ways. The work a person does is valued as a means of carrying out responsibility to family and community, rather than working for the sake of working. A person is valued for being rather than doing. It is important to do one’s share. People at every age level have important work to do. There are no menial jobs; all work is equal and one should do one’s best. |