Table of Contents
Introduction
Native American proverbs are a rich source of wisdom and insight passed down for generations.
These proverbs are not just catchy sayings or clever metaphors, but nuggets of truth that reflect a deep understanding of life, connection to mother nature, and human wisdom.
From the plains of the Midwest to the mountains of the West, Native American quotes beautifully illustrate the timeless relevance of oral traditions.
So, let’s embark on a journey of discovery into the world of Native American wisdom in these proverbs by the Hopi, Sioux, Anishinaabe, Blackfoot, Cheyenne, Crow, Mohawk, and Seneca tribes.
Top 29 Native American Proverbs
Do not change horses in the middle of the river.
Native American Proverb
Brief Analysis
Our lives are filled with difficult decisions and unexpected obstacles that can make us question our choices.
Today especially, it can be tempting to abandon our current path in pursuit of something more exciting.
Nevertheless, this proverb advises us to think carefully before doing so.
Ultimately, it all comes down to determination and commitment. We should stay true to our goals long enough to find long-term success.
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Certain things catch your eye, but pursue only those that capture the heart.
Native American Proverb
Do not pray when it is raining if you do not pray when the sun is shining.
Native American Proverb
If a man is to do something more than human, he must have more than human powers.
Native American Proverb
It is not enough for a man to know how to ride, he must also know how to fall.
Native American Proverb
Brief Analysis
A thunderous sound of hooves echoes across the vast prairie. A lone rider gallops across an open plain with a sense of freedom and exhilaration. This only comes from listening to nature’s rhythms.
He understands how to ride, but as any experienced equestrian will tell you, this is not enough. The true measure of a rider’s skill is how well they know how to fall.
Life will inevitably bring challenges and setbacks. So, the question is not whether we will fall, but how we will respond to the fall. Will we be defeated, or will we pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and try again?
The Native American proverb suggests that life is not just about victories, but about lessons learned along the way as well. It is not enough to know how to enjoy success; we must also know how to endure the lows of failure.
Life is – not separate from death.
Native American Proverb
Lovely women, lovely quarrels.
Native American Proverb
Man belongs to earth,
Native American Proverb
earth does not belong to man.
One foe is too many and a hundred friends are too few.
Native American Proverb
Brief Analysis
The message in this quote is clear: a single enemy is more trouble than it’s worth, and no amount of friends can ever be enough.
Nowadays, when everyone is expected to succeed at all costs, even at the expense of relationships, establishing meaningful connections and nurturing them is absolutely essential.
Ultimately, whether it’s one person or a hundred, the key is to focus on building strong, meaningful relationships with those around us.
And when we invest in these connections, not only do we gain encouragement and support for ourselves, but we can also positively impact the lives of others.
Tell me and I’ll forget.
Native American Proverb
Show me, and I may not remember.
Involve me, and I’ll understand.
The lazy ox drinks dirty water.
Native American Proverb
We do not inherit the Earth from our Ancestors, we borrow it from our Children.
Native American Proverb
When all the trees have been cut down,
Native American Proverb
when all the animals have been hunted,
when all the waters are polluted,
when all the air is unsafe to breathe,
only then will you discover you cannot eat money.
Brief Analysis
What happens when we go too far in our actions? What happens when there is nothing left to take in this world? This proverb reflects the essence of collective greed and the shortsightedness of humans.
It’s a gentle reminder that money, the thing we value the most, is ultimately worthless if the world gets destroyed by our own hands. We cannot survive on money alone.
The issue is, we tend to prioritize short-term gains over long-term sustainability. We forget that we are not separate from nature – we are part of it. And when we destroy the environment, we destroy ourselves.
That’s why we need to shift our attention toward a world where both people and the environment can thrive.
When the White man wins, it is a battle,
Native American Proverb
when the Indian wins, it is a massacre.
No river can return to its source,
Native American Proverb
yet all rivers must have a beginning.
It takes a thousand voices to tell a single story.
Native American Proverb
Even your silence holds a sort of prayer.
Native American Proverb (Apache)
Brief Analysis
Even during quiet moments, our silence can be a form of prayer. A prayer that requires no words.
In moments of stillness, we can connect with something greater than ourselves. Whether it’s a higher power, the universe, or simply the energy of the world around us, our silence becomes a medium for that connection.
In those moments, silence becomes a prayer. An expression of gratitude for the beauty that surrounds us. A prayer of hope for a better tomorrow. A prayer of self-love and love for others.
