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 Three
Episode 20:
"Humanity & Dignity
within A.I."
Karen Colbert
with
We were grateful to speak with Karen Colbert, data scientist, department chair, Tribal College Faculty leader, advocate for culturally grounded STEM and AI integration specialist about finding your identity within mathematics, translating and code switching in the math classroom, the pie of DEI, teaching AI to embrace failure, not giving up on the ethics within AI, and pushing back against the default systems of confirmation bias. Check out Karen’s TEDx talk, released on YouTube in the coming months, the title is “The Most Dangerous Lie A.I Keeps Repeating” 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. Thanks to Emil Starlight (@mikadikadzi_redfoot), the pod’s multimedia podcast producer and Walter White Bear, Sharon Ann Foster, and Emil Starlight for composing and performing our opening tune. Questions for the Pod? Email us at relational.science@gmail.com
Stay tuned for Karen's TEDx talk
"The Most Dangerous Lie A.I Keeps Repeating"
Episode 18:
"Blackfoot Archaeology"
with
Siksika Nation
It was a windy late spring morning back in 2024, just before Summer Solstice, and the Ancestral Science Podcast got to record this episode on top of Nosehill Park in the heart of Calgary, in Treaty 7. We were grateful to speak with Brendon Many Bears (https://www.instagram.com/brutal.bear/), from Siksika Nation, who, alongside Blackfoot Elders and Knowledge Keepers has been working alongside Lindsay Amundsen-Meyer (https://profiles.ucalgary.ca/lindsay-amundsen-meyer) of the University of Calgary Archaeology Field School & Public Archaeology Program to learn more about Ancestral Blackfoot knowledges within the stones and earth of Nosehill. We learned about the cultural importance of look out points and "tipi" rings, vision quests and balance, reconciliation archaeology, the importance of ceremony within science, and experiencing the Blackfoot scientific stories of these Lands. University of Calgary Archaeological Field School and Public Archaeology Program: Dig site: EgPm-143 https://www.facebook.com/ucalgaryFieldSchool?mibextid=kFxxJD CTV Article: U of C students, staff partner with city to unearth ancient Indigenous belongings at Nose Hill Park. https://www.ctvnews.ca/calgary/article/u-of-c-students-staff-partner-with-city-to-unearth-ancient-indigenous-belongings-at-nose-hill-park/ CBC Article: What was life like for pre-contact Blackfoot people? https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/video/9.4235585 It was created with the support of TELUS Storyhive. https://www.storyhive.com Thanks to Emil Starlight (https://www.instagram.com/mikadikadzi_redfoot/) for his talents in editing, videography, and audio. As well, Walter White Bear, Sharon Foster, and Emil for that epic opening tune! Please take a moment to like, share, follow, and rate, it is much appreciated. And if you want to support the pod further, check out some unique Indigenous Science MERCH at relationalsciencecircle.com/shop
Episode 16 & 17:
"Lessons from Three Deer,
Raining Acorns, &
Laughter as Medicine"
with
Melissa Roberts & Emily Kerton
The Ancestral Science Podcast thought we needed some Auntie Laughs, so we reconnected with Melissa Roberts and Emily Kerton, Indigenous educators weaving knowledges and Land-based science into the Ontario curriculum. In this first part, we discuss the difference between outdoor exepriential knowledge/Land-based knowledge/and Indigenous knowledges, the reverence of silence and slowing down, protocols of Indigenous knowledges within education, the "ridiculous rigour" of Indigenous Science through oral stories, and not needing validation of global science to tell us about the health benefits of smudging. With such a great conversation, this episode became a 2-parter! So stay tuned next week for episode 2 when we will add some great educational resources in the SHOWNOTES, and here is a teaser... stay until the end of EPISODE 2 for an absolute TREAT in the form of "a trifecta of poop stories" that will surly induce facial and stomach laughter cramps. Thanks to Emil Starlight for the seamless editing, videography, and audio. 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 As well, these times can be difficult, but remember that all is interconnected, so send your Prayers and Positive Energy to Minnesota. From experience, we all know that LAUGHTER is MEDICINE...so grab a no-spill sippy cup with some tea or coffee, light a smudge if you can, and learn from and laugh alongside the Aunties- Melissa Roberts and Emily Kerton.
Part 1: Released January 19th
Part 2 & Shownotes/Resources: Released January 26th
&
Episode 19: (re-release)
"Alignment of Planets,
Stars, & Stories"
Wilfred Buck
with
Opaskwayak Cree Nation
&
Rob Cardinal
Siksika Nation
This episode was recorded on an early Spring morning back in 2024, here on the Lands of the Blackfoot Confederacy, Tsuut’ina Nation, and Îethka Nakoda First Nation, and more recently the Otipemisiwak Métis . As we patiently waited for the First Thunder of the season , we got to learn from 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. Help me welcome back (and more to come soon...) Wilfred Buck and Rob Cardinal.
