Indigenous Earth Community Podcast

Environmentalist face devastating burnout rates - 96% experience high or very high exhaustion levels from working on environmental issues. BIPOC communities bear this burden even more heavily, standing on the frontlines of climate destruction. For this Earth Warrior Challenge we are looking on how Indigenous wisdom offers a powerful antidote: connecting with your environmental ancestors. What You'll Experience: The exercise from Dr. Sue Bell Chiblow's Indigenous science class Why connecting with environmental guardians in your lineage sustains planet work across generations Why this practice transforms climate anxiety into ancestral strength The Connection Process: Identify family members who shaped your environmental calling - the bird watcher, the hiker, the gardener Interview relatives who knew them if they've passed on Learn their names and stories (names hold power) Honor them through daily practices and sacred space Spend time with them, experience nature together Resources Referenced: NPR Article: "How to make an ancestral altar: A cross-cultural guide" Climate Burnout Research Report (96% statistic) Special Thanks: Frank's mother for sharing the water diviner grandfather story My awesome cousin Joenna for the English translation Dr. Susan Bell Chiblow for the Indigenous wisdom classroom practice Connect with Indigenous Earth: Website: indigenousearth.org Newsletter for more Earth Warrior Challenges Topics: Climate burnout, ancestral connection, environmental activism sustainability, Indigenous wisdom practices, water divining, intergenerational environmental calling, BIPOC climate trauma, spiritual ecology, activist resilience

Join us as we journey to the Hawaiian Islands with Molly Mamaril, a powerful voice bridging Hawaiian wisdom with modern environmental and economic solutions. Born in Hawaii but raised in Minnesota's Hawaiian diaspora, Molly shares her transformative journey back to her ancestral home and reveals practical ways to apply the sacred values of aloha in your own life and community. Discover how you can support local economies, restore damaged environments, and build stronger communities using time-tested Hawaiian principles of reciprocity and abundance. Learn why changing where you spend your money can be one of the most powerful actions you can take today. What You'll Experience: Simple daily practices inspired by aloha values that strengthen relationships and reduce stress Molly's personal journey from the Midwest back to her Hawaiian roots through hula dance 💃 How one community removed 3 million pounds of invasive seaweed to restore an entire bay ecosystem 🌊 Why supporting local farmers and businesses creates lasting change in your community Traditional Hawaiian economic models that prioritized abundance over scarcity The profound difference between ancient and modern hula as cultural storytelling Practical ways to honor your local environment and cultural heritage 🎧 Don't Miss Frank's Episode on Heartbeat Narratives! Want to hear the other side of this incredible conversation? Frank was Molly's guest on Heartbeat Narratives where they dive deep into his passion for the sacred Ava drink, mind-bending sci-fi stories, the magic of his childhood nickname "The Storyteller," and so much more! It's a completely different conversation that reveals Frank's most personal stories and the experiences that shaped him into the storyteller he is today. Listen to Frank on Heartbeat Narratives - you'll discover sides of him you've never heard before! Connect with Molly Mamaril: Above the Sides Podcast: Stories of how we weave the values of aloha into our personal and professional lives - Listen Here Heartbeat Narratives Podcast: Stories of joy about the people, places and passions we love - Listen Here 📚 Support This Podcast & Native Youth Workshops: When you purchase books on Indigenous wisdom, and environmental restoration through Bookshop.org, a portion of your purchase directly supports this podcast and our workshops for Native youth across the globe. Your book purchases help us continue sharing Indigenous stories and empowering the next generation of Indigenous leaders. 🌱 Stay Connected: Newsletter: https://www.indigenousearth.org/newsletter/ "If we speak through our purchases, that is one really tangible thing that we can do to make a difference." - Molly Mamaril Topics: Hawaiian culture, Indigenous reconnection, hula dance, ocean restoration, sustainable economics, aloha values, environmental conservation, cultural storytelling, diaspora experience, community resilience 🌺

