15 Native American Quotes on Healing

Words and Sayings to Support Recovery from Tribes Across the US

Native Americans were the original stewards of our continent’s vast prairies, lonesome deserts, and beautiful rolling hills. They did not all have the same religion; they followed distinct spiritual traditions that often incorporated healing practices. They also shared an intense and absorbing respect for Mother Earth. These Native American quotes on healing will explain the sacred manner in which they honor the Great Spirit, who oversees the cycle of life and death.

Changes Healing Center acknowledges the unique needs of Arizona’s indigenous people and takes the time to understand their unique treatment needs, offering a unique form of Native Healing Program. We have helped numerous people address the behavioral health concerns that come from the trauma of longing to return to a way of life that no longer exists.

We invite you to read these 15 Native American spirituality and healing quotes and reflect on the connections to enjoying better health. If you or a loved one are struggling with substances in any form, please reach out for our support today!

Honoring Native Americans: Spiritual Quotes on Healing

Although each person had variations in their spiritual traditions, every spiritual leader encouraged families to pass down their ceremonies, teachings, and rituals in the oral tradition. While honoring the Great Spirit has always been a real and active principle, many traditions took shape.

For example, some focused on buffalo hunting rituals, and others held agricultural ceremonies. They recognized that all things are connected; even the seasons form patterns we can’t ignore. Many of these traditions show that we need balance in life.

1 – “May the stars carry your sadness away, may the flowers fill your heart with beauty, and may hope forever wipe away your tears.” – Chief Dan George

Chief Dan George was a prominent cultural figure and chief of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation in British Columbia, Canada. He wore many hats – chief, actor, author, activist. In this quote, the natural elements, stars, and flowers, symbolize natural and emotional healing sources.

Combined, these elements offer a holistic view of healing through Native wisdom and traditions, and the internal knowledge that things will get better soon.

2 – “A cold wind blew on the prairie on the day the last buffalo fell. A death wind for my people.” – Chief Seattle

Chief Seattle led the Duwamish and Suquamish people who lived in the Pacific Northwest, including the modern city bearing his name. This quote shows how he understood that the buffalo belonged to all who relied on it for its life-giving forces.

When settlers arrived, it became a death song to the majestic wild animals. The spiritual loss of their cultural hunts and the lack of access to life-sustaining meat and skins meant enriching faith and building resilience and strength to survive.

3 – “Treat the earth well: it was not given to you by your parents, it was loaned to you by your children.” – Crazy Horse

Crazy Horse was a Lakota warrior and advocate for Native American rights. He’s best known for defeating U.S. troops at the Battle of Little Bighorn along with a coalition of Cheyenne, Arapaho, and Lakota. However, the warrior was also a visionary leader whose people respected him for his humble, kind personality.

In this quote, he acknowledges environmental stewardship as a means of self-preservation. Taking care of it will ensure the health and well-being of the current generation and those to come.

4 – “The soil was soothing, strengthening, cleansing, and healing.” – Chief Luther Standing Bear

Chief Luther Standing Bear was a Lakota Sioux chief who advocated for and wrote books to preserve and share the culture with others.

Before formal scientific studies proved it, Standing Bear understood how all the sounds and sights of the natural world provided a sacred space for healing. Spending time outdoors was, indeed, self-care for the Lakota.

5 – “The Holy Land is everywhere.” – Black Elk

Black Elk speaks about how his people did not healing is not confined to a single place. He takes a holistic look at spiritual wellness, which today may closely connect to better mental health. Black Elk was an Oglala Lakota healer and medicine man.

He closely connected appreciating the beauty of a red and purple sunset across the plains with an internal sense of calm.

6 – “Become the tree.” – White Buffalo Calf Woman

White Buffalo Calf Woman was a sacred figure to many tribes in Indian theory. Thought to be over 2000 years old, she imparted wisdom to her people and is credited with restoring the buffalo herds. While she loved the animal and bird world, this quote explains how to become like the sacred tree.

The tree might have the most extraordinary power – it stands tall and firm, even when storms blow. Perhaps we can all learn from the tree and how the mighty wind gave strength to its form, even as we learn to be more resilient.

