The natives are very exact and punctual in the bounds of their lands, belonging to this or that prince or people, even to a river, brook, &c. And I have known them make bargain and sale amongst themselves for a small piece or quantity of ground ; notwithstanding a sinful opinion amongst many, that christians have right to heathen's land.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Native Americans respected land boundaries and ownership, contrary to Christian assumptions.
- In plain terms
- Native people had clear land rules, unlike some Christians assumed.
- What can you take from it?
- Respect existing land rights and boundaries.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How are land rights treated today?
- Who owns the land?
Another view
Colonial practices ignored these rights despite knowledge.
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