Holding the Fire: Indigenous Voices on the Great Unraveling

Dilafruz Khonikboyeva, an Indigenous Pamiri from Tajikistan and a transformational conflict expert, shares her insights on resilience and identity amidst crises. She emphasizes the symbiotic relationship Indigenous peoples have with Earth, advocating for core values during collapse. The conversation delves into the importance of community support and conflict resolution as opportunities for growth. Dilafruz also discusses the Home Planet Fund, aimed at empowering Indigenous communities through sustainable solutions, blending traditional knowledge with modern practices.

Dahr Jamail converses with Dr. Lyla June Johnston, a scholar of Indigenous land stewardship from Navajo and Cheyenne lineages. They delve into why the ongoing collapse isn’t surprising to Indigenous people and discuss the cyclical nature of collapse and rebirth. Lyla emphasizes the need for new paradigms, contrasting Indigenous wisdom with profit-driven motives, and reflects on selfishness as a mental illness. Healing through self-love and community resilience emerges as a central theme, urging listeners to reconsider their relationship with the Earth.

Dr. Yuria Celidwen, a native of Nahua, discusses the ethics of belonging, spirit medicine, non-linear time, and the importance of dismantling destructive narratives. They explore indigenous values, the challenges of pursuing education within colonial systems, and the need to find like-minded individuals for positive change. They emphasize the importance of principles like reverence, responsibility, and self-examination to restore balance in the face of colonialism and capitalism. They also highlight the importance of epistemological equity and ecological belonging.

Dahr Jamail speaks with Shoba Liban about the importance of persevering with our work to serve our communities, no matter the results and no matter how difficult things become. Shoba also discusses the great importance of building community resilience, local farming, and adapting to the impacts of the worsening climate crisis. Shoba Liban, a Boorana woman from Kenya, is the founder and CEO of the entirely women-run Pastoralist Women, an NGO that promotes health and education for women and children in Kenyan pastoralist communities.Caution for listeners: please note that Shoba discusses extreme violence against women, which can be difficult to hear.

Dahr Jamail speaks with Alson Kellen to hear about how his people survived nuclear testing on their home islands, colonialism, imperialism, and how they are now navigating the climate crisis. Alson discusses how he believes traditional values present the best hope for a sustainable future for his people, as well as for all of us.Alson Kelen, a native of Bikini Atoll, is one of the world’s few masters in the ancient art of wave-piloting. Alson is an authority on traditional ocean canoe construction and navigation, and has done much to perpetuate Marshallese culture and traditional knowledge among the younger generations where he lives.

Join Paty Gualinga, an Indigenous rights defender and leader of the Kichwa People of Sarayaku, as she shares her community's deep spiritual connection to the Amazon Rainforest. She recounts the recent victory to ban oil drilling in Ecuador, celebrating indigenous values and unity. Gualinga discusses the crisis of disconnection between humanity and nature stemming from colonialism and capitalism. Through ancient Kichwa prophecies, she emphasizes the importance of restoring this connection and the role of her people as guardians of the earth.

In this conversation, Sam Olando, a Luo man from Kenya and executive director of Pamoja Trust, discusses the struggles faced by Indigenous people, including displacement from ancestral lands due to corporate and governmental actions. He shares insights on the significance of Indigenous values like reciprocity and community, emphasizing their importance in empowerment and sustainability. Sam also explores the shift towards integrating traditional justice systems in addressing grievances and the role of youth in advocating for essential resources and community resilience.

Celine Lim, an Indigenous Kayan leader from Sarawak, discusses the gap between her Indigenous world and city life, the challenges faced by indigenous communities due to destructive logging, the therapeutic benefits of nature, the challenges of maintaining indigenous culture, and strategies for combating pushback in policy making.

Galina Angarova, a Buryat woman from Siberia and Executive Director of Cultural Survival, dives into the interconnectedness of human suffering and our environment. She shares her upbringing in an intact Indigenous culture, emphasizing the importance of ancestral wisdom in healing our planet. Angarova critiques the conventional green economy, advocating for practices that prioritize Indigenous rights and communal well-being. Through personal stories, she highlights the crucial role of language and connection to the land in fostering resilience and cultural healing.

In this engaging discussion, Aslak Holmberg, an Indigenous Saami leader and biodiversity advocate, shares his passionate insights on combating ecosystem collapse. He critiques the prevailing growth ideology and emphasizes the urgent need for sustainable practices. Aslak highlights the cultural significance of traditional salmon fishing, its decline among youth, and the pressing issues surrounding Sami rights in the face of ecological crises. His commitment to Indigenous knowledge and resilience inspires listeners to take action for the planet.