"Turtle Island" (concept)

"Turtle Island" is a term used by many Indigenous North American peoples to refer to the continent now known as North America. Rooted in Indigenous creation stories, it symbolically depicts the Earth as a vast land supported or created by a turtle. The concept emphasizes deep spiritual and cultural connections to the land, recognizing it as a sacred place and a fundamental part of Indigenous identity and worldview. While "Turtle Island" is often used in cultural and political contexts, it also serves as a reminder of Indigenous origins and the importance of respecting their enduring relationship with the land.