How nonhumans are included in relationships

Although the cultures of Indigenous peoples vary greatly, most emphasize two features in their world views. They believe relationships are fundamental and that relationships exist when all conscious entities interact. To establish good relationships, the participants treat each other well and try to understand each other. Because consciousness extends to nonhumans, good relationships require including them. The essay describes six rules that are followed by those who wish to create and maintain good strong relationships, with examples of applying the rules both among humans and among humans and nonhumans. It concludes by briefly describing qualities of good relationships and why these qualities, such as trust and equity, matter. Good relationships support biodiversity and ecosystem productivity.