Foundations of Catholic Social Teaching
Chapter 9: Chief Seattle’s Reply
Chief Seattle’s Reply
Film Focus Point: This video is a recreation of a speech by Chief Seattle in 1854 on the occasion of an offer by the U.S. Government to purchase the remaining Salish lands.
Text Focus Point: Pages 300-303
Discussion Questions:
- How does Chief Seattle’s view of nature differ from that of most Americans then and now? What perplexes him about Americans?
- What is Chief Seattle’s understanding of stewardship? Of the link between nature and humankind?
- Which of the “Ten Commandments for the Environment” are reflected in Seattle’s words?
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