The Teachings of Plants: Finding Common Ground Between Traditional and Scientific Knowledge

Dr. Robin W. Kimmerer, Distinguished Teaching Professor and Director, Center for Native Peoples and the Environment, SUNY-ESF
In traditional ecological knowledge, plants are regarded not only as persons, but as among our oldest teachers. If plants are our teachers, what are they teaching us, and how can we be better students? In a rich braid of ecological science, indigenous philosophy, and literary reflections that range from the creation of Turtle Island to the forces that threaten its flourishing today, Dr. Kimmerer will explore the material and cultural gifts of plants and our responsibilities for reciprocal relationship with the rest of the living world.