Episode 14:
"Tea, Tobacco, &
Tipi Science Tellings"
with
Bruce Starlight
Tsuut'ina Nation
The pod thought it would re-launch some previous episodes we made with the support of TELUS STORYHIVE, and this was one of them. It was a windy winter afternoon back in 2024, and we recorded inside a tipi at Seven Chiefs Sportsplex on Tsuut'ina Nation, amongst the Lands of the Blackfoot Confederacy and Îethka Nakoda First Nation, and more recently the Otipemisiwak Métis. The Ancestral Science Podcast was excited to learn from BRUCE STARLIGHT from the Tsuut'ina Nation about the disconnect of science from Spirit and Land, the significance of the depth of tobacco roots, the connection between mushrooms and the stars, sacred numbers, dinosaurs and energy, and Star people. Take a moment to like, share, follow, and rate, it is much appreciated. Check out the SHOWNOTES for unique Indigenous Science Merch links and lots of additional educational resources! Thanks to Emil Starlight for the seamless editing, videography, and audio, Alex for pod support and marketing. As well, Walter White Bear, Sharon Foster, and Emil for that opening tune! Grab a cozy blanket, maybe throw it on a camping chair to get that "tipi storytime" vibe, grab a tea, a double double, or an apple fritter, and learn from the insightful teachings from Bruce Starlight.
Episode 13: (relaunch)
"Healing Frequencies of jokes, scents, movement, & a crackling fire."
with
Dr. Michael Yellow Bird
Citizen of Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nations
It's been a cortisol-inducing year, and with the holidays approaching, we thought re-launching a mindfulness episode would be helpful. On this episode, reconnect with your body, brain, DNA, and the Land with a Mindfulness Episode of the Ancestral Science Podcast with Dr. Michael Yellow Bird. This episode was recorded in November 2024, on a mild wintery morning. 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. Check out unique INDIGENOUS SCIENCE MERCH https://www.relationalsciencecircle.com/shop Thanks to Emil Starlight for the seamless editing, videography, and audio, Alex for pod support and marketing. As well, Walter White Bear, Sharon Foster, and Emil for that opening tune! 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. Take a moment to like, share, follow, and rate, it is much appreciated.
Episode 12:
Ancestral Science
"SHOW & TELL"
Part 1
Episode 11:
"Smoketalk" about
The OG Indigenous Bedazzle &
Appropriation vs. Appreciation
Holiday Shopping in Treaty 7
Episode 10:
"Art & Science of Beads, Quills, Fur, Hide, & Bark"
with
Kim Brothers
Northern Cree
Check out their store here!
Support Indigenous artists and businesses!
Recorded in the Winter of 2024, amongst the company of millions of beads and Indigenous art, the Ancestral Science Podcast was excited to speak with KIM BROTHERS, Cree from Northern Alberta, about revitalizing the lost arts of quillwork, tufting, and fish scale art, the sacred ratio of brain to hide within tanning, birch bark biting, art with tails, bones, and scales, the OG beads, the difference between appreciation and appropriation, and the story of the spirit bead. Remember to tune in next week for "Smoketalk" with the pod team, where we chat more in depth about the topics from the previous episode. YouTube link below along with lots of other educational resources and links for you to learn more! This episode was created with the support from STORYHIVE, Telus OpticTV. Thanks to Bespoke Productions Hub and as always, Emil Starlight for the seamless editing, videography, and audio, Alex for pod support and marketing. Grab a your current beading, tufting, or sewing project, your favourite snack from your Ancestral Land, and learn about Indigenous Science & Art with KIM BROTHERS of Moonstone Creation - - - a great place to shop for authentic Indigenous art in Calgary, Alberta, go check them out (webpage link in shownotes). They also host classes!!
Episode 9:
"Smoketalk" about
Relational Math, Tipi Aerodynamics, &
counting on your fingers.
with Emil, Kori, & special guest
Brendon Many Bears
Episode 8:
"Deadly Math:
Movement, Kinship & Action"
with
Chris Matthews
Quandamooka people of Minjerribah
We were grateful to speak with CHRIS MATTHEWS of the Quandamooka People in modern day Queensland Australia about his realization about the importance and depth of culture & country within mathematics, iron mines and nuclear testing highlighting land rights and Aboriginal voices, don’t hike Uluru!, deadly coders, numbers as a process and action, kinship systems as group theory and algebra, and how to close the educational gap by walking together. Honoraria from this episode was donated to ATSIMA (Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Mathematics Alliance). Link in the shownotes. Remember to tune in next week for "Smoketalk" with the pod team, where we chat more in depth about the topics from the previous episode. YouTube link below along with lots of other educational resources and links for you to learn more! Thanks Bespoke Productions Hub and as always, Emil Starlight for the seamless editing, videography, and audio, Alex for pod support and marketing. Grab a sea mollusk (Chris' fav Ancestral Food) or your favourite snack from your Ancestral Land, and learn about Deadly Math with CHRIS MATTHEWS.