So, there’s no need to fill the space with words or distractions. Let silence be your prayer instead, and feel the world around you and your own soul through it.
Never sit while your seniors stand.
Native American Proverb (Cree)
It is easy to be brave from a safe distance.
Native American Proverb (Omaha)
Listen to nature’s voice –
Native American Proverb (Huron)
it contains treasures for you.
Showing kindness to a stranger is a gift that is always returned.
Native American Proverb (Iroquois)
Brief Analysis
It’s no secret that showing compassion for others can have a profound impact, not just on the person receiving the kindness, but also on the one offering it.
When we are kind to strangers, we open our hearts for connection and empathy. We acknowledge that we are all connected somehow.
And, as the Iroquois proverb reminds us, kindness returns. Whether it’s a smile, a kind word, or a simple act of generosity, the impact of our kindness can reach far beyond what we could ever imagine.
So, the next time you have the opportunity to kindness a stranger, take it. Who knows? Maybe one day, when you are in need of kindness yourself, it will be returned to you in unexpected ways.
Each person is his own judge.
Native American Proverb (Pima)
Give me knowledge,
Native American Proverb (Plains)
so I may have kindness for all.
Cherish youth, but trust old age.
Native American Proverb (Pueblo)
Don’t walk behind me;
Native American Proverb (Ute)
I may not lead.
Don’t walk in front of me;
I may not follow.
Walk beside me
that we may be as one.
Brief Analysis
In essence, this quote is about building relationships based on mutual respect and equality.
It puts emphasis on treating others as equals, rather than assuming authority or superiority.
When we walk beside someone, we acknowledge their value as individuals and honor our shared journey.
Rather than competing with one another or working in isolation, we should work together for a common goal, supporting each other along the way. By doing so, we can create a world that is more compassionate, empathic and united.
Seek wisdom, not knowledge.
Native American Proverb (Lumbee)
Knowledge is of the past,
Wisdom is of the future.
Listen to the wind, it talks.
Native American Proverb
Listen to the silence, it speaks.
Listen to your heart, it knows.
When you were born, you cried, and the world rejoiced. Live your life in such a way that when you die, the world cries, and you rejoice.
Native American Proverb
When the blood in your veins returns to the sea, and the earth in your bones returns to the ground, perhaps then you will remember that this land does not belong to you, it is you who belong to the land.
Native American Proverb
Brief Analysis
We often forget that we are not separate from nature, but rather an integral part of it.
We are born into the earth and return to it when we die. The land, the sea, and the sky are not ours to own, but to share and care for.
In other words, we are not masters of this land, but overseers in charge of taking care of it. The earth is not a commodity to be exploited, but rather a precious gift that we must honor and respect.
When we realize this, we begin to see the world in a different way. We become aware of the impact our actions have on the environment, and we are motivated to make choices that are ethical and environmentally responsible.
18 Native American Hopi Proverbs
One finger cannot lift a pebble.
Native American Proverb (Hopi)
Brief Analysis
The Hopi tribe is known for its deep spirituality and connection to nature.
They recognized the power of collective effort and knew it was essential for their survival in a harsh and unforgiving environment.
Today, there is a strong emphasis on the idea of “taking charge of our own lives, alone.”
While there is certainly value in the personal grind, we can only make a lasting impact on the world through collective effort.
In age, talk; in childhood, tears.
Native American Proverb (Hopi)
Don’t be afraid to cry. It will free your mind of sorrowful thoughts.
Native American Proverb (Hopi)
A community that lacks faith in itself cannot survive.
Native American Proverb (Hopi)
All dreams spin out from the same web.
Native American Proverb (Hopi)
Brief Analysis
Imagine a spiderweb, intricate and interconnected. Every thread represents a dream, a desire, a hope.
Some threads are thin and delicate, while others are thicker and stronger. The spider sits in the center, weaving the magnificent web, and they all radiate from there.
This is what this quote teaches us about dreams. Our dreams, just like threads in a spiderweb, stem from the same source. They all come from within us, the same place where we hold our deepest desires and aspirations.
So, let this Hopi proverb encourage us to support one another, to lift each other up as we chase our dreams. Because, in the end, we are all part of the same web.
All things have inner meaning and form and power.
Native American Proverb (Hopi)
Do not allow anger to poison you.
Native American Proverb (Hopi)
Do not look outside yourself for the leader.
Native American Proverb (Hopi)
Eating little and speaking little can hurt no man.
