Planetary Health: Indigenous Land, Peoples, and Bodies

Event #2 in a yearlong series, titled "Cultural Transformation for Planetary Health" Date: Thursday November 16 Time: 5:30-7:30pm Location: MIT Hayden Library Nexus, Room 14S-130 This interactive and engaging event is indigenous led and centered. During this time you can expect music, poetry and circle-dialogue, while centering the stories that shaped the indigenous cultures of the Northern Woodlands and Andean Abya Yala. You will hear the story of Skywoman and Pachamama and hear about indigenous identity and perspectives in the diaspora. We will have time to reflect on and share about these perspectives together to think about the greatest challenges of our time such as Indigenous peoples' rights, climate change, and environmental justice. What might we learn from the spirit of the indigenous wisdom? What can we learn from indigenous resilience in the diaspora? Why is it important and how can we value Indigenous voices across departments at MIT? Storytellers and discussion leaders: Storyteller: Dr. Maria Ellen DeFreece Lawrence; Ramapough Lenape Munsee, Deer Clan; Professor, Rhode Island College Storyteller: Dr. Américo Mendoza-Mori: Harvard College Professor, Founder of Quechua Initiative of Global Indigeneity at Harvard University, researcher in Indigenous, cultural, and literary studies Discussion Leader: Keshia DeFreece Lawrence; Ramapough Lenape tribal member and culture bearer Discussion Leader: Dr. Eli Nelson; kanien’kaha:ka (Mohawk); Assistant Professor, Science, Technology and Society, MIT This event is part of a yearlong dialogue series sponsored by the Radius Forum on Technology and Ethics, Morningside Academy for Design (MAD) and other partners. This series is aimed at holding space for MIT students, staff, and faculty to engage in reflective learning and co-creative dialogues on the cultural, social, and emotional aspects of the climate crisis. This event is open to the broader community including indigenous peoples, indigenous allies, friends, family, students, and children. RSVP here to secure your dinner.