Episode 7:
"Smoketalk" about
Food Sovereignty & Smoke Science
Episode 6:
"Food Sovereignty, Smoke Science, & tending the Flame of Cultural Resilience"
with
Daryl Kootenay
Stoney Nakoda, Dine Navajo
This episode was recorded in fall 2024 at Star 6 Ranch at the Food Sovereignty camp hosted by HOWL. At this camp, the Ancestral Science Podcast was invited to learn from DARYL KOOTENAY about the science of smoke, the patience and resilience needed to live on the land, Indian popcorn, science of tending to the flame, moose noses and Elk brains, the need for multiple freezers, how smoke is the traditional Gore-Tex, and how food sovereignty can bring people together and is a massive step towards reconciliACTION. This episode was created with the support of TELUS Storyhive. 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. Thanks to Emil Starlight (@emilstarlight) of Limelight Multimedia for editing, videography, and editing as well as support from Bespoke Productions Hub. Intro composed and performed by Walter White Bear, Sharon Ann Foster, and Emil Starlight. Questions for the Pod? Email us at relational.science@gmail.com
Episode 5:
"Smoketalk" about
Everyone Bleeds & Everyone was Birthed
Episode 4:
"Decolonizing Blood &
Land-Birth"
with
Alycia Two Bears
Mistawasis Nêhiyawak Nation
Episode 3:
Re-Release Smoketalk about
"Indigenous Science Fiction"
The Pod was grateful to learn from THE Alycia Two Bears, a Two-Spirit mixed Cree educator and author from Misatawasis Nehiyawak First Nation, about her journey to become a midwife, what is a land-birth, how to decolonize and de-stigmatize blood, reconnecting ceremony and community with birthing, reproductive justice and birth sovereignty, caregiving roles of men and partners within pregnancy, birth, and caregiving, and of course...moss bag science, adult moss bags, and one comfy swaddled podcast host! Remember to tune in next week for "Smoketalk" with the pod team, where we chat more in depth about the topics from the previous episode. Thanks to Bespoke Productions Hub. As always, Emil Starlight for the seamless editing and audio, Alex for pod support and marketing . Remember to check out Alycia's new book "The Feast" (link to this and additional educational resources in the SHOWNOTES link below) Grab a tea with honey, snuggle a small human or fluffy pet, and join us in this incredibly important conversation for EVERYONE (not just women) with ALYCIA TWO BEARS
Episode 2:
"Hopping Dimensions through Humour & Metaphor"
with
Drew Hayden Taylor
Curve Lake First Nation
We were grateful to speak with contemporary storyteller Drew Hayden Taylor, Ojibwe from Curve Lake First Nation about learning to write through osmosis, dimensional hopping & portaging, how Indigenous stories make great Science Fiction, 1492 and Alien contact, anthropomorphizing animals and plants through relationality, humour as WD40, and science fiction as a metaphor for many of life’s issues. 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. Thanks to Emil Starlight (@emilstarlight) of Limelight Multimedia for editing, videography, and editing as well as support from Bespoke Productions Hub. Intro composed and performed by Walter White Bear, Sharon Ann Foster, and Emil Starlight. Questions for the Pod? Email us at relational.science@gmail.com Want to ask an Elder a question for the new segment “Things my Ancestors said...” email us at relational.science@gmail.com or send message on any of our socials. See related episodes of ASP: -Season 2 Episode 23 “Indigenous Science Fiction” -Season 1 Episode 9 “Space Justice & Cosmic Relationality”
Episode 1:
"I don't know what you
did last summer..."
with
The Ancestral Science Podcast Team
Emil Starlight- Editor, Filmmaker, Producer
Alex Flex- Oskapios, Marketing
Kori Czuy- Host, Producer
The Ancestral Science pod team, Emil Starlight, Alex Flett, and Kori Chewbacca (haha), decided to open up Season 3 by reconnecting over Smoketalk about what we have learned over the summer, our goals for season 3...from new segment ideas and videos, to opening up more conversations with Elders and the pod followers. 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. Thanks to Emil Starlight (@emilstarlight) of Limelight Multimedia for editing, videography, and editing as well as support from Bespoke Productions Hub. Questions for the Pod? Email us at relational.science@gmail.com