As we’ve already learned, Native philosophies from all corners of the globe often understand plants as relatives, or ancestors, or otherwise persons in their own right. It’s not that plants are human, but that humans are just one kind of person, as are animals. Personhood means one has agency and volition, and the right to exist for their own sake. Harming an animal person (or plant person) may be crucial to one’s ability to survive, but it can’t possibly be disregarded. Yes, you have to eat. You have to make clothing and build houses. You have to kill plant persons and animal persons to do
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