Water is Alive
Saxapahaw is the historic home of the Sissipahaw. For generations, these Native peoples have lived in deep relationship with this land and waters—respecting, protecting, and drawing life from their homelands. Stewardship remains central, with descendants living today among the Occaneechi-Saponi.
Saxapahaw is the historical home of the Sissipahaw. Due to colonization and attempted genocide by settler forces, some of the Sissipahaw married into the Occaneechi-Saponi in order to survive, where their descendants reside to this day. Throughout their long history, these native peoples have thrived on, respected, and protected the environments that make up their homelands. Being good stewards remains important to Native peoples.
7Directions of Service (7DS) is an Indigenous-led environmental justice and community organizing collective based on Occaneechi-Saponi homelands in rural North Carolina. It is dedicated to canceling the Mountain Valley Pipeline/Southgate Extension, advocating for legal Rights of Nature and developing a land, language and cultural center based on traditional teachings. We carry a responsibility to be a strong voice for the lands, waters, and more-than-human world. For more information, go to https://7directionsofservice.com/core-initiatives
Many Indigenous people’s believe that spirits dwell in nature and that these spirits are part of their daily lives. Historically, they thrived on hunting and farming while respecting and protecting the environments that made up their homelands. Traditions reflected these beliefs when they used natural resources in every aspect of their lives. In past times, even their shelters were made from raw materials such as saplings, leaves, small branches, and animal furs.
They consider the earth to be the mother of all things and that all creatures and plants depend on her for food, clothing, shelter, and water; hence they are kin. If the earth is our mother, then all things upon her are our brothers and sisters. For them, as long as the sun shines and the waters flow, the land will be here to give life to men and animals. For them “water is alive” to support them and to be cared for. To learn more about the Occaneechi-Saponi peoples go to https://www.doa.nc.gov/boards-commissions/commission-indian-affairs.