All Episodes
Exploring and Sharing the depth of Scientific Knowledge within Stories that humans have been gifted from the Star, Land, and Animal Ancestors for thousands of years.
SEASON Two
Ancestral Science Podcast Trailer
Episode 22: "Telling Indigenous Stories: from pre-colonization science to difficult truths"
Tchadas Leo
Xwemalhkwu & Stillaguamish Nations
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The Ancestral Science Podcast was grateful to speak with TCHADAS LEO, from Xwemalhkwu and Stillaguamish Nations, a journalist and tv and podcast host (check out his pod "Our Native Land"). We chatted about his passion for being an Indigenous journalist and how he balances time constraints with protocols, his dream story to cover, the courage needed to "tell the truth," and artifact/ancestor rematriation. We heard more about his SOON TO BE LAUNCHED graphic novel named "Xwémalhkwu Hero Stories: A Graphic Novel ", that shares stories of his Ancestral lands before and after colonization. We dug into the science within these stories, from food preservation and sensory hunting to clam digging in relation to moon cycles and sand stories. For all you teachers and educators, we have extensive show notes and additional links available below. Hand to Heart to Indigenous Screen Office and Bespoke Productions Hub. Please like, share, follow, and rate the pod, it goes a long way to share this knowledge. Remember, you can support the pod and rock some unique Indigenous Science merch at www.relationalsciencecircle.com/shop, all proceeds go towards Knowledge Keeper honoraria, following protocols, and keeping the pod going.
Episode 21: "Decolonizing Mother Earth, One Native Plant at a Time"
Latifa Pelletier-Ahmed
Botanist, herbalist, Educator, Artist
Within this "active" Spring season of re-birth and re-growth, the Ancestral Science Podcast is taking a brief break to refresh and heal ourselves...so in deciding what episode to re-launch we were guided by the recent first thunder (amidst a thunderSNOW storm) that prompted the pop of the cottonwood buds, emerging crocus, and increased desires to reconnect with Native plants and our gardens, we thought...let's promote a previous guest Latifa of ALCLA Native Plants. The episode was recorded in Fall 2023, on the Lands of the Blackfoot Confederacy, Tsuut’ina Nation, Îethka Nakoda First Nation, and more recently the Otipemisiwak Métis. The Ancestral Science Podcast was grateful to speak with LATIFA PELLETIER-AHMED, French Canadian with Bangladeshi roots, who is a botanist, herbalist, educator, artist, and co-owner of ALCLA Native Plant Nursery on Treaty 7 (just North of Calgary, Treaty 7). Latifa taught us about significance of critical thinking in science, plants as teachers and guides, the incredible adaptability and resilience of Native Plants, personalities of seeds, harm of mono-agriculture, honeybees aren't native, how to decolonize your lawn, and the importance of recognizing and learning about invasive species. Grab some herbal tea alongside a robin or crocus friend, and let's learn together about the importance of Native plants from Latifa Pelletier-Ahmed Remember, you can support the pod and rock some unique Indigenous Science merch at www.relationalsciencecircle.com/shop, all proceeds go towards Knowledge Keeper honoraria, following protocols, and keeping the pod going. Please like, share, follow, and rate the pod, it goes a long way to share this knowledge. Hand to heart to Indigenous Screen Office and Bespoke Productions Hub.
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Episode 20:
"Hunting Mathematics"
Dr. Philip Stevens
San Carlos Apache
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We were grateful to speak with PHILIP STEVENS, San Carlos Apache, Director of American Indian Studies at the University of Idaho, about (global/Western) mathematics being like pornography or taxidermy, non-Euclidian tessellations in mesquite wood stacking, patterns of the Land, Apache ontologies, academic camouflage, and focusing on how to take care of our own garden/sphere of influence to broaden mathematical perspectives. Upon Philip’s request, honoraria was gifted to someone we know that is in need. They were grateful, thank you. Remember, you can support the pod and rock some unique Indigenous Science merch at www.relationalsciencecircle.com/shop, all proceeds go towards Knowledge Keeper honoraria, following protocols, and keeping the pod going. Please like, share, follow, and rate the pod, it goes a long way to share this knowledge. Hand to Heart to Indigenous Screen Office and Bespoke Productions Hub.
