Explore Indigenous cosmology, intuitive ways of knowing, and cultural etymologies—highlighting the influence of language on our relationships—in an upcoming public talk with Indigenous scholar Tiokasin Ghosthorse (Cheyenne River Lakota Nation, South Dakota). Tiokasin is a musician of both ancient and modern sounds, radio host/producer, and teacher—bringing non-western education to Native and non-Native children.
Both campus and community members are invited to this free conversation on Wednesday, March 13 at 7 p.m. in the HUB Flex Theater, or over Zoom. The dialogue will be followed with a reception and refreshments catered by Webster’s Bookstore Cafe—providing an authentic opportunity to connect while honoring history and traditional knowledge.
Tiokasin contrasts Indigenous ways of relational/egalitarian understanding with the rational/hierarchal thinking processes of Western society—and the resulting effects on our cultural views toward Earth—which ultimately determine the “sustainability” or our lifestyles. He has spoken multiple times at the United Nations and lectures at educational institutions that include Yale University, Cornell University, New York University, and the Massachusetts School of Law.
“I come from outside the anthropocentric view. We see an egalitarianism in nature. Everything in nature has consciousness, everything is in balance. The Western view ignores this. The concept of “domination” isn’t even in the original Lakota language,” said Tiokasin.
Tiokasin has been honored as New York City’s Peacemaker of the Year (2013) and as a nominee for a Nobel Peace Prize from the International Institute of Peace Studies and Global Philosophy (2016), among many other nominations and awards. For more information on Tiokasin’s background and perspectives, please see his radio channel—First Voices Radio (https://firstvoicesindigenousradio.org/node/7) and a recent interview with Yale University (https://reflections.yale.edu/article/crucified-creation-green-faith-rising/mother-earth-wont-lie-us-interview-tiokasin-ghosthorse)
“We have to stop with the idea of creating peace on earth and begin with creating peace with Mother Earth,” said Tiokasin. “We’ve tried the first alternative for thousands of years but look where that has led us.”
The event is hosted by the Department of Plant Science, the Sustainable Food Systems Network, and the Indigenous Peoples Student Association.
“I think any student interested in sustainability can find meaning in the work of Tiokasin,” said Martina Kernosh, Student Farm Club event planner. “He’s a world renown advocate of Indigenous rights and knowledge, presenting a perspective on living with respect for the land and people who surround us.”
We hope to see you on March 13 for this centering dialogue. Those who can attend the event in person can park their cars in the HUB Parking Deck at an hourly rate, and those who plan to join via Zoom can register here.