Native American Proverb (Hopi)
Brief Analysis
By living a simple and balanced life, we can avoid the pitfalls of overindulgence and find peace in the present moment.
Today, more than ever, it is easy to overeat and lose sight of the importance of eating healthy foods.
The second part of the proverb, “Speaking little,” highlights the importance of restraint when communicating and social interaction.
And I believe by speaking and eating little, we can maintain healthy relationships and boundaries both physically and mentally.
Inside your heart is a tiny place where all knowledge and wisdom resides.
Native American Proverb (Hopi)
Leave your mind and your constant thoughts and return to your heart.
Native American Proverb (Hopi)
Let no one say negative things about those who are not present.
Native American Proverb (Hopi)
Let your eyes be offended by the sight of lying and deceitful men.
Native American Proverb (Hopi)
Brief Analysis
We should be offended by dishonest and treacherous people, and not just slightly annoyed or frustrated, but deeply offended.
But why is this so critical? This is because when we turn a blind eye to deceit and lies, it facilitates their growth. As a result, a toxic culture prevails in which dishonesty and manipulation are rewarded.
But when we choose to confront lies and dishonesty, we stand for the truth. We demand higher standards of behavior from ourselves and others.
So, next time you encounter someone similar, don’t just shrug your shoulders and move on. Be a force for honesty and integrity in the world by speaking up and demanding accountability.
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Like a seed, your future is only beginning to emerge out of the darkness.
Native American Proverb (Hopi)
No answer is also an answer.
Native American Proverb (Hopi)
The rain falls on the just and the unjust.
Native American Proverb (Hopi)
We are the ones we’ve been waiting for.
Native American Proverb (Hopi)
Brief Analysis
We are not powerless spectators when it comes to challenges. On the contrary, we have the power to be a force for change.
Each of us has a role to play in shaping our future. And it is up to us to take responsibility for our actions by finding strength and wisdom within ourselves.
As a whole, this proverb invites us to live our lives with purpose and intention.
So, don’t wait for a savior to come and help you. You have enough inner strength to accomplish anything you set your mind to. All you have to do is channel it correctly.
Work hard, keep the ceremonies,
Native American Proverb (Hopi)
live peaceably, and unite your hearts.
11 Native American Sioux (Lakota, Dakota, Nakota) Proverbs
We will be known forever by the tracks we leave.
Native American Proverb (Dakota)
Brief Analysis
The actions we take and the choices we make in life have lasting consequences, whether we realize it or not. Every step we take leaves an imprint on the world around us.
In essence, it conveys the message of personal responsibility and mindful awareness of our impact on others. Our journey through life is traced by our footsteps, a trail of evidence that reveals who we are and what we stand for.
In many indigenous cultures, the land is considered sacred, a living entity that sustains and nourishes all life. By leaving our footprints on the earth means our legacy will be felt for generations to come.
All in all, the message here is clear: we are all responsible for the tracks we leave behind. Our actions have a ripple effect that extends far beyond our own lives. So let us all strive to make our tracks meaningful.
Be satisfied with the needs instead of the wants.
Native American Proverb (Lakota)
Do not speak of evil for it creates curiosity in the hearts of the young.
Native American Proverb (Lakota)
Do not judge your neighbour until you walk two moons in his moccasins.
Native American Proverb (Lakota)
The journey is more important than the destination.
Native American Proverb (Nakota)
Brief Analysis
It’s easy to get caught up in the end result. However, it’s the experiences we have, the people we meet, and the lessons we learn along the way that truly shape us into who we are.
Think about a road trip. Yes, the destination may be a beautiful beach or a majestic mountain range, but what makes the journey memorable are the stops along the way. A small diner, a quirky roadside attraction, a conversation with a local – these are the moments that create memories and make the trip worthwhile.
The same is true for life. Think about it… What happens when we finally reach our goal, and it doesn’t bring us the fulfillment we thought it would? We may wonder what the point of it all was. But we won’t be so focused on the outcome if we truly embrace the journey, as we’ll have already experienced so much and learned so many valuable lessons.
The journey is more meaningful than the destination because it’s where we learn and grow. It’s where we find joy and purpose. So let’s just slow down and enjoy the ride.
Do not only point the way but lead the way.
Native American Proverb (Sioux)
There can never be peace between nations until it is first known that true peace is within the souls of men.
Native American Proverb (Sioux)
Friendship is held to be the severest test of character.
Native American Proverb (Sioux)
Is it not better for one hundred to pray for one than for one to pray alone for himself?
