Which Wolf Will You Feed?

​There is an old story – and maybe you know it.  An old grandpa, maybe it was a grandma, you know they were so old it was hard to tell.  They sat down with their granddaughter, just to visit. But like any visit with the old one, there was always some talk that made you think about something important.
 
“Do you know that each one of us has a fight going on inside of them,” the old one said. 
 
“A fight?” exclaimed the granddaughter.  “Inside?”
 
“It is a terrible fight and sometimes it is difficult to know what to do.  It is a fight between two wolves. One wolf is angry and wants status and power or food and family that the other wolves have. The wolf is often alone and full of self-pity, guilt and often feels that it is not as good as the other wolf. This wolf is often in fear and acts out with arrogance, greed and ego.”
 
“Oh,” said the granddaughter, “I feel that way sometimes.”
 
The old one continued. “The other wolf shares and works with the other wolves to make sure the family and the young wolves are taken care of. This wolf is full of faith, truth, generosity, compassion and takes care of herself, too. What do you think about this granddaughter?” 

​The granddaughter thought, looking inside at her own actions.  She asked the old one, “which wolf will win?”

The old one answered, “The one you feed.”

(Photo by Amy Gerber)

​Be strong, be brave.
Remember which wolf to feed.
​The Association on American Indian Affairs will continue to feed sovereignty, culture, youth and capacity. Please help us continue to fight for the survival of our Cultural Sovereignty!

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