North of the Hot Zone

Native American’s have had a long association with the thermal waters of North America.  These waters played critical roles in many communities. Resources to be developed may impact on these places and waters.  From the Oregon Institute of Technology Geo Heat Center; their paper on sacred places

The Indians of North America considered hot springs as a sacred place where the "Great Spirit" lived, and thus were great believers in the miraculous healing powers of the heat and mineral waters. These areas were also known as neutral ground; where warriors could travel to and rest unmolested by other tribes. Even though archeological finds date Native American presence at hot springs for over 10,000 years, there is no recorded history prior to the arrival of the Europeans in the 1500’s. Many legends concerning geothermal activities are part of the Native American oral history, such as about Madame Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of volcanic fire, and the story of the battle between Skell and Llao describing the eruptions of Mt. Mazama (Crater Lake) and Mt. Shasta. Obsidian was one of the prized volcanic trading items used by the Indians for tools and weapons.

Tags: Tribal/Sacred Places //