time. So, no matter how the differing
concepts are viewed, misunderstand-
ing is sure to prevail when initial
dialogues are attempted. In particular,
DeLoria points out that the North
American use of time and history—
as basic social and cultural organiz-
ing suppositions—allows exploitation
to become a means of achievement.
But the Native American tradition of
holding their lands—space and place—
has taught, instead, the sacredness
of the lands.
As an example of how these two
divergent perspectives often conflict,
DeLoria cites the example of a United
States Supreme Court decision. The
1972 case of Sierra Club vs Morton
case, had the Sierra Club represent-
ing the Mineral King Valley adjacent
to the Sequoia National Forest in
northern California, and Morton
representing the Disney Corporation
who wished to build an extensive
ski resort. The corporate s