Oneida Opening Prayer

The People were very strong in their beliefs and their ways.

Our Mother Earth takes care of all lives.

Grass carpets the Earth.

Strawberries are good medicine that helps all the people.

Tobacco the head of all medicines here on Earth.

Three sisters are the leaders of all foods here on Earth.

Medicines here on Earth were left for all Oneida and other Indian benefits.

Deer here were left they are the head of all animals and also the reason here they stay to help the Oneida.

Maple they gave us for syrup a medicine in the spring to give thanks for all the trees.

Water they give us strength also a good life. Water gives us strength to live.

The winds bring the changing of the seasons.

Birds their songs they use to lift our minds when we are sad.

The Thunders wakes up here on Earth spring it brings the warm winds for all things to grow.

Our Grandmother, the Moon has charge of women’s needs.

Our eldest brother the sun helps us for all things to grow whatever our foods for our survival. He gives us light to be able then to work every day.

The stars give us light so that we don’t get lost also tells us when it’s that time to give thanks to the winter.

Four Messengers they give us guidance how all that became of one same mind (same thinking).

The One who made all things that we are thankful here on earth.