8 hours ago
Connectedness, Culture, and Subsistence: Heather Sauyaq Jean Gordon on Indigenous Well-Being, Youth Leadership, and the Power of Relationship
In this episode of Behaviour Speak, Ben Reiman welcomes Heather Sauyaq Jean Kwamboka Gordon, an Indigenous scholar, advocate, and community-engaged researcher whose work spans Alaska, the Arctic, Indigenous well-being, subsistence practices, climate action, and youth leadership.
Heather explores the deeper meaning of subsistence beyond food harvesting, describing it as a relationship of reciprocity, responsibility, nurturance, and connection with the natural world. She shares how Indigenous communities understand well-being through relationships with land, culture, language, spirituality, family, and future generations.
The conversation examines Indigenous methodologies, connectedness as a protective factor, the impacts of colonization on Arctic communities, and the role of youth leadership in addressing climate change and cultural revitalization. Heather also reflects on Inupiaq values such as humility, conflict resolution, honesty, and collective responsibility, offering lessons that extend far beyond Indigenous communities.
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/3xeyf_swdi8
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Contact Heather
Dr. Onowa McIvor Whitinui
https://www.uvic.ca/education/indigenous/our-faculty/profiles/mcivor-whitinui-onowa.php
Linda Tuhiwai Smith
Ninilchik Village Tribe
Alice Spotted Bear and Walter Soboleff Commission on Native Children
https://nni.arizona.edu/commission-native-children-archives/home
If you enjoyed this conversation with Heather, you may also be interested in these related Behaviour Speak episodes that explore Indigenous connectedness, leadership, cultural identity, climate action, psychology, and community wellness.
Episode 231: The Indigenous Connectedness Framework with Dr. Jessica Saniguq Ullrich
A deeper exploration of the Indigenous Connectedness Framework and the growing body of research examining the relationship between connectedness, culture, identity, spirituality, and wellness in Indigenous communities. This episode provides important context for many of the concepts discussed in Heather's conversation.
🔗 Listen to Episode 231: The Indigenous Connectedness Framework with Dr. Jessica Saniguq Ullrich
Katisha Paul Part 1: Finding Her Voice - Indigenous Leadership, Resilience & Healing
In this powerful conversation, Katisha Paul shares her journey of leadership, advocacy, resilience, and healing. The episode highlights themes of identity, community, and Indigenous leadership that closely align with Heather's discussion of youth leadership and cultural connectedness.
🔗 Listen to Katisha Paul Part 1: Finding Her Voice
One Heart, One Mind: Indigenous Sovereignty, Climate Leadership and the Future
This episode explores Indigenous sovereignty, environmental stewardship, climate leadership, and collective action. Listeners interested in Heather's reflections on climate change and Indigenous youth leadership will find this an excellent companion episode.
🔗 Listen to One Heart, One Mind: Indigenous Sovereignty, Climate Leadership and the Future
The Future of Indigenous Psychology, Leadership, Identity and Community with Dr. Vicky Lomay
Dr. Vicky Lomay discusses Indigenous psychology, leadership development, identity, and community wellness. This episode complements Heather's discussion of Indigenous methodologies, strengths-based approaches, and pathways toward healthier communities.
https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/the-future-of-indigenous-psychology-leadership-identity-and-community-with-dr-vicky-lomay/
Listen to More Behaviour Speak Episodes
Explore the complete Behaviour Speak archive for additional conversations on Indigenous wellness
🔗https://www.behaviourspeak.com/category/indigenous-voices
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