5 Ways to Honor Our Green Spaces with Watson Whitford Episode Summary In this powerful episode, Frank Oscar Weaver is joined by Watson Whitford (Wapanatak), co-president of UNITY and member of the Chippewa Cree tribe and Navajo Nation. Together, they explore five essential ways to be a mindful visitor in parks and natural places, weaving together traditional wisdom and practical guidance for honoring our green spaces. The Five Ways to Honor Green Spaces Become a True Steward Connect with the issues affecting natural spaces Educate yourself about environmental challenges Take action in your community Leave It Better Than You Found It Take responsibility for keeping spaces clean Think of future generations Protect the beauty of our lands Honor Ceremonial Spaces Recognize the sacred nature of many parks Respect ongoing ceremonies Seek permission and guidance Respect Wildlife Boundaries Avoid disturbing animal behavior Maintain appropriate distances Remember every creature has its place Get in the Right State of Mind Ask permission before entering natural spaces Practice mindful visitation Show gratitude through offerings Notable Quotes "We're a part of this circle of life. I'm no higher than a ladybug. I'm no higher than a buffalo. And we're all the same. We all come from the same place." - Watson Whitford "I want this place to be beautiful. I want there to be clean water, clean air to breathe, to be healthy animals and healthy plants. Not just for my relatives that are here with us now, but for people that will be coming in the future that aren't even here yet." - Watson Whitford "Our traditional ways of ceremony are good... we don't talk down about other people's way of religion or talk down about the way other people pray. You know, because we want to be uplifting. We want to help each other." - Watson Whitford Special Offer Visit indigenousearth.org to receive an exclusive video prayer from Watson Whitford, guiding you in practicing mindful visitation to green spaces. Connect with Watson Whitford Email: copresident@unityinc.org Instagram: @watson_whitford05 Role: Co-President of UNITY Support UNITY UNITY (United National Indian Tribal Youth) supports Indigenous youth leadership across the nation. Your donation helps: Support Indigenous youth programs Preserve traditional knowledge Foster environmental stewardship Develop future leaders Donate at: unityinc.org/donate Stay Connected Subscribe to our newsletter: indigenousearth.org Follow Indigenous Earth Community on Instagram at @frankoscarweaver Credits Host: Frank Oscar Weaver - Pai Tavytera - Tribe of Paraguay Guest: Watson Whitford -Navajo/ Chippewa Cree Sound Engineer: Jake Kelch This podcast acknowledges that many parks and natural areas are on ancestral Indigenous lands that have been stewarded by Native people for thousands of generations. Topics: mindful visiting, indigenous lands, environmental stewardship, wildlife respect, ceremonial spaces, leave no trace, climate change, indigenous wisdom, nature connection, community engagement

We’re joined by Anagali Duncan, founder of the nonprofit Seven Ravens, who shares their inspiring mission to bring books written by Indigenous authors to Native youth. The Indigenous Book Drop initiative is about more than just books—it’s about empowerment, representation, and fostering a deeper connection to culture and heritage. Anagali’s story sheds light on the systemic challenges Indigenous youth face in accessing culturally relevant education and the transformative power of storytelling in shaping identity and resilience. ✨ What You’ll Learn:• The vision behind the Indigenous Book Drop initiative.• How representation in education empowers Native youth.• The importance of supporting Indigenous authors and bookstores.• How you can join the movement to amplify Indigenous voices. 🔗 Support the Indigenous Book Drop: 💸 Donate to the GoFundMe 📚 Buy from Indigenous-Owned Bookstores 📦 Ship directly via Amazon, Send them to: 7 Ravens PO Box 1327 Stilwell Oklahoma 74960 Books Needed: Ages 4-10: We Are Water Protectors Being Home Ages 11-15: Braiding Sweet Grass (3 have been donated) Never Whistle at night Ages 16-18: Notable Native People (20 have been donated) Invisible No More Voices from Native America Sobriety group: A guide to sobriety ten gentle reminders (3 donated need 17 more) Connect with Seven Ravens: https://www.facebook.com/groups/274841377525608 Thank!! 📋 We Need Your Input!Take our 2024 Indigenous Earth Survey and help shape the future of the podcast. Your feedback is invaluable!🔗 Survey Link 🔗 Connect with Indigenous Earth Podcast:🌿 Website: https://www.indigenousearth.org Let’s make this Giving Tuesday a day of meaningful change for Indigenous youth!

