Meaning: The quote you have provided is from Charles Eastman, a Native American author, and it reflects his perspective on the traditional role of parents within indigenous communities. In this quote, Eastman emphasizes the significance of parental responsibility and the idea that parents hold a position of authority and reverence similar to that of priests. He suggests that the creative and protective power of parents is reminiscent of the solemn function of a deity, highlighting the profound influence and duty that parents have in shaping the lives of their children.

Charles Eastman, also known as Ohiyesa, was a Santee Dakota physician and writer who lived in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He was one of the first Native Americans to become a certified medical doctor, and he wrote extensively about his experiences growing up in a traditional Dakota community and later adapting to Western culture. His writings often focused on the themes of Native American identity, spirituality, and the clash of traditional and modern ways of life.

In the quote you provided, Eastman offers a perspective that is deeply rooted in the cultural and spiritual traditions of many indigenous communities. Within these societies, the role of parents is not merely seen as a practical or biological one, but rather as a sacred duty with profound spiritual implications. Parents are regarded as the primary guides and protectors of their children, responsible for instilling cultural values, transmitting traditional knowledge, and nurturing the spiritual and emotional well-being of their offspring.

The concept of the "supreme duty of the parent" reflects the idea that parenting is not just a personal choice or responsibility, but a fundamental obligation that carries great significance within the community. This duty encompasses not only the practical aspects of providing for a child's physical needs but also the spiritual and moral guidance essential for their development. In many indigenous cultures, the role of parents is intertwined with broader cosmological and metaphysical beliefs, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all living beings and the responsibility to uphold harmony and balance within the natural and social worlds.

Eastman's reference to the "priestly office and function" of parents underscores the spiritual and moral authority they hold within the family and community. In many indigenous traditions, spiritual guidance and rituals are integral parts of parenting, and parents are seen as mediators between the mundane and the spiritual realms. They are expected to lead by example, embodying the values and teachings of their culture, and ensuring the continuity of traditions and ceremonies that connect the community to its spiritual heritage.

The mention of the "creative and protecting power" of parents highlights the nurturing and supportive role they play in the lives of their children. This power goes beyond the physical act of procreation and encompasses the emotional, intellectual, and spiritual aspects of raising a child. Parents are seen as the primary sources of love, wisdom, and protection, shaping the identity and worldview of their children through their words and actions.

Finally, Eastman's comparison of parental power to the "solemn function of Deity" illustrates the reverence and awe with which the role of parents is regarded in many indigenous cultures. The creative and protective acts of parents are equated with the divine attributes of creation and guardianship, emphasizing the sacred nature of parenthood and the profound impact it has on the lives of children and the well-being of the community as a whole.

In conclusion, Charles Eastman's quote encapsulates the deeply spiritual and communal perspective on parenthood found in many indigenous cultures. It highlights the reverence for the role of parents as the primary guides, protectors, and transmitters of cultural and spiritual knowledge within their communities. The quote serves as a reminder of the profound responsibilities and inherent spiritual significance of parenthood, reflecting a worldview that values the interconnectedness of all life and the sacred duty to nurture and protect future generations.