Over 7,000 languages are spoken around the world. Each one reflects a rich ecosystem of ideas - seeds that grow into a multitude of worldviews. Today, many of these immeasurably precious knowledge systems are endangered - often spoken by just a handful of people. We hear from two Indigenous language champions, Jeannette Armstrong and Rowen White. They reflect on the words, stories, songs and ideas that influence our very conception of nature, and our place within it.
This is an episode of Nature’s Genius, a Bioneers podcast series exploring how the sentient symphony of life holds the solutions we need to balance human civilization with living systems. Visit the series page to learn more.
Featuring
Jeannette Armstrong, Ph.D., (Okanagan) is an Indigenous author, teacher, ecologist, and a culture bearer for her Native language. She is also Co-founder of the En'owkin Centre.
Rowen White (Mohawk) is a seed keeper and farmer, and part of the Indigenous Seed Keepers Network. She operates a living seed bank called Sierra Seeds.
Resources
En’owkin Centre
Indigenous Seed Keepers Network
Sierra Seeds
Language Keepers: The Struggle for Indigenous Language Survival in California
Hand Talk, Native American Sign Language
Native Seed Rematriation
Credits
Executive Producer: Kenny Ausubel
Written by: Cathy Edwards and Kenny Ausubel
Produced by: Cathy Edwards
Senior Producer and Station Relations: Stephanie Welch
Associate Producer: Emily Harris
Host and Consulting Producer: Neil Harvey
Program Engineers: Kaleb Wentzel Fisher and Emily Harris
Producer: Teo Grossman
Graphic Designer: Megan Howe
Bioneers: Revolution From the Heart of Nature