7 – “It does not require many words to speak the truth.” – Chief Joseph

Chief Joseph led the Nez Perce tribe in modern Oregon. He understood how the truth, and all its powers, can set you free from the burdens of the outer world.

In the context of healing, we know that coming clean about addiction or mental health challenges holds some of the greatest power. It cleanses both your heart and your mind, freeing you to focus on your wellness

8 – “Within each one of us lies the power of healing, of understanding, of peace.” – Chief White Eagle

Chief White Eagle, Ponca Chief, understood that the Supreme Power has given each human being the gift of resilience. It’s a gift that’s been forgotten in modern times. Without it, we feel despair.

Why did we never hear this encouraging advice? The fault lies not with us not keeping our ears sharp but with written laws laid out in the 19th century that silenced the voice of leaders among Native Americans.

9- “Each man is good in His sight. It is not necessary for eagles to be crows.” – Sitting Bull

Sitting Bull was the political and spiritual leader of the Sioux warriors who joined the coalition at the Battle of Little Bighorn. What he desired first? Peace.

In this quote, Sitting Bull refers to being at peace with ourselves. It’s a reminder that each person is worthy of self-love and self-respect. Those who lack self-acceptance often struggle with their mental well-being.

10 – “We all share the same Earth Mother, regardless of race or country of origin, so let us learn the ways of love, peace, and harmony.” – Sun Bear

Despite what “civilized society,” might have believed about Native Americans, they were not “savage people,” the smear of the 19th century. Sun Bear, a Chippewa medicine man, conveyed peace and love into the 20th century.

He understood that we are all one people under a single glorious sun. This quote reminds us that stigmatizing people creates anger and jealousy, leading to other struggles.

11 – “When the heart is at peace, the body is healthy.” – Native American Proverb

Native Americans were far ahead of western medicine, acknowledging the unmistakable peace between mental and physical health.

This quote suggests how the heart, a historical reference to emotions, connects to the rest of the body. It suggests the need for a balanced life to enjoy good health.

12 – “The greatest healing therapy is friendship and love.” – Hopi Proverb

The Hopi remind us that we are not alone, no matter our struggles. All the stars shine down on us collectively, and we must support each other out of friendship and love. The fast pace of our lives may isolate us.

But we should each grow our support networks. We all need a shoulder to lean on at some time in life.

13 – “May the warm winds of heaven blow softly upon your house. May the Great Spirit bless all who enter there. May your moccasins make happy tracks in many snows, and may the rainbow always touch your shoulder.” – Cherokee Blessing

This blessing is decidedly optimistic despite the many challenges the Cherokee nation has faced throughout American history. While it’s a great mystery to many how they’ve done it, the Cherokee are among the kindest people in all the world.

This quote suggests how it’s okay to be happy with the simplest things in life, like a roof over your head and moccasins instead of bare feet – after all, you can’t eat money.

14 – “All dreams spin out from the same web.” – Native American Elder (Hopi)

According to Hopi wisdom, we are all connected. We can take that a step further and suppose that every part of our lives intertwines, including our physical and mental health as well as the futures we dream of. These words remind us to treat our wellness holistically, starting with kindness to those around us.

15 – “The east gave peace and light, the south gave warmth, the west gave rain, and the north with its cold and mighty wind gave strength and endurance.” – Black Elk

This sentence refers to the cardinal directions of a compass and how each is believed to support health in Native American traditions.

East is the direction of new beginnings and peace. South brings empathy and vitality. West correlates to rain, which symbolically cleanses and refreshes. North, as the quote tells us, challenges us to make us stronger.

Connect with Changes for Culturally Informed Treatment

We hope these teachings have resonated with you, especially if you seek culturally-informed care for mental health challenges. Changes offers addiction treatment for tribal members that has supported recovery from drug or alcohol addiction, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other mental illnesses for hundreds of clients.

Whether you are a tribal member from Arizona or elsewhere, or simply someone looking for healing from substance abuse or mental health struggles, Changes Healing Center is here to support your recovery.

We accept AIHP and AHCCCS insurance, as well as many other forms of insurance benefits, and will even contact your provider to arrange pre-approvals if needed, giving you peace of mind that your treatment will be covered – sometimes at 100%.

Call us today to reserve a spot in our program.