At the Omega Institute near Rhinebeck, New York, a striking assemblage of metal figures stands on the grass beside the library. You look through the hollow in each to the last, and smallest, figure, which contains an unborn child. This sculpture set was created by the artist Frederick Franck to honor the traditional teaching of the elders of the Six Nations of the Haudenosonee, or Iroquois, that we must be mindful of the consequences of our actions, down to the seventh generation beyond ourselves.

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‘In Iroquois society, leaders are encouraged to remember seven generations in the past and consider seven generations in the future when making decisions that affect the people.’

-Wilma Mankiller

*Wilma Mankiller (1945-2010) was a Native American activist and the first woman elected as Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. She served from 1985 to 1995 and was a strong advocate for the rights of American Indians and women.