What if the answers to the climate crisis are here? In this special Indigenous Peoples’ Day episode, host Frank Oscar Weaver speaks with Indigenous leaders from across the world who are on the front lines of the fight to protect their lands and our planet. Impirita, an Indigenous leader from Peru, shares the harsh reality her community faces as industrial mining contaminates rivers that have provided life and sustenance for generations. “All these rivers are contaminated, not just by sewage, but also by mining activities,” – Impirita Frank reflects on the wisdom of Indigenous teachings, like those of Dr. Don Dexter from the Klamath Tribes, who explains how removing Indigenous people from their lands disrupts a natural cycle that keeps ecosystems in balance. Beth Tupara-Katene from Aotearoa (New Zealand) reminds us of the deep responsibility of reciprocity between people and nature, and the urgent need to protect sacred lands. From the ancient mounds of the Tocobaga tribe in Florida, believed to protect the region from hurricanes, to the laws that silence the words "climate change," this episode explores the modern challenges Indigenous communities face. These storms and disasters are not merely natural—they are #UnnaturalDisasters, fueled by climate pollution. 🌍 Take Action: Support local tribes and advocate for Indigenous rights. Join efforts to protect sacred sites in Florida. Contribute to climate resilience projects and Indigenous-led initiatives. Join us in honoring the Earth by standing with those who have been defending it for generations. Credits: "It's a good day to be Indigenous” is a quote from 1998 independent film “Smoke Signals" Highly recommend it! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smoke_Signals_(film) Music by SimonGrayA raw recording of the dawn opening ceremony and pōwhiri of the Harbourview Sculpture Trail on the Te Atatu Peninsula in Auckland. (The pōwhiri (or pōhiri) is the welcoming ceremony on a marae. Marae are not the only places where pōwhiri take place. Pōwhiri can happen anywhere that hosts (tangata whenua) wish to formally welcome a group of visitors (manuhiri).) https://freesound.org/people/simongray/sounds/339321/ 🎧 Listen now to learn how you can take meaningful steps to protect our planet and support Indigenous communities: Indigenous Earth Podcast.

We explore the tradition of Pachamama Day, celebrated on August 1st in Latin America. This day, originating from the Andean communities of South America, is dedicated to honoring Pachamama, the goddess of fertility and the earth. Growing up, Pachamama Day was one of my favorite holidays, a time to slow down and enjoy traditional drinks like Yerba mate drink of terere made with seven medicinal herbs and Carrulim, a Paraguayan beverage made from Caña, Ruda, and Limón. Join me as I recount a visit to Pedro Juan Caballero in Paraguay with my brother Jackson, where we met a medicine woman preparing herbs for these special drinks. You’ll learn about the significance of some of the herbs, and the ritual of giving back to Pachamama, echoing practices observed in the Andes. This episode is a celebration of gratitude and reciprocity, emphasizing how small acts of giving back to the earth can foster a deeper connection with nature. What You’ll Gain: Cultural Enrichment: Understand the rich traditions and rituals of Pachamama Day. Practical Wisdom: Learn how to incorporate Indigenous practices into your life to enhance your well-being and environmental stewardship. Inspiration to Act: Be inspired to take concrete steps, from community cleanups to tree planting, to contribute to the health of our planet. 00:00 Introduction to Pachamama Day 00:44 The Significance of Pachamama Day 01:14 Traditional Drinks and Their Origins 01:45 Personal Anecdotes and Beliefs 02:14 The Seven Herb Mixture 04:08 Giving Back to Pachamama 05:37 Call to Action and Conclusion 🌻 We would love to hear from you! Share your experiences and learnings about Pachamama on social media and tag us. Engage in community activities like cleanups and tree planting to deepen your connection with nature. 📧 Subscribe to our Indigenous Earth newsletter to watch a special video of me and my brother purchasing the herbs from the Yuyera a medicine woman, and see my Paraguayan grandmother help create this traditional drink. Thank you for joining us today. Until next time, stay connected with nature and with each other. Aguye! https://www.indigenousearth.org/ Topics We Explore: Indigenous wisdom and environmental practices Rituals and traditions like Pachamama Day Community involvement and sustainability efforts

In this episode of Indigenous Earth, we delve into the powerful story of the Kauaʻi ʻōʻō, the last bird of its kind, whose final song is a stark reminder of the silence left behind by extinction. Join Frank Oscar Weaver as he shares his journey into birdwatching during the pandemic and an inspiring van life adventure that brought him closer to birds and conservation. Learn more about Global Big Day, where bird enthusiasts worldwide use the eBird app to record, cherish, and protect the melodies that make our planet vibrant. Discover how you, too, can help safeguard these beautiful songs by participating and collecting the melodies of birds around you. Gain insights, find your passion, and be part of a global movement that strives to preserve the soundscape of our precious planet. Download the eBird app, and visit Cornell Lab's Global Big Day page for more information. Learn more about the Kauaʻi ʻōʻō bird. 🌏 Connect with us: Indigenous Earth Hosted by Frank Oscar Weaver Please help amplify Indigenous voices by sharing this episode with a friend! 💚 🌻 We would love to hear from you! https://www.indigenousearth.org/contact/ ✌️

