“When you have to take the life of a tree to build your lodge, you must talk to the tree and assure him that you are only taking his life so that your family will have shelter and warmth. You must make sure that the tree feels good about giving of his life – that it’s for a good purpose and others will benefit from his sacrifice. You see, the tree wants to feel good, wants to feel “usable”, about its life and its contribution to the life of other persons.”

Dumont, J. (1993). Aboriginal Perspectives of the Natural Environment . Penticton, B.C.: En’owkin Centre.