From three continents, advocates for the natural world come together in a series of short videos, to take us on a fascinating journey, reminding us of more ancient ways of connecting with nature – in which we recognize ourselves as belonging to the earth, rather than as dominating the earth.
A live discussion will follow the engaging videos noted below (will be shown during the presentation), with opportunities to ask questions -- to focus on what we, in the modern world, can learn from the respect in which ancient cultures held the living earth -- seeing trees, wildlife, and all of nature as living beings to be revered and protected. Perhaps if we, as a society, start with deepening our own perceptions of nature, that may be the key to saving the earth, our home.
Dr. Nanditha Krishna, whose organization has restored 53 sacred forests in India, well-known author of over twenty books, will talk with us about how the culture of India has, for five to seven thousand years, been intertwined with the world of nature – and how this enchanting worldview sees plants,
trees, animals, rivers, mountains, and all of nature as sacred.
Joshua Nunez, a Native American of the Seminole nation, the Oklahoma band, will tell us charming, insightful stories about plants and animals. These are from his family ties to the Acjachemen Nation from San Juan Capistrano and were passed down to him by his grandmother and now shared with us.
Musuni Letura, of the Masai people, tour guide to Kenyan nature reserves, will give us a glimpse of the traditional Masai view of nature, in which harming wild animals is forbidden and the land itself is to be protected.
Chris Gorzalski, one of the leaders of the St. George, Utah, chapter of the Great Old Broads for Wilderness will tell us about their work restoring wilderness areas, cleaning up graffiti, and being an energetic part of the movement to treasure and preserve Utah’s wild lands.
Bobbi Chaney – musical interludes