Let's hear about the mysterious Florida Bigfoot, believed to be the revered guardian of Florida's wildlife. Journey with us deeper, as we unravel ways to truly honor and connect with Mother Earth. Beginning by paying homage to the ancestral lands under our feet and appreciating the people they've seen. Grasp the depth of wisdom urging us to not just give back what we receive from nature but to recognize the immense energy she sacrifices for us. Hear with your heart an poem to you connect with nature... and in these critical times when our planet and our Florida waters are threaten by multiple challenges, listen to those who are speaking up, and be inspired to also become an Earth Guardian. Sign the petition: https://www.floridarighttocleanwater.org/ 🌏 "Life" poem written and performed by Sumaya Quitugua Shingle Creek words of support by Robert Rosa and Chris Castillo 🌻 Bigfoot, also known as the Swamp cabbage man, Mayaka skunk, and Florida skunk ape, is a mysterious yet benevolent creature believed to reside in the Florida swamps, often helping other animals in need. One of the key environmental concerns highlighted in the episode is the potential impact of radioactive mining waste. The state of Florida has recently signed a bill allowing roads to be made with this waste, despite the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) stating that it is potentially linked to cancer and describing it as radioactive. This decision raises concerns about the long-term effects on the environment and human health. The runoff from these roads could further pollute the water that flows into lakes and eventually into the Gulf, exacerbating the already existing issue of water pollution. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/florida-radioactive-roads-phosphogypsum-potentially-cancer-causing-mining-waste-bill-signed-ron-desantis/ Another pressing issue discussed in the episode is the importance of preserving wetlands. Wetlands play a crucial role in the ecosystem by filtering water and providing habitat for a diverse range of species. However, the ongoing development in Florida is threatening these wetlands. The loss of wetlands not only disrupts the delicate balance of the ecosystem but also contributes to increased flooding in the area. The wetlands act as natural buffers, absorbing excess water during heavy rainfall. Without them, the risk of flooding becomes even greater. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/supreme-court-epa-clean-water-act/ The episode also highlights the alarming record number of manatee deaths. Manatees, beloved marine mammals, are suffering due to the pollution and degradation of their habitat. This serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for collective action to protect and preserve the environment for future generations. https://www.tampabay.com/news/environment/2023/01/11/800-florida-manatees-died-2022-starvation-lingers-most-survived-red-tide/ The episode concludes with a powerful message, urging listeners to treat Mother Earth with kindness and love, and to give more then we receive, as we all have a responsibility to honor and give back to the power that gave us life. Connect with us: Indigenous Earth Hosted by Frank Oscar Weaver 💚 Please help amplify Indigenous voices by sharing this episode with a friend! ✌️

Let's meet Jm (him/her) from the Tboli people of the Philippines, a fashion designer using organic materials found in nature to craft stunning, sustainable fashion pieces. Jm's passion extends beyond just fashion; she aspires to inspire the next generation of environmental leaders through his work. The conversations reveal her journey from a child dreaming of fashion design to his innovative approach to sustainable fashion today. We further delve into emotionally powerful stories, examining the challenges, triumphs, and undying spirit of these creative individual. Listen to Jm's story about how he used the negativity he faced when first starting out as fuel to create even better designs. In this episode we discover that even in adversity, creativity finds a way. By using the raw materials of our environment,Jm was able to create beauty while inspiring a new generation to care about our planet. With each leaf, each piece of bark, weaving dresses that tells a story of resilience, innovation, and hope. That is the heart of Dahon Fashion! 🌿Connect and support DAHON FASHION: https://www.facebook.com/jmganuan Jmdeeganuan@gmail.com ☀️Connect with Arjho Turner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjhoturner/ 🌎 We hope you've been inspired by our conversation! Here's how you can keep the momentum going: Keep Listening: This story is just one thread in the tapestry of indigenous creativity and environmental leadership. So, keep tuning in to hear more captivating narratives that weave a beautiful future. Share the Inspiration: If this episode moved you, it's sure to inspire a friend as well. Pass on the wisdom and strength found in these stories by sharing this podcast with someone you care about. Connect with Jm: Her journey doesn't end with this episode. Connect with Jm directly and support his passion for sustainable fashion. Your help could provide the tools he needs to keep inspiring his community and the world. Rate Us: If you appreciate the stories we bring to light, let us know! Give us a good rating on your preferred podcast platform. Your feedback helps us keep illuminating the powerful narratives of indigenous communities across the globe. Thank you for joining us on this journey. Together, we're making a difference one conversation at a time.💚 🌏 Connect with us: Indigenous Earth Hosted by Frank Oscar Weaver 🌻

