Humble Fire and Traditional Ecological Practices with Cultural Fire Scholar, Dr. Melinda Adams
2023/07/31
You've probably heard of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), but how about Traditional Ecological *Practices*?
In this episode, we spoke with Dr. Melinda Adams of the N’dee San Carlos Apache Tribe about translating Indigenous knowledge into Indigenous-led action—which means giving Indigenous practitioners the "space, opportunity and action" to see their knowledge systems play out on the landscape. We spoke about a whole lot more than that, though—we heard about Dr. Adams' PhD work at UC-Davis, about her new assistant professor position at the University of Kansas and about bringing more humility into the use of fire. We also spoke at length about her recent paper titled "Solastalgia to Soliphilia: Cultural Fire, Climate Change, and Indigenous Healing," which she co-authored with Chairman Ron Goode of the North Fork Mono Tribe (who coined the term "Traditional Ecological Practices") and lead author Erica Tom.
This is an important episode for those interested in Indigenous knowledge, understanding and practice of land stewardship—including the use of fire—but is absolutely essential for anyone who works in an agency or organization that emphasizes the importance of TEK, and especially for those who recognize a need for a different and more humble approach to fire and active stewardship.
Beyond that, if you're looking for an antidote to your climate grief, look no further than this conversation with Melinda. Her energy for the work is incredible, and is bolstered by countless other Indigenous practitioners and allies who envision a more sustainable, Indigenous-led, community-based future of land stewardship and fire use.
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