The sustainable relation that the adivasi peoples had with nature is absent in modern consumerist societies and this has led to catastrophic effects for both human society as well as nature. The present paper explores how the culture of the Shabars, as described in Mahasweta Devi’s novel The Book of the Hunter, shows a keen awareness of their critical dependence on nature for their physical as well as spiritual well-being. From their worldview, the mainstream soceity can learn to refigure its relation to nature in a more respectful way. Keywords: Shabar culture, ecological consciousness, ethical engagement, mutual sentience, dualistic metaphysics, sustainability