Native American Proverb (Sioux)
Brief Analysis
By coming together and offering our prayers and support to others, we can achieve a greater sense of collective strength and resilience.
These words reflect the value of community in our lives.
It’s important to note that prayer and spirituality are central to many Native American traditions. This proverb reminds us of the power of prayer to bring people together and create a sense of shared purpose and intention.
To sum it up, by coming together and supporting one another, we can create a sense of belonging and community that can help us withstand storms of any kind.
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To have a friend, and to be true under any and all trials, is the mark of a man.
Native American Proverb (Sioux)
With all things and in all things, we are relatives.
Native American Proverb (Sioux)
4 Native American Anishinaabe Proverbs
It is less of a problem to be poor,
Native American Proverb (Anishinaabe)
than to be dishonest.
Brief Analysis
While money and possessions can provide temporary happiness, they cannot replace the sense of satisfaction and self-worth that comes with living an honest and ethical life.
By valuing honesty, like the Anishinaabe people above all else, we can build strong and resilient communities, where everyone is responsible for each other and for the natural world.
It goes without saying that these values are not only important but essential if we want to create a just and fair world for all.
So let us all choose honesty, even if that means sacrificing material gain. For in the end, our character and the legacy we leave behind define us more than our wealth.
Most of us do not look as handsome to others as we do to ourselves.
Native American Proverb (Anishinaabe)
No one else can represent your conscience.
Native American Proverb (Anishinaabe)
Not every sweet root gives birth to sweet grass.
Native American Proverb (Anishinaabe)
4 Native American Blackfoot Proverbs
Don’t let the grass grow on the path of friendship.
Native American Proverb (Blackfoot)
Brief Analysis
Friendship is a delicate flower that requires constant care and attention. It is a bond that can bring warmth, joy, and comfort to our lives, but it can also wither away if we neglect it.
Picture a path running through a field, with grass growing tall on either side. Now imagine that this path represents your friendship. The grass will eventually overtake the path if you don’t walk along it often enough.
The same applies to friendships – if we neglect them for too long, they can become overgrown with distance and indifference.
So, let’s not allow the grass to grow on the path of friendship. Let’s tend to it with care and attention, and watch it grow and blossom.
Life is not separate from death. It only looks that way.
Native American Proverb (Blackfoot)
There are plenty of different paths to a deep understanding of the universe.
Native American Proverb (Blackfoot)
Those that lie down with dogs,
Native American Proverb (Blackfoot)
get up with fleas.
9 Native American Cheyenne Proverbs
A danger foreseen is half-avoided.
Native American Proverb (Cheyenne)
Brief Analysis
The sooner we anticipate potential dangers and plan accordingly, the more likely we are to increase our chances of success and minimize negative outcomes.
But it’s not just physical dangers to be aware of – the Cheyenne proverb can also be applied to personal growth and development. By recognizing our own shortcomings and weaknesses, we can address them and work towards becoming our true selves.
So, the key to success is to live with a sense of mindfulness and intentionality. Rather than simply reacting to situations as they arise, it is important to look for potential risks ahead of time and take proactive measures to mitigate them.
Ultimately, we are in control of our own lives and destinies, and by exercising wisdom and caution, it is possible to handle even the most challenging situations with confidence and grace.
Beware of the man who does not talk, and the dog that does not bark.
Native American Proverb (Cheyenne)
Don’t judge with the eyes –
Native American Proverb (Cheyenne)
use the heart instead.
Our first teacher is in our own heart.
Native American Proverb (Cheyenne)
If a man is as wise as a serpent, he can afford to be as harmless as a dove.
Native American Proverb (Cheyenne)
Brief Analysis
This Cheyenne proverb conveys the importance of being savvy and cunning in our actions without harming others.
This is to say, a wise person has the ability to protect themselves from harm without resorting to violence or aggression.
This is because they can navigate their way through difficult situations with intelligence, strategy, and vision, much like a serpent slithering through the grass, attentive and vigilant.
And it is possible to be both strong and gentle, cunning and compassionate, particularly today where conflicts and tensions are so prevalent. It is only through this combination of traits that we can truly navigate life gracefully.
Never forget that the person who plants the seed is not the one who will harvest the crop.
Native American Proverb (Cheyenne)
A single twig breaks,
Native American Proverb (Cheyenne)
but the bundle of twigs is strong.
Our pleasures are shallow,
Native American Proverb (Cheyenne)
our sorrows are deep.
There is no warning for upcoming danger.