Episode 19:
"Music is a Universal Language
of Frequency"
Walter McDonald White Bear
Cree
The Ancestral Science Podcast wants to support our friend JUNO AWARD NOMINEE Walter McDonald White Bear. So, we decided to gather some friends, a few guitars, and some pizza. Along with some impromptu riffs and freestyle we got to chat about embodying music, spirit as an additional voice/instrument, connections between goosebumps and music, frequencies, songs, & language of the Land, the suppressed Native American Influence on Rock n Roll, Rhythm and Poetry, and the connection between snagging blankets and flutes. Hand to heart to support from Indigenous Screen Office and BESPOKE Productions. Take a moment to like, share, follow, and rate, it is much appreciated. Check out Bear's webpage www.walterwhitebear.com and cheer him on at the JUNO Awards! Grab a non-alcoholic beer or a Bepsi, grab your favourite instrument, and come jam along with Bear and the Crew.... Without further ado, let's welcome Bear and Friends!
and friends Sharon Foster, Emil Starlight, & Kori
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Episode 18:
"Pullin’ Cedar, Ancestral Trees,
& the Fish Wars"
Hanford McCloud
Nisqually Nation
We were honoured to be recording in a cedar longhouse on the ancestral Nisqually lands of HANFORD McCLOUD. The pod chatted with Hanford alongside relatives Juan Carlos Chavez, Alvin Harvey, and a furry friend for support. Amongst the aroma of cedar and displays of relational and practical science of canoe and basket-making, we chatted about cedar bark as insect repellant, trees as teachers and wise helpers, FishWars, how to make waterproof woven cedar baskets, the difference between a canoe and a boat, and using your hands to teach and heal through pulling cedar. Hand to heart to support from Indigenous Screen Office and BESPOKE Productions. Take a moment to like, share, follow, and rate, it is much appreciated. Check out some of Hanford's cedar hats, woven with science, spirit, and ancestral stories, at MccloudCreations.com Grab your latest beading or sewing project, brew a pot of berry tea, and come learn alongside HANFORD MCCLOUD
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Episode 17:
"Nêhiyaw Science of Love & Death from Grandmother Scientists"
Terri CARDINAL
Cree
The Ancestral Science podcast was honoured to be gifted some time with TERRI CARDINAL from Saddle Lake Cree Nation. We chatted about Nehiyaw teachings of death and dying, the science of soothing when grieving, connection between hair and senses / love and grief, death as a transition not an end, disconnecting fear from death, and the how jokes and laughter at the seemingly most inappropriate times is incredibly healing. Check out her podcast "2 Crees in a Pod," and "Good Hoops" where she donated her honoraria. Hand to heart to Indigenous Screen Office and Bespoke Production Hub.
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ReRelease Episode 16:
"Space Justice &
Cosmic Relationality"
Dr. Alvin HARVEY
Navajo/Diné
We were grateful to speak with Dr. ALVIN HARVEY a Navajo/Diné Scientist about Space Justice, the ethics of travelling beyond Earth, what it means to be in relationship with Space, how space is ALIVE, and why humans really shouldn't do donuts on Mars. Alvin is a doing his post-doc on Aeronautics and Astronautics at MIT. Remember, you can support the pod and rock some unique Indigenous Science merch at www.relationalsciencecircle.com/shop, all proceeds go towards Knowledge Keeper honoraria, following protocols, and keeping the pod going. Please like, share, follow, and rate the pod, it goes a long way to share this knowledge. Hand to heart to support from Indigenous Screen Office and Bespoke Productions Hub.
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Episode 15: "Change Making, Anishnawbek Mathematics, &
Sturgeon Legs"
Cheyenne SEGO
from Sagamok Anishnawbek & Wiikememkoog Unceded Territory
We were grateful to speak with CHEYENNE SEGO from Sagamok Anishnawbek & Wiikememkoog Unceded Territory about the scientific significance of the teachings of gut feelings, Anishinabek Mathematics, stories of the time when sturgeon had legs and beavers were giants, economic reconciliation, and the resurgence of Indigenous peoples, science, and the seven sacred teachings. Remember, you can support the pod and rock some unique Indigenous Science merch at www.relationalsciencecircle.com/shop, all proceeds go towards Knowledge Keeper honoraria, following protocols, and keeping the pod going. Get ready with a cup of tea and a furry, cuddly friend. . . offer gratitude for the returning sun and journey with us in "becoming a good Ancestor," with Cheyenne Sego.
Cheyenne donated her honoraria to Na-Me-Res, an organization that provides temporary and transitional housing to Aboriginal men.
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Episode 14: "Healing Frequencies of Jokes, Scents, Movement, & a Crackling Fire"
Dr. Micheal YELLOW BIRD
member of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation in North Dakota
The Ancestral Science podcast got to learn from Dr. Michael YELLOW BIRD, by first beginning with a guided meditation to ground ourselves and focus on the present, then we explored a mathematical equation for decolonization, how Auntie jokes can protect the brain, the effects of colonization on our bodies and brains, the smell of bacon and well-being, mindfulness and systemic racism, and ancestral eating. Hand to heart to support from Indigenous Screen Office and Storyhive. Get comfy with your fav blanket or meditation pillow, by a houseplant or a window to connect with the sky, open all your senses and heart to wellness teachings from Dr. Michael Yellowbird.
