Ancestral Science

Science & Relationality of Perpetual Regeneration

This episode was recorded on a sunny spring afternoon, on the banks of the St.Marys River, Baawaating (place of the rapids), also known as Sault Saint Marie. We were incredibly grateful to speak with Dr. Dan Longboat [https://www.trentu.ca/indigenous/faculty-research/full-time/dan-longboat], who is Turtle Clan of the Mohawk Nation, originally from Six Nations community on the Grand River. Dan helped create some of the OG Indigenous Education programs in Canada, weaving together Indigenous and Western Knowledge Systems at Trent University. We learned about many of the OG Indigenous Scholars of Turtle Island, their contributions to UNDRIP [https://www.un.org/development/desa/indigenouspeoples/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2018/11/UNDRIP_E_web.pdf] and TRC [https://ehprnh2mwo3.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Calls_to_Action_English2.pdf] and much more. Dan shared our responsibility to prepare for the swingback of the pendulum, through rethinking energy and extraction, through giving back to the land and knowledges, and remembering the teachings of those OG scholars and our Ancestors (both human, Land, and more then human). Remember to take a moment to learn from the strawberries, they share with us the importance of connection, love, and reciprocity. Check out the SHOWNOTES [https://www.relationalsciencecircle.com/_files/ugd/4499c9_6aee4d4c549b4098ab4856a4bb4bfe2d.pdf] and for some extensive educational resources and links with this episode. Appreciation to Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig [https://shingwauku.org] for hosting us, to Dr. Melanie Goodchild [https://www.melaniegoodchild.com] for all your support and the introduction to Uncle Dan, and CASC [https://canadiansciencecentres.ca] (Canadian Association for Science Centres) for supporting the gathering at Baawaating. Thanks to Emil Starlight [https://www.instagram.com/redfoot_mikadikodzi/], THE talented Multimedia Podcast Producer of Limelight Multimedia [https://limelightmultimedia.ca/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGntsJV9NOjUPIgivzMoYkSxAQIhbFP4JXJDikApKHO-1sMOd9DlWl2XtdMFXI_aem_cpfvUusDhrj6AfBUKuvYrQ]. As well, Walter White Bear [https://www.walterwhitebear.com], Sharon Foster, and Emil for that opening tune! Take a moment to like, share, follow, and rate, it is much appreciated. And if you want to support the pod, check out some unique Indigenous Science MERCH at www.relationalsciencecircle.com/shop [www.relationalsciencecircle.com/shop] -“Yarning Systems Science” Ancestral Science Podcast episode with Dr. MELANIE GOODCHILD (back in Season 1!), spotify [https://open.spotify.com/episode/4d6i7zKwfu0mH66GEnJ97g?si=0502100677a34f78], apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/ancestral-science/id1688883209?i=1000623374980]. -Strawberry Teachings [https://wabano.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Strawberry-Teachings-_-ENG-_-FR.pdf]- Elder Lillian Pitawanakwat -"Gift of Strawberries [https://indigenous.abbyschools.ca/sites/default/files/3.%20%20The%20Gift%20of%20Strawberries%20Excerpt_0_0.pdf]"- excerpt from Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer Find some berries, gift one to the land in reciprocity for their nutrients and love. Take in a deep breath, feel the ground alive beneath you, and settle in for some teachings from the wisdom of Dr. DAN LONGBOAT. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