🎤 Using Music to Fight Plastic Pollution with Togbe Ghana Togbe Ghana is an Ewe activist, musician and entrepreneur on a mission to beat plastic pollution in Ghana. He founded Let's Go Clean the Beach Ghana and uses his music to spread awareness about the harm of plastic waste on our planet. In this episode, you will learn the following: Using Music as a Tool for Change - How Togbe Ghana is Using Music to Create Awareness and Bring About Change Connect and Support Togbe Ghana: https://www.instagram.com/letsgocleanthebeachghana/ https://www.gofundme.com/f/cape-coast-beach-clean-up-and-musicians ""Love for nature and love for mama earth is the driving force behind my mission to beat plastic pollution."" -Togbe Ghana 🌎 Welcome to Indigenous Earth Community Podcast. Where we celebrate Indigenous heroes from around the world, and learn from them on how to honor the traditions of protecting the planet. We discuss actionable tips on how to connect to our beautiful planet while lessening our daily impact. 🌏 Connect with us: Indigenous Earth Hosted by Frank Oscar Weaver Please help amplify Indigenous voices by sharing this episode with a friend! 💚 🌻 We would love to hear from you! https://www.indigenousearth.org/contact/ ✌️

From the Murray–Darling river system, one of the largest in the world, and home to ancient fish traps, with a rich and deep culture is where my next guest Kabushka Ngemba comes from. Kabushka Ngemba is a very successful commissioned contemporary indigenous artist with a background in mental health and an ambassador for Australian First Nation arts & culture for both indigenous and non indigenous peoples by hosting art workshops. We chat about how she discovered rocks in the river bed that inspired her to become an artist, using art to heal, grounding oneself with nature, and the culture and traditions of the Aboriginals of Australia. Kabushka hosts online and in person workshops on mob art therapy and dot art circle. "Learn all about the meaning of indigenous art, the stories behind each component and compose your own work of art, by the end of the session. Kabushka is a thoroughly entertaining storyteller, and passionate about sharing her incredible aboriginal culture with you, and with the world at large. Kabushka Ngemba brings her humour, warmth and generous heart to share her time, knowledge and spirit through Indigenous Art as therapy." https://kabushkangemba.com https://www.facebook.com/kabushka.ngemba.7 🌍🌎🌏 Welcome to Indigenous Earth Community Podcast Where we celebrate Indigenous heroes from around the world, and learn from them on how to honor the traditions of protecting the planet. We discuss actionable tips on how to connect to our beautiful planet while lessening our daily impact. https://www.indigenousearth.org ☀️ *Mental Help is available * Speak with someone today , In the U.S call 988

A great episode to start is Episode 21: "A poem for the Earth by an Indigenous Nahuatl Women Esmeralda Gonzales" Welcome to Indigenous Earth Community Podcast My name is Frank Oscar Weaver, Growing up in Paraguay, I participated in many environmental projects with the Guarani People. Leading me to be initiated in a ritual called KUNUMI PEPY, a lip piercing ceremony. Making me an official member of the Pai Tavyteras . There I learn the Arandu Ka’aty, the traditional teachings of Earth Keeping. After I moved to the U.S I made many friends from different tribes and original habitants communities from all over the world, learning that every indigenous community also have similar traditions of protecting the planet. Now that the climate crisis is upon us, and our planet is changing, more then ever we need to listen to Indigenous communities who are at the forefront of climate resilience, and learn from them on how we can help heal the planet, and be more sustainable in our day to day life. Hope you enjoy our conversations, so please subscribe to our show, and if you like our conversations, give us a rating on Apple Podcast, as thats is how we spread our message. Aguye! ☀️🌎 If you enjoyed this episode, please share with a friend! Hosted by Frank Oscar Weaver Soundscapes by Movix Productions