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Episode 12 & 13: "Reconnecting
the Human in Science, Law,
Health, & Society"
Michelle ROBINSON
Sahtu Dene
The Ancestral Science podcast fam ALL got to chat with Sahtu Dene mother, wife, activist, political organizer, and podcast host Michelle Robinson (they/them) about the game and everyday application of mathematics, how nature talks back to us, the silence of snow as a teaching, dogs as ancestors, natural law vs. colonial law, colonization, addictions and uranium, and how the future and sustainability of the earth lies with the teachings of reciprocity, respect, and circle of life of Indigenous Peoples. Michelle generously donated her honoraria to www.skippingstone.ca, and organization that empowers trans folks here in Treaty 7. Remember, you can support the pod and rock some unique Indigenous Science merch at www.relationalsciencecircle.com/shop, all proceeds go towards Knowledge Keeper honoraria, following protocols, and keeping the pod going.
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Episode 11: "Gravitational Waves
with the Blackfoot MacGyver"
Corey GRAY
Siksika
The Ancestral Science Podcast was grateful to chat with Blackfoot Physicist Corey Gray about inspiring to be the "Blackfoot MacGyver," the connection between the Blackfoot language and Albert Einstein, how we are all a part of space-time, chirps and hairy neutron stars, supermassive blackholes and wolf eyes, and the importance of seeing people that "look like you" in science and physics. Hand to heart to support from Indigenous Screen Office and Storyhive. Take a moment to like, share, follow, and rate, it is much appreciated. Now, open your minds and heart to teachings from the very very big to the very very small. Remember, you can support the pod and rock some unique Indigenous Science merch at www.relationalsciencecircle.com/shop, all proceeds go towards Knowledge Keeper honoraria, following protocols, and keeping the pod going.
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Dr. Nicole REDVERS
We were grateful to speak with DR. NICOLE REDVERS (Deninu Kųę́ First Nation) with defining both "science" and "healing," which lead to a conversation about how "everyday can be a healing experience," berries changing genetics, Indigenous Medicine Science as a reawakening, Land as healing and the effects of amplifying these connections through consciousness, differences between spirit and soul, what is a gut feeling?, and decolonizing and recolonizing our microbiome. Remember, you can support the pod and rock some unique Indigenous Science merch at www.relationalsciencecircle.com/shop, all proceeds go towards Knowledge Keeper honoraria, following protocols, and keeping the pod going. Dr. Redvers graciously donated her honoraria to: Arctic Indigenous Wellness Foundation, they are doing amazing work, please check them out.
Episode 10: "Planetary Health
through Berries, Land, & Water"
Deninu Kųę́ First Nation
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Episode 8 & 9: "Quantum Entanglement Ghosts, Shapeshifters, & Ancestral Visits"
After many conversations about the "seemingly irrational" experiences we all have had, the Ancestral Science Pod team decided to gather some cool people amid the season where the veil between worlds is the thinnest, and everyone's intuition and creepy-meter is heightened... In this TWO PART episode, we chatted about Schrödinger's cat and sasquatch, shapeshifters and star people, glitches in the matrix, how to bargain with the universe, spirit spaces and quantum, overlapping dimensions, and the seemingly unexplainable but Indigenously rational "ghost" stories and creepy happenings. Light a candle, crack open a bag of candy corn, and listen to some stories about spirit and science
Parts 1 & 2:
Sikapinakii Low Horn, Rob Cardinal, Natasha Donahue, Emil Starlight, Alex Flett & Kori
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Episode 7: "Reciprocity, Resilience
& Tapwe (truth) within
Indigenous Cuisine"
Shane Chartrand
Cree
Join Cree Chef Shane Chartrand with us out on location at CHARCUT University District. Through kitchen pedagogy of breaking bread to expand relationality, Shane taught us about science of food that is hot and cold, how cutting/chopping/slicing foods differently effects their flavour, the connection between reindeer lichen and moustaches, mushroom identification (or not), Tapwe, the dark history of the Canadian food guide, bannock as resilience, and the importance of reciprocity within food.
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Episode 6: "Wayfinding through Relational Trigonometry of Stars, Swells, & Spirit"
Dr. Kamuela Yong
Native Hawaiian
We were grateful to speak with Dr. KAMUELA YONG, a Native Hawaiian mathematician about how mathematics is all around us, calculating latitude by North Star angles, moving islands and the law of cosines, wingspan measurements, Kāuna-number systems, and sea swells as the constant drum beat of navigation. Remember, you can support the pod and rock some unique Indigenous Science merch at www.relationalsciencecircle.com/shop all proceeds go towards Knowledge Keeper honoraria, following protocols, and keeping the pod going. Gratitude to the support from JUAN-CARLOS CHAVEZ, the editing and audio skills of EMIL STARLIGHT of Limelight Multimedia, and ALEX F. for marketing and pod support.
