Phil Lane
Phil Lane Jr. is a member of the Yankton Dakota (Ihanktonwan Dakota Oyate) and Chickasaw tribes and is an internationally recognized leader in human and community development and is a traditionally recognized hereditary Chief. He was born at the Haskell Indian Residential School where his mother and father met and attended school.
Since 1968, Phil has been working with Indigenous people in North, Central and South America, Micronesia, Thailand, India, Hawaii and Africa. He served 16 years as Associate Professor and Founder and Coordinator of the Four Worlds Development Project at the University of Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada. In July, 1994 the Four Worlds International Institute for Human and Community Development was established as an independent institute. In July, 1995 Four Directions International was incorporated as the economic development arm of the Four Worlds International Institute.
With Phil’s guidance and applied experience, The Four Worlds International Institute has become an internationally recognized leader in human and community transformation because of the institute’s unique focus on the importance of culture and spirituality in all dimensions of human and community development. Four Directions International is dedicated to the development of sustainable economic enterprises that support wholistic, political, social, cultural, environmental, spiritual and educational development.
In 1977, Phil was named a Modern Indian Sports Great by the National Indian Magazine, Wassaja for his record-breaking accomplishments in Track and Wrestling. He has extensive experience in his own cultural traditions, is an award winning author and film producer and holds Master’s Degrees in Education and Public Administration. His film credits include the National Public Television series "Images of Indians" with Will Sampson, "Walking With Grandfather", "The Honor of All: The Story of Alkali Lake" and "Healing the Hurts".
In August, 1992, Phil was the first Indigenous person to receive the prestigious Windstar Award, presented annually by John Denver and the Windstar Foundation to a global citizen whose personal and professional life exemplifies commitment to a global perspective, operates with awareness of the spiritual dimension of human existence and demonstrates concrete actions of the benefit for humans and all living systems of the Earth.
On November 11, 2000, Phil received the Year 2000 award from the Foundation for Freedom and Human Rights in Berne, Switzerland. Phil was the first North or South American person to receive the award.
Books (2)
Synopsis:
Créé au départ pour épauler les Premières Nations dans leur cheminement, L’Arbre sacré met en évidence les concepts, les principes et les enseignements de la spiritualité autochtone. Plus qu’un guide, cet ouvrage révèle comment les grandes valeurs traditionnelles peuvent jouer un rôle, non seulement au niveau individuel, mais aussi au niveau communautaire et planétaire. L’Arbre sacré est un texte de référence pour tous ceux et celles qui s’intéressent à la sagesse des Premiers Peuples.Le Créateur a planté, pour tous les habitants de la terre, un Arbre sacré sous lequel ils peuvent trouver ensemble l’apaisement, la force, la sagesse et la sécurité. Les racines de cet arbre s’enfoncent profondément dans notre Mère-Terre. Ses branches s’élèvent vers le firmament comme des mains tendues pour une prière au Père-Ciel. Ses fruits représentent les dons du Créateur : des enseignements qui montrent le chemin de l’amour, de la compassion, de la générosité, de la patience, de la sagesse, de la justice, du courage, du respect, de l’humilité et de tant d’autres dons.
Educator Information
This is the French version of The Sacred Tree.
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Show LessSynopsis:
Bestselling Native American title exploring Native North American spiritual teachings.
The Sacred Tree was created by the Four Worlds Development Project, a native American inter-tribal group, as a handbook of Native Spirituality for indigenous peoples all over the Americas and the world. This handbook is being used by the Four Worlds Development Project to eliminate widespread drug and alcohol abuse in tribal communities. It is now being shared for the first time with all members of the human family desiring personal growth.
“For all the people of the earth,” The Sacred Tree begins, “the Creator has planted a Sacred Tree under which they may gather, and there find healing, power, wisdom, and security. The roots of this tree spread deep into the body of Mother Earth. Its branches reach upward like hands praying to Father Sky. The fruits of this tree are the good things the Creator has given to the people: teachings that show the path to love, compassion, generosity, patience, wisdom, justice, courage, respect, humility and many other wonderful gifts.”
Educator Information
This book is available in French: L’arbre sacré
Additional Information
87 pages | 8.69" x 7.87"
Our logo reflects the greater Nation we live within—Turtle Island (North America)—and the strength
and core of the Pacific Northwest Coast peoples—the Cedar Tree, known as the Tree of Life. We are
here to support the building of strong nations and help share Indigenous voices.
