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The quotations below,
reflect the thinking and philosophy of Nii Gaani Aki Inini's work.
Young People Initiatives
Perhaps closest to his heart, Nii Gaani Aki Inini has for many years worked
to create sacred environments for young people, to offer them models for
peace, healing and a balanced life. He has led many gatherings for young
people across North America, and has been a mentor and friend to many
who have sought a higher, more sacred and balanced understanding of life.
His strengths lie in his faith in the Creator, and in his belief in the
power of the human spirit to transcend violence, hatred and negative thinking.
| "It
has been our lack of understanding and faith in Spirit that has
made us believe that war can be the resolve towards peace. What
is required is a vision, a seed, a dream of a strong spiritual
foundation that is inclusive to all, that will begin to transform
humanity into a peaceful world. (2003)" |
The Earth & The Environment
Nii Gaani Aki Inini is a strong advocate for the environment, giving teachings
on the First Nations concept of the Circle of Life. This concept, which
holds that what we do to the earth we do to ourselves, has been part of
the Indigenous identity as caretakers of the land. Nii Gaani Aki Inini's
messages for peace are always contextualized within building and maintaining
a strong connection to the land and the Spirit.
| "What it takes is
the time and effort of any human being to be able to sit down on
Mother Earth and learn to read the laws that we are to abide by
if we are to have a happy life. All the laws of Mother Earth are
based on respect, love, kindness and sharing. They are all positive
- they teach us that we are all connected. (1995)" |
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Sharing Hearts
Nii Gaani Aki Inini believes that the greatest challenge we face today
as human beings is the willingness to share our hearts.
| "No matter
what race of people we come from, we all desire the same things.
We all have the same passion. We want to love. When we nurture the
spirit, the spirit will guide us. Spirit is and always will be about
guiding humanity to what each of us wants and craves, which is simply
to love one another. (2002)" |
Balance
Nii Gaani Aki Inini believes there must be balance in living a healthy
life.
| "Once
balance is achieved through understanding the importance of what
defines us as human beings - spirit, emotions, body and mind; and
the connection we have to Nature, as defined by the four elements
- earth, air, water and fire, there will be an unleashing of spiritual
powers in the universe, that will take us to a greater and more
sacred spiritual understanding of life. (1994)" |
Peace
Nii Gaani Aki Inini, a Messenger of Peace, calls out to the young people
| "Young
people remain our greatest hope for survival and growth as a human
race. We are evolving as human beings, as the journey continues
in our search for truth. Only the Spirit, not the human being, can
offer an understanding of truth. Each nation has to reach out to
the highest spiritual level. Let us unite in the spirit of courage,
with the willingness to change, heal and transcend. Let us give
support to the Young People, our children, as they dream again,
because their dreams will be about peace. (2003)" |
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