**5. Conclusion**

This chapter has attempted to show a similarity in ecological themes discernible in the Lakota (*Black Elk Speaks*) and African religious worldviews. In presenting briefly the two traditions, the chapter conceptualized the themes in terms of the anthropocentric, theocentric and environmental or cosmic. Importantly, it stated that all three aspects are connected or exist in a holistic way (*Costhenthropism*) in both the African and Lakota traditions.

The relevance of both cultural traditions today was stated in terms of ecological and social relationship issues. Therefore the two ancient traditions highlight the importance of a respectful approach towards indigenous spirituality in the ecological project. Both cultures offer us a worldview that is termed *Costhenthropic.* It is a worldview aimed at restoring a unity of relationship among living organisms, particularly humans, and the physical environment. The unity of perspective on the three realms evident in the *Costhenthropism* of these primal traditions thus strongly supports the call for ecological consciousness and responsibility.

A comparative study of the Lakota and African indigenous traditions makes for a vast topic. Within the length and scope of this book chapter, it is impossible to explain all the essential tenets. However, despite such constraint, it hoped that this chapter has managed to point out an important ecological theme deducible from two geographically different religious traditions – in terms of a worldview that invites humanity to greater ecological consciousness.
