Visiting Scholar to Discuss Indigenous Wisdom
Interdisciplinary Studies will host author and scholar Robin Wall Kimmerer for a virtual presentation on her book, “Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants,” at 7 p.m. Oct. 12 in Magruder Hall 2001 and via livestream.
Kimmerer lives on an old farm in Syracuse, N.Y., where she tends gardens both wild and cultivated. She is a professor of environmental biology for the State University of New York. She is also the founder and director of the Center for Native Peoples and the Environment, whose mission is to develop programs based on the wisdom of indigenous and scientific knowledge for sustainability.
“Gathering Moss: A Natural and Cultural History of Mosses,” Kimmerer’s first book, was awarded the John Burroughs Medal for outstanding nature writing. Her other writing has appeared in Orion, Whole Terrain and many other scientific journals. In 2015, she addressed the general assembly of the United Nations on the topic “Healing Our Relationship with Nature.” As a writer and scientist, her interests in restoration include restoration of ecological communities and relationships to land.
At the conclusion of her presentation, Kimmerer will take questions. Truman students, faculty and staff, as well as other members of the community, are welcome to join in person or watch online. Faculty supporting the Cognitive Science, Environmental Studies, Folklore and Women’s and Gender Studies minors organized this event to commemorate Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
