POKING AROUND IN SMALL TOWN Waterville on Saturday, I happened upon an unusual piece of wall art, “Native American Ten Commandments,” in a shop run by Ron, former hardware store owner and an interesting man with lots of stories to tell. I left feeling like he would be my go-to source for anything I ever wanted to know about Waterville.
But I didn’t ask Ron about the Native American wall art hanging so high on the wall I struggled to read and photograph it. Rather, I thought about this art and the title of the piece in the context of today, October 13, Indigenous Peoples Day in Minnesota, as proclaimed by Governor Tim Walz.
I considered how the words “Ten Commandments” seem more European than Native. Perhaps a different title would be more fitting for this summary of cultural and spiritual values. Despite that heading, I found the content of these “commandments” to be positive and reflective of Native beliefs and culture as I understand them to be.
These words popped out at me: earth, nature, respect, care, protect, honor, traditions, family and community.
We would all do well to read, then reread, those words and contemplate their importance. Today, more than ever, I feel like we need to reconnect with the land, to build community, to recognize the importance of respect.
Today I pause to remember and celebrate Native Americans, who lived here first, who have long held a spiritual closeness to the earth, who deserve this special day of honor, Indigenous Peoples Day.
© Copyright 2025 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
I believe that you’re right, the term ‘commandments’ must have come from the missionaries who they encountered at one point, but the list of values to live by are wonderful and I wish that we all embraced them. the indigenous people have so much that they could teach us about life and living.
I agree. Indigenous peoples can teach us much about life and living.
So much wisdom
The first word that came top of mind in reading your post was CONNECTION. Also, to honor those who came before us and what they brought to the table, the community, the land, et. al. Thanks for sharing – needing a reminder today 🙂
I like that “connection” pops into your mind first. We are all connected in some way, but certainly via living on earth.
I honor our indigenous people as well— we have learned so much from them and need to honor them.
Like you, I’ve learned a lot about Indigenous peoples.