Katherine Martínez Medina, 21, grew up on Vieques, Puerto Rico, an island contaminated by decades of US Navy bomb testing. This toxic environment, coupled with high food costs and import

Katherine Martínez Medina, 21, grew up on Vieques, Puerto Rico, an island contaminated by decades of US Navy bomb testing. This toxic environment, coupled with high food costs and import reliance, spurred her early environmental activism.

In 2020, Medina joined La Colmena Cimarrona, a women-led agriculture initiative formed post-Hurricane Maria. It seeks food sovereignty, a solidarity economy, and fights displacement in Vieques. As a link between organizations, Medina helps shape the farm's efforts, building hope.

Drone Footage Vieques:
https://www.youtube.com/@thetravelingdrone
https://www.youtube.com/@OneManWolfPack

Additional footage:
https://www.youtube.com/@aljazeeraenglish
https://www.youtube.com/@AssociatedPress

Grandmother Maria Alice Campos Freire, born in Brazil, endured war and persecution from a young age. At 17, she was imprisoned and tortured while pregnant. After becoming a political refugee in

Grandmother Maria Alice Campos Freire, born in Brazil, endured war and persecution from a young age. At 17, she was imprisoned and tortured while pregnant. After becoming a political refugee in Europe and Africa, she received amnesty to return to Brazil, where she led a spiritual community deep within the Amazon Rainforest. She shares insights into the Grandmothers and their vital mission.

Learn more about the International Council of Thirteen Indigenous Grandmothers here. A documentary featuring her teachings is available on DVD from the Earth & Spirit Council's website.

Grandmother Mary Maytwayashing, a co-author, spoke at the March 19 launch of the "Summary of Wahbanung – The Resurgence of a People: Clearing the Path for Our Survival" at Turtle Lodge. She

Grandmother Mary Maytwayashing, a co-author, spoke at the March 19 launch of the "Summary of Wahbanung – The Resurgence of a People: Clearing the Path for Our Survival" at Turtle Lodge. She highlighted the Sound of an Eagle Mother Earth Lodge, a legacy from late co-author Ogimaakwe Orianna Courchene, which aims to strengthen understanding of the Ogimaakwe (life-givers).

This important book is now available for purchase. Find your copy at http://www.turtlelodge.org/wahbanung/.

Anishinaabe Grandmother Florence Paynter, a Knowledge Keeper and language speaker from Sandy Bay First Nation, explains her decision to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. As a member of the National

Anishinaabe Grandmother Florence Paynter, a Knowledge Keeper and language speaker from Sandy Bay First Nation, explains her decision to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. As a member of the National Turtle Lodge Council of Knowledge Keepers, her message is significant.

This is Part 4 in a series from Turtle Lodge Elders and Knowledge Keepers addressing COVID-19, vaccines, and traditional medicine. Previous parts include Elder Dr. Dave Courchene (Part 1), Grandmother Mary Maytwayashing (Part 2), and Elder Chief Dr. Harry Bone (Part 3), who discuss balancing modern and traditional medicine.

A French version is also available: Cliquez ici pour la version française.

On November 12, 2020, the Reconciling Ways of Knowing Forum, with the Victoria Forum, hosted "Millennia of Experience: Drawing on Indigenous Knowledge in Responding to COVID-19." This dialogue

On November 12, 2020, the Reconciling Ways of Knowing Forum, with the Victoria Forum, hosted "Millennia of Experience: Drawing on Indigenous Knowledge in Responding to COVID-19." This dialogue explored how Indigenous knowledge and science can improve public health outcomes. First Nations communities notably experienced significantly lower COVID-19 infection (1/4) and mortality (1/5) rates.

Speakers discussed how Indigenous Peoples leveraged millennia of experience from past pandemics, using sovereignty and traditional medicines to protect communities and foster resilience. The session highlighted how Indigenous approaches mitigated negative health outcomes despite systemic challenges and marginalization, offering lessons for collaboration.

For more information, visit https://www.waysofknowingforum.ca/dialogue-5 and https://www.waysofknowingforum.ca.

Anishinaabe Grandmother Mary Maytwayashing, from Lake Manitoba First Nation and a member of the National Turtle Lodge Council of Knowledge Keepers, shares her COVID-19 vaccine experience. She

Anishinaabe Grandmother Mary Maytwayashing, from Lake Manitoba First Nation and a member of the National Turtle Lodge Council of Knowledge Keepers, shares her COVID-19 vaccine experience. She discusses encouraging her family, the importance of individual choice, and how a pre-vaccine ceremony supported her.

This message is Part 2 in a series from Turtle Lodge Elders and Knowledge Keepers on COVID-19, vaccines, and traditional medicine. Listen to the French version here. See Part 1, featuring Elder Dr. Dave Courchene, here.

This excerpt is from a teaching circle led by Grandmother Agnes, a presenter at the SEED Institute's "Wisdom from the Origins" conference (September 13-17 in Albuquerque, New Mexico). The teaching

This excerpt is from a teaching circle led by Grandmother Agnes, a presenter at the SEED Institute's "Wisdom from the Origins" conference (September 13-17 in Albuquerque, New Mexico). The teaching circle was originally held at the Earth Day 2012 Conference, sponsored by the Earth & Spirit Council on April 20, 2012, in Portland, Oregon.

Daniel Dixon of wisdomoftheelders.org served as the videographer.

Katherine Hamilton, President of the Gridwise Alliance, is discussing a key topic.

She focuses on the $3.6 billion in stimulus funding designated for smart grid technology

Katherine Hamilton, President of the Gridwise Alliance, is discussing a key topic.

She focuses on the $3.6 billion in stimulus funding designated for smart grid technology and regional energy management.

Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt, author of "The Gift of Forgiveness," offers insights into navigating the challenging path to healing through forgiveness. Drawing on personal experiences and

Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt, author of "The Gift of Forgiveness," offers insights into navigating the challenging path to healing through forgiveness. Drawing on personal experiences and first-hand accounts, her book illuminates how to find peace and acceptance.

Join Katherine in conversation with Kelly Corrigan to explore the power of forgiveness. Purchase your copy of "The Gift of Forgiveness" (limited signed stock available) at Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/KSPGiftofForgiveness.

Discover more events, videos, and membership opportunities from the Commonwealth Club: https://www.commonwealthclub.org/events.