Native American Proverb (Cheyenne)
Brief Analysis
We can take this as a reminder to always be prepared for anything, even when we least expect it.
At the same time, we can draw on our inner resources of courage and strength to navigate the curveballs in life, becoming stronger and wiser as a result.
Especially in today’s fast-paced world, we need to cultivate a deeper sense of awareness of the unpredictability of life.
So let us approach each day with open eyes, an open heart, and a readiness to face whatever comes our way.
6 Native American Crow Proverbs
It is good to be reminded that each of us has a different dream.
Native American Proverb (Crow)
Brief Analysis
Each of us has our own unique dreams and aspirations and these dreams essentially make up who we are as individuals.
That’s why it should come naturally that we should celebrate our differences rather than try to fit into a mold.
Because it is only through embracing our individuality that we can truly discover our own path in life and reach our full potential.
So, embrace your differences, and you will find that life becomes a much richer and more fulfilling experience as a community.
Man’s law changes with his understanding of man. Only the laws of the spirit remain always the same.
Native American Proverb (Crow)
Old age is not as honorable as death, but most people want it.
Native American Proverb (Crow)
One has to face fear or forever run from it.
Native American Proverb (Crow)
People’s eyes say words that the tongue cannot pronounce.
Native American Proverb (Crow)
Brief Analysis
In a world where words are often overused, misunderstood, and misinterpreted, it’s always refreshing to recognize the power of nonverbal communication.
Our eyes are often called our soul’s windows and for good reason. They can convey a depth of emotion that words cannot match. It’s as though the eyes themselves are doing the talking.
Even more importantly, it emphasizes the importance of silence. In some instances, the best communication comes not from what we say, but from what we don’t say.
So pay attention to what your eyes are telling you, and what you might learn from others’ eyes. By doing so, you may discover you are more sympathetic and effective in communicating.
Also Read: 75 Barack Obama Quotes on Success, Change, Education, Racism, America & Life
The more you give,
Native American Proverb (Crow)
the more good things come to you.
4 Native American Mohawk Proverbs
Life is both giving and receiving.
Native American Proverb (Mohawk)
Brief Analysis
To give is to be selfless, to put others’ needs before our own. It is a noble act that helps us connect with our fellow humans. When we give, we inspire others to do the same.
On the other hand, receiving is open and vulnerable. It is to acknowledge that sometimes we don’t have all the answers and will need help from others.
It is humbling to receive, but it is also necessary for us to grow. Receiving allows us to learn from others and gain new perspectives.
Giving and receiving is a timeless truth that transcends cultures and defines what it means to be human. So let us all strive to give as much as we receive, making the world a better place.
Listen to her – our Earth, our Mother;
Native American Proverb (Mohawk)
listen to what she is saying.
When an elder speaks,
Native American Proverb (Mohawk)
be silent and listen.
From a grain of sand to a great mountain, all is sacred.
Peter Blue Cloud (Mohawk Writer)
5 Native American Seneca Proverbs
He who would do great things should not attempt them all alone.
Native American Proverb (Seneca)
Brief Analysis
If we think about it, no one achieves anything truly remarkable all alone.
Whether it’s in the form of mentors, collaborators, supporters, or just plain old friends, everyone who accomplishes something meaningful does so with the support of others.
It doesn’t mean that the journey to greatness doesn’t require effort and sacrifice. It absolutely does. But by recognizing the importance of nurturing relationships with others, we can give ourselves the best chance of success.
So if you’re someone who aspires to do exceptional things, seek out those who can help you, whether it’s through mentorship, or collaboration, because greatness is a shared journey.
Every fire is the same size when it starts.
Native American Proverb (Seneca)
As long as you live, keep learning how to live.
Native American Proverb (Seneca)
He who has great power should use it lightly.
Native American Proverb (Seneca)
The more you ask how far you need to go, the longer your journey seems.
Native American Proverb (Seneca)
Brief Analysis
Success is not always a straight line. Because of this, we can become discouraged and overwhelmed by the challenges ahead if we focus too much on the distance we still have to travel.
The journey to our goals is rarely easy, as we are often forced to push beyond our limits, face our fears, and take risks in order to reach them.
That’s why the journey toward success is more than just a race to the finish line. The struggles we face, the mistakes we make, and the obstacles we overcome all contribute to our journey’s richness and depth.
So, trust your abilities, and take the next step forward, no matter how daunting it may seem. You can get through any obstacle and achieve your goals, one step at a time.
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