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I can not nor do I suppose to know all there is about Native American belief systems as there was not "One" Native American society. Having said that, to me, Native American belief system starts with the basic premise that the Creator, the Great Mystery or God, is in everything. That differs from Christian religions that says God is everywhere. The difference may seem small but the extension of that belief is huge. With the Creator being in everything, everything commands respect. The plants, the animals, the earth. By honoring all elements and all things, we honor the Creator.
There is a prominent Baptist Church here in Houston that was located next to many acres of trees. It was an oasis in the middle of Houston. The trees served as home to many animals. The Church decided to tear down the trees to build a parking lot. I wonder, did they think about how they were destroying God's creation. Did they think of the animals that inhabited the woods? Did they consider the gifts that trees give to humans? This church seemed more concerned about their "growth," their own grandiosity, and building a bigger house of worship then honoring the Creator. It was a shame, especially when the Creator's house of worship was right in front of their eyes and I doubt if many at the church actually saw it.
I was talking to someone one time who stated they were very religious. They said very spiritual. They told me that they themselves had never seen "God." I thought how unfortunate, I see God all the time. I see God in the birds that fly in the air, the trees and plants that cover our Earth. I see God in the sunrise and sunset. I see God in each one of us.
You see that is the difference. God is not some external entity, but he-who-walks-through all things. He is part of the fabric of life. He is what connects all things into one.
Some people that meditate will tell you of an incredible feeling of oneness, being connected to all things. The joy and sensations are incredible. At that moment, they truly feel the Creator in themselves. They experience the connectedness from within. They come to understand the greater significance of themselves in connection with all things. That is truly a wonderful gift to have that feeling
For me when I speak of God I struggle with that word. I carries with it years of God being judgmental, choosing one group over another, a deity that is required a blood sacrifice before he would choose forgiveness of the people of earth. I prefer the the word "Creator" or "Great Mystery". You see, when I use the word "Creator" there is a significance is the origin of all things. That with the Creator residing within each of us, creation continues. The word "Great Mystery" fits for me because it is folly to believe that we could truly comprehend all that encompasses the "Great Mystery " The existence of the Divine Source is beyond our limited minds.