Seventh Generation Planning
We need to figure out a planning approach that honors the philosophy and practice of Seventh Generation decision-making. —Billy Frank Jr., Chair, Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission; and Co-Chair, E3 Washington
Thinking Seven Generations into the Future
Nisqually Nation elder and E3 Co-Chair, Billy Frank encouraged delegates to the 2007 E3 statewide summit in Seattle to adopt a long-range approach to thinking and acting. The concept of “Seventh Generation” is common to many American Indian nations, but the prophesy and the philosophy are attributed in particular to the Iroquois Confederacy.
The Mohawks’ oral tradition prophesied a future time of environmental degradation. The Seventh Generation philosophy gives guidance for preventing or at least mitigating ecological decline, and is summarized by the familiar saying, “We do not inherit the land from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.”
The hope contained in Seventh Generation thinking is sorely needed in today’s society – a society that all too often lives on immediate gratification. Most organizations – whether government, business, or nonprofit – look especially at the upcoming quarter or fiscal year, and look only one to three years out in terms of planning and budgeting.
The Seventh Generation view is altogether different. When we consider the impacts of today’s decisions on our descendents seven generations into the future, we begin to see the true meaning of sustainability.
E3 Washington recognizes the importance of strong, long-term relationships – across sectors of society and geographic areas of the state — to achieve ongoing environmental, social, and economic health.
The central and critical role of education is to ensure that Washington’s residents develop the values, knowledge, and skills to achieve vibrant communities, a healthy environment, and a sustainable economy. E3 leaders know we’ve only just begun to “figure out a planning approach that honors the philosophy and practice of Seventh Generation decision-making”, as Billy Frank counseled.
Youth and Seven Generations Thinking
Young people attending E3’s Youth Summit on April 19, 2008, at Camp Waskowitz in North Bend, WA, created the “Seventh Generation Mural Project” to illustrate their view of sustainability education and planning.
Participants focused on themes and opportunities including: the use of technologies like system dynamics to avoid unintended consequences; teaching the Seventh Generation approach beginning with very young children; the need for inter-generational learning, and gaining knowledge from traditional peoples and other cultures.
Overall, Youth Summit participants were generally hopeful about the future because of new technology; and the increasing focus on conservation, greener living, and improved stewardship in a global society and economy. They felt that the Seventh Generation philosophy can join generations in pursuit of sustainable communities by:
- Providing a sense of community, purpose, and interconnectedness
- Honoring elders and celebrating their knowledge
- Honoring youth as the decision-makers of tomorrow – who also have the energy, ideas, and time to make a difference today
- Educating diverse communities about one another and working together.
“The ultimate test of the human conscience may be our willingness to sacrifice something today for future generations whose words of thanks will not be heard.” – U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson
The Seventh Generation Planning Project
E3 Washington invites people of all ages to interview “thought leaders”, wise people who we know and respect. The following questions are suggestions for asking men and women to share their stories and experiences. Feel free to ask additional questions – then post your interviews to this website and tell us what you’ve learned.
Questions for “Thought Leader” Interviews
I am writing/calling to ask you to provide a modern perspective on an ancient wisdom, the Seventh Generation philosophy. You’re probably familiar with the saying, “We do not inherit the land from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.” When we consider the impacts of today’s decisions today on our descendents seven generations hence, we begin to understand the true meaning of sustainability.
E3 Washington stands for Education, Environment, and Economy. The E3 approach to education believes that all of Washington’s residents must develop the knowledge, skills and values to utilize our land, air, and water wisely in order to achieve vibrant communities, a healthy environment, and a truly sustainable economy.
I would like to hear your stories because I believe your perspective will give me insights and ideas for myself and others.
Questions
- Is the Seventh Generation philosophy relevant today?
- How can – or do – you apply this philosophy to the way you think and live?
- How could it be applied by others of us who want to make constructive changes in society?
- What stops us from making decisions with the Seventh Generation in mind?
- How can we overcome these barriers?
- How does or could this philosophy impact education on a state and regional basis?
- What’s your greatest hope for those who’ll be alive seven generations from now?
- Do you have any other related thoughts, stories or perspectives to share?
Please submit your completed questionnaires with your name, title, organization, and contact information to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.