Some groups ‘practiced animistic religions and had egalitarian social structures; others were almost theistic and had hierarchical social structures. They shared a sacred place in which respect for the land and its features was to be strictly maintained. Humans were created by a higher power that was sometimes referred to as ‘God’, ‘The Creator’ or ‘The Great Mystery’. The human creation was not considered above the rest of creation but as equal to it, ultimately connecting both, ‘spiritually and physically’. Mother Earth and Father Sky were seen to provide sustenance but also challenge the peoples when a balanced and respectful relationship was not forged or maintained with the rest of the world; All Native American peoples, the object was, and still is, a means to express a spiritual connection to the Earth, whether to ask for guidance, protection, help, or to simply offer gratitude.