A Bear-y Plant Medicine Walk

For all of you also in Southern Alberta and dreaming of warmer weather, here is an episode just for you. We are currently in "SPRING 2026" in the midst of imbalance between winter and spring...thanks for that teaching Bruce Starlight, so we thought we would re-release this episode about plant teachings. The Ancestral Science Podcast recorded this episode on a hot mid-summer afternoon back in 2024, hanging out at the Biogeoscience Field Station, in beautiful Kananaskis, home to Îethka Nakoda Peoples, alongside Blackfoot Confederacy, Tsuut'ina Nation, and more recently the Otipemisiwak Métis.  We were grateful to speak with Tessa Wolfleg and Savannah Hollander about the Plant Ancestors. We learned about what is a weed? the medicine of strawberries and its deep connection with women, the interesting story and medicinal uses of the plant awkwardly names the "white man's moccasin," how trains brought trees to the area, how earthworms are maybe not that good for the soil, scratch-trees, buffalo berries have golden balls, and dinosaur plants! Shout out to TELUS Storyhive [https://www.storyhive.com] for their support in this episode's production. Thanks to Emil Starlight [https://www.instagram.com/redfoot_mikadikodzi/], THE talented Multimedia Podcast Producer. As well, Walter White Bear, Sharon Foster, and Emil for that opening tune! Take a moment to like, share, follow, and rate, it is much appreciated. And if you want to support the pod, check out some unique Indigenous Science MERCH at www.relationalsciencecircle.com/shop [www.relationalsciencecircle.com/shop] Previous Episode you may be interested in: "Crocus' & Pokey Plants" with Tessa Wolfleg (the plant guy)- Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/episode/7eHgxSkACyGfF5Mu3hvYR8?si=0c084deaf9054101], Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/ancestral-science/id1688883209?i=1000657123151]. "Decolonizing Mother Earth, One Native Plant at a Time" with Latifa Pelletier-Ahmed of ALCLA Native Plants [https://alclanativeplants.com]- Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/episode/4Ueb5KTrJ7z406AJ6Y5aHE?si=83d6eff57a7141d6], Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/ancestral-science/id1688883209?i=1000703432849]. "Planetary Health through Berries, Land, & Water" with Dr. Nicole Redvers- Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/episode/3hn2ZL67ln9XTVFrOxTT3V?si=100647a2ac594942], Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/ancestral-science/id1688883209?i=1000676476988]. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Smoketalk & Stone Stories

We recorded this episode back in the Fall of 2025, on a windy fall evening here on the Lands of the Blackfoot Confederacy, Tsuut’ina Nation, Îethka Nakoda First Nation, and more recently the Otipemisiwak Métis.  The Ancestral Science Podcast team gathered to speak about their experiences at the Majorville Sacred Site or Iniskum Umapii. Visiting this location evokes an indescribable feeling of reverence for both its location and connection to the Ancestors that knew of its significance. Overlooking the banks of the Bow River, this site gifts a view of the horizon unparalleled in both distance and connection to the stars.  We (Emil, Alex, and myself) got to visit Iniskum Umapii with Innu Astronomer Dr. Laurie Rousseau-Nepton, Rob Cardinal, and a group of local Blackfoot Elders and Knowledge Keepers. If you are interested in the "Stones, Stories, and Stars" Gathering of Indigenous Astronomers/Scientists and Knowledge Keepers being hosting in Treaty 7 later this year, or want to be more involved in this relational "research", or have a sacred site/medicine wheel you want us to look into, email relational.science@gmail.com for more information. This conversation goes along with the previous pod episode, "Sacred Sites: Protocols, Science, & Stories (part 1)" with Dr. LAURIE Rousseau-Nepton [https://www.artsci.utoronto.ca/about/glance/new-faculty/2023-24/laurie-rousseau-nepton], WILFRED Buck [https://acakwuskwun.com], ROB Cardinal , & Dr. ALVIN Harvey [https://chakadojani.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/wp-1750938888996.pdf] about Indigenous and Ancestral science to make whole, validating science of land and ancestors, what is a sacred site, and a teaser of the precision and depth of alignments between stone circles, sacred sites, and star cycles from thousands and thousands AND THOUSANDS of years ago.... Much appreciation to CULTURAL SURVIVAL [https://www.culturalsurvival.org] for the support of this episode and this project.  Thanks to Emil Starlight, [https://www.instagram.com/redfoot_mikadikodzi/] THE talented Multimedia Podcast Producer. As well, Walter White Bear [https://www.walterwhitebear.com], Sharon Foster, and Emil for that opening tune! Take a moment to like, share, follow, and rate, it is much appreciated. And if you want to support the pod, check out some unique Indigenous Science MERCH at www.relationalsciencecircle.com/shop [www.relationalsciencecircle.com/shop] Shownotes here [https://www.relationalsciencecircle.com/_files/ugd/4499c9_c8b5b42169a2474294b94d3f52b497fc.pdf]! Grab a smoke (popeye, tobacco, sage, or cheesestring), and join the Ancestral Science Podcast in sharing our experiences at this sacred site, and learning about the incredible depth of science from The Ancestors. "Sacred Sites: protocols, science, & stories, part 1" LINKS: SPOTIFY- https://open.spotify.com/episode/5aVRmONzBg7pJojaooBIqO?si=bc99653a18674b56 [https://open.spotify.com/episode/5aVRmONzBg7pJojaooBIqO?si=bc99653a18674b56] APPLE- https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/ancestral-science/id1688883209?i=1000758175271 [https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/ancestral-science/id1688883209?i=1000758175271] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Sacred Sites: protocols, science, & stories (Part 1)