FULL Shownote doc:
photo credit- Keliaikamalulani Napuelua, Sloan Scholars Mentoring Network
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Episode 5: "Friends of
Indigenous Science"
Miwa Aoki Takeuchi
Eun-Ji Amy Kim
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Ancestral Science was honoured to learn about being an ally/friend to Indigenous Science with Miwa and Amy. We learned about the difference between allyship, friendship, and kinship, how to re-centre scientific voices of children, the Land, and Knowledge Keepers, how mathematics can both take and give life, reconciliation work never ends, and the importance of balancing both understanding the history and trauma of the original peoples of the land with the beauty, innovation, ingenuity, and science within their cultures. Despite the guests concerns this episode may take space away from the voices and teachings of Elders and Knowledge Keepers, the pod hosts understand the importance of accomplices and allies; Indigenous people can't do this work alone.
FULL Shownote doc:
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Episode 4: "Reconciliation Science
through Tipi Math & Indigenous
Sound Baths"
Darren Rea
Siksika Nation
We were grateful to speak with Brendon Many Bears from Siksika, and Darren Rea, who is Cree Métis about how relational science is magical and indescribable, and a deep part of Indigenous culture. They talked about how science describes how we are all connected, through frequencies and mycorrhizal networks to tipi poles, and the depth of science within the “sacred aerodynamics” of tipi mathematics, healing frequencies of drums and sound bowls, and how multiple worldviews of science and life CAN be woven together. Remember, you can support the pod and rock some unique Indigenous Science merch at www.relationalsciencecircle.com/shop, all proceeds go towards Knowledge Keeper honoraria, following protocols, and keeping the pod going.
FULL Shownote doc:
Brendon Many Bears
Cree Métis
&
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Episode 3: "OG Science of
Corn Calendars, Seed Ceremonies,
& Sun Daggers"
Dr. Gregory Cajete
Tewa, Santa Clara Pueblo
We were grateful to speak with DR. GREGORY CAJETE, Tewa from Santa Clara Pueblo, New Mexico about how Indigenous Science is truly the OG (original) science and his life work of weaving together Indigenous and Western science. He also spoke about the connections between corn, seeds, and the cosmos, biophilia versus biophobia, creation stories and science, being in relationship with plants and animals, sun daggers and the Solstice Project, and quantum thought. Remember, you can support the pod and rock some unique Indigenous Science merch at www.relationalsciencecircle.com/shop, all proceeds go towards Knowledge Keeper honoraria, following protocols, and keeping the pod going. Gratitude to the support from JUAN-CARLOS CHAVEZ, the editing and audio skills of EMIL STARLIGHT of Limelight Multimedia, and ALEX FLETT for marketing and pod support.
FULL Shownote doc:
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Episode 2: "Everything is Aware:
Quantum Consciousness & Spirit in Science"
Natasha Donahue
Métis Physicist
We were grateful to NATASHA DONAHUE, a Métis physicist and Indigenous Science educator, about Science and Spirituality, the linear and restrictive history of science, the depth of scientific knowledges within astrology and alchemy, time as a biproduct of energy exchange, how "everything is aware," dwelling in the flux of the "greyspace," and the questions around and relationality of star beings and UFO's. Remember, you can support the pod and rock some unique Indigenous Science merch at www.relationalsciencecircle.com/shop, all proceeds go towards Knowledge Keeper honoraria, following protocols, and keeping the pod going. Natasha donated her honoraria back to the pod. Appreciate the support. **episode correction: Natasha mistakenly said “the Earth is at the center of the solar system,” when she meant “the sun us the center of the solar system."
FULL Shownote doc:
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Episode 1: "Alignment of Plants,
Stars, & Stories"
As we waited for the First Thunder of the season, I was grateful to speak with Wilfred "The Star Guy" Buck, from Opaskwayak Cree Nation and Siksika Astrophysicist Rob Cardinal about the science and stories of the recent Solar Eclipse, the reverence and silence within the darkness of totality, the connection between the alignment, states of matter, and ceremonies, protocols of NOT LOOKING at these significant cosmic events, the Creation of "Tipis and Telescopes," the three-body problem, the North Star and moon cycles, and the origin of the Thunderbirds. Remember you can support the pod with Ancestral Science Podcast MERCH, profits go towards Knowledge Keeper honoraria, help us follow protocols of reciprocity, and keep this pod going. Hand to heart, hai hai. Each Episode has a unique t-shirt design based on its theme, so go check them out! Gratitude to the support from JUAN-CARLOS CHAVEZ, the editing and audio skills of EMIL STARLIGHT of Limelight Multimedia, and ALEX FLETT for marketing and pod support.
FULL Shownote doc:
