"We are not doing it for ourselves. We’re doing it for Mother Earth, for our communities, for our ancestors and for our future generations." – Kira Davis In this episode, Kira Davis, a member of the Bear Clan and an Odawa woman, discusses her journey working in conservation, balancing traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) with Western science, and the importance of community healing. Kira reflects on the history of her people, the significance of connecting with nature, and how tribal nations and non-tribal organizations can collaborate for better stewardship of the land. Kira emphasizes the patience required for reconciliation and the ongoing process of trust-building, while highlighting successful collaborations between tribal nations and organizations like the National Park Service.

Kira also shares insights into the significance of TEK in addressing climate change, the power of listening over speaking, and how land management should involve the wisdom of Indigenous peoples. She explores the complexities of tribal politics, language revitalization, and the shifting perspectives that come with cultural and ecological restoration. She encourages us to embrace diverse ways of knowing in the effort to heal and protect the environment.

This is part of the Indigenous Knowledges Series, a project of the Leelanau Conservancy. The goal is to elevate Aanishinaabeg voices in conservation through conversation.

Learn More: https://leelanauconservancy.org/indigenousknowledges.org. Our producer and liaison is Mark Wilson of New Leonard Media https://newleonard.com/.