If we need the Earth, does the Earth need us? This week on the podcast we dive deep into the relationship amongst ourselves and the Earth with guest Tiokasin Ghosthorse. We begin our conversation by talking about the savior mentality that can arise when we act to address the many issues that threaten Earth and kin at this moment. Recognizing the trickiness of interrogating this mentality that is often intertwined with emotions of loss, love, and protection, Tiokasin offers that perhaps rather than being guided by solutions and salvation, we acknowledge where we are at in this consciousness and how we can challenge ourselves to give back to the Earth without intrusion.  

Following this thread, we explore the limitations of information when it comes to some of the heaviest topics we are grappling with, leading us to the quandary of whether or not an inundation of scientific information on warming temperatures, depleted soil, and loss of diversity allows us to feel any more prepared for change? Or, should we begin to acknowledge that if we are indeed mired in a crisis of respect, there is no amount of data that will truly catalyze a change of heart. Instead, Tiokasin offers us the transformative power of humility, original intuition, and the importance of reshaping noun-centered languages. Speaking to all the spaces in-between education and wisdom, we try to wrap our minds and hearts around Earth’s metamorphosis and head the call to think of the Earth first in all of our actions.

Tiokasin Ghosthorse is a member of the Cheyenne River Lakota Nation of South Dakota and has a long history with Indigenous activism and advocacy. Tiokasin is the Founder, Host, and Executive Producer of “First Voices Radio'' for the last 28 years. In 2016 he received a Nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize.

♫ Music featured in this episode includes “Simple and Sweet” by Harrison Foster and “Beauty Thunders” and “The Old Ways Restored” by Peia. 

Episode References

“Indigenous Languages As Cures of the Earth” by Tiokasin Ghosthorse

Reading Recommendations

Butterfly Against the Wind words by Tiokasin Ghosthorse, art by Jadina Lilien

“Indigenous Languages As Cures of the Earth” by Tiokasin Ghosthorse

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