On this episode, we recorded in the midst of a warm winter morning here on the Lands of the Blackfoot Confederacy, Tsuut’ina Nation, Îethka Nakoda First Nation, and more recently the Otipemisiwak Métis. We were incredibly grateful to speak with a neechie superhero line-up of guests, inclusive of Dr. LAURIE Rousseau-Nepton [https://www.artsci.utoronto.ca/about/glance/new-faculty/2023-24/laurie-rousseau-nepton] (Innu), WILFRED Buck [https://acakwuskwun.com](Opaskwayak Cree), ROB Cardinal [https://www.indigesteam.ca/team/rob-cardinal] (Siksika), & Dr. ALVIN Harvey [https://engineering.mit.edu/people/alvin-d-harvey](Dine Navajo) about stars as reconnection to stories and Ancestors, Indigenous and Ancestral science to make whole, connections between living on Mars and living on the rez, validating science of land and ancestors, importance of who and what defines a sacred site, re-defining the term “medicine wheel,” and a teaser of the precision and depth of alignments between stone circles, sacred sites, and star cycles from thousands and thousands AND THOUSANDS of years ago.... Check out the SHOWNOTES [https://www.relationalsciencecircle.com/_files/ugd/4499c9_64a2215454ce4b11b2c061de674ffd65.pdf] and for some great educational resources and links to previous episodes with some of these guests. Much appreciation to CULTURAL SURVIVAL [https://www.culturalsurvival.org] for the support of this episode and this project. Stay tuned to part two of this topic where we dig much deeper into the science within the sacred sites of which prompted a gathering of Indigenous astronomers, scientists, Knowledge Keepers, and Elders from across Turtle Island and beyond. If you are interested in either having us look closer at a sacred circles site near you OR want more information about this project or the "Stones, Stories, and Stars" gathering in October, email us at relational.science@gmail.com Thanks to Emil Starlight [https://www.instagram.com/mikadikodzi_redfoot/], THE talented Multimedia Podcast Producer. As well, Walter White Bear, [https://www.walterwhitebear.com] Sharon Foster, and Emil for that opening tune! Take a moment to like, share, follow, and rate, it is much appreciated. And if you want to support the pod, check out some unique Indigenous Science MERCH at www.relationalsciencecircle.com/shop [https://www.relationalsciencecircle.com/shop] Venture to a place that is sacred to you, grab a warm black coffee and a comfy blanket, and reconnect with the ancestral knowledges of land and sky with Laurie, Wilfred, Rob, and Alvin. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Smoketalk- AI: The Inbetween

Smoketalk is BACK. On this episode, we got the band back together with special guest Alex. On this episode, we recorded in the midst of a snowstorm in between the winter and spring seasons, here on the Lands of the Blackfoot Confederacy, Tsuut’ina Nation, Îethka Nakoda First Nation, and more recently the Otipemisiwak Métis.  We were inspired by a previous podcast episode Karen Colbert [https://www.karencolbert.com], an advocate for culturally grounded STEM and AI integration specialist. We talked about protocols and AI, racism and capitalism and AI, why are we spending billions of dollars on AI data centres (of which require significant amounts of water) while we cannot get clean water to many Indigenous communities, and asked the most important question "what are your intentions AI?" Here is the link to Karen's Ancestral Science Episode titled "Humanity and Dignity within AI," Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/episode/67pyLExBqdujOccmE11f4d?si=f983b2e42fdb45c4] and Apple [https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/ancestral-science/id1688883209?i=1000750106029]. Check out Karen’s TEDx talk “The Most Dangerous Lie A.I Keeps Repeating [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGPJaTGjScg]” Check out the SHOWNOTES [https://www.relationalsciencecircle.com/_files/ugd/4499c9_4cac54420910406ab04ce75af81e44ad.pdf] and our WEBSITE [www.relationalsciencecircle.com] (www.relationalsciencecircle.com) for some great educational resources.  Thanks to Emil Starlight, THE talented Multimedia Podcast Producer and guest Alex Flett! As well, Walter White Bear [https://www.walterwhitebear.com], Sharon Foster, and Emil for that opening tune! Take a moment to like, share, follow, and rate, it is much appreciated. And if you want to support the pod, check out some unique Indigenous Science MERCH at www.relationalsciencecircle.com/shop ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.