Interpreting Prophecy
The First Nations Union is guided by the prophecies of Indigenous resistance fighters of the past, and our principle of organizing is based on the Red Nation Prophecy by TÈŸašúÅ‹ke Witkó. According to Lakota tradition, this prophecy speaks of a time when the world will be in chaos, and an Indigenous nation will re-emerge from the ashes to bring about a more just and equitable society.
This page will explore the meaning and significance of the prophecy and how it informs our political platform and actions.
​
For your convenience, you can read the Red Nation Prophecy below.
​
RED NATION PROPHECY
“Upon suffering beyond suffering, the Red Nation shall rise again, and it shall be a blessing for a sick world. A world filled with broken promises, selfishness, and separations. A world longing for light again.
I see a time of Seven Generations when all the colors of mankind will gather under the Sacred Tree of Life and the whole earth will become One Circle again.”
​
- TÈŸašúÅ‹ke Witkó
Red Nation
The first paragraph of the prophecy speaks of a time when the world will be in chaos, and a new nation will arise from the ashes to bring about a more just and equitable society.
This portion of the prophecy serves as a guiding principle for the First Nations Union and inspires us to work towards a future where the Indigenous peoples can reclaim their continent and live in harmony with the natural world.
We interpret the prophecy as a call to return to traditional governance practices, to heal from generational trauma, and to restore our relationship with sacred mother earth. We believe that this process will not only benefit Indigenous peoples but also serve as a blessing for a sick world that has been marred by broken promises, selfishness, and separations. In the aftermath of the fall of colonial states, the Indigenous Peoples of the Western Hemisphere will unite to bring forth the Red Nation through the First Nations Union.
Sacred Tree of Life
The second paragraph of the Red Nation Prophecy speaks of a time when all the colors of humanity will gather under the Sacred Tree of Life, and the whole earth will become one circle again. At the First Nations Union, we interpret this prophecy as a call for unity among all peoples and cultures.
We recognize that the struggle for Indigenous sovereignty and self-determination is not exclusive to Indigenous Peoples of the Western Hemisphere. Rather, it is a struggle that affects all peoples who have been oppressed by colonialism.
​
To bring about this unity, the First Nations Union has established the Tree of Life Community, which aims to create a space for peoples of all cultural and racial backgrounds to come together in support of Indigenous sovereignty and self-determination. We believe that this "organize your own" community-based approach is essential for building a movement that is inclusive and representative of all those who seek to create a more just and equitable world. At the same time, we acknowledge that the healing of the earth and its peoples is a long and ongoing process that requires the participation and dedication of all human beings. Remember, we are all Indigenous to somewhere.