"At first, I wondered if People for Ethical Treatment of Animals or PETA was trying to beat a drum without a stick when a PETA staffer wrote a column about a man who killed his girlfriend's goldfish.

It was, after all, just a fish. I had to remind myself that all things have a spirit and relationship with the Creator.

As a Native person, I do remember the care my brothers, father and grandfather took when hunting. When they took a deer, they thanked the animal in a prayer for giving its life that we may survive. And animals and birds such as the eagle, buffalo, wolf, owl and others became a part of our ceremonies. We readily acknowledge these spirits and appreciate their help.

Things are changing, but the short story about the children and their relationship with their fish is a good reminder that all things, man and beast, should be treated with respect and dignity. They have a spirit and relationship with the Creator."

Get the Story:
Dorreen Yellow Bird: All creatures great and small (The Grand Forks Herald 5/9)

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