Most American Indian ceremonies and prayers are not directed at a deity or deities — instead, they are conducted to honor certain animals, plants, and specific locations on the land.
American Indians see themselves as part of an extended ecological family, as kin (relatives) to the natural world, and that these elements have spirit and personalities. It is a worldview that channels the idea that all life, spiritual and physical, is interconnected in a continual cycle. It is an understanding that all life shares the same breath. American Indians recognize that they live in a kin-centric relationship with all living things.
This concept implies that humans are not more important to the natural world than any other form of life. Kincentricity carefully influences traditional Native life and thinking, as well as guides many tribal decisions. Individual tribal peoples view themselves as one of many stewards of the land and the natural world. It is a place where spirit is shared and so they endeavor to minister to it with appropriate ritual, thought and ceremony. Kincentricity also impacts contemporary land management choices, such as how to sustainably raise, grow and gather foods and plants.
The Plant Portals experience was made as part of the Botany of Nations exhibition.