One Native Life

Wagamese discusses a fundamental principle taught by his elders: “everything is energy” (210), encapsulating a worldview where the Great Spirit is perceived as the pervasive energy in all things. This concept emphasizes a connection with the land, wherein standing upon it allows one to become part of the “wheel of creative, nurturing energy” (210). He recounts an ancestral teaching about the Star People, celestial beings who imparted wisdom to the people before returning to the cosmos. The lasting message from these Star People is the unity of all existence: “We are all one being. We are all one soul, and we need each other” (210). This sentiment echoes the essence of spirituality, truth, and the intrinsic nature of being “Indian,” according to Wagamese’s understanding of his tradition.

The text describes the dynamic and ever-changing nature of the lake near Wagamese’s home, likening it to a “shape-shifter” with its various moods and colors. This lake has drawn a small community of people, most of them formerly city dwellers seeking refuge from urban life. Wagamese and his life partner moved there in 2005 and gradually shed their city habits, becoming attuned to the “symphony of land and silence” (212).