Thank you for creating this presentation and inviting these speakers. Each affirmed a spiritual relationship with the prairie that was the home of their ancestors. I have only lived in Iowa for five years, but my ancestors in Iowa were involved in securing statehood and building the railroad across the state. My grandfather and father benefitted from the taking of the land and the killing of so many who had lived on it for generations. Each morning I say a prayer that begins, “May we head the cry of the earth and the cries of the poor.” And affirms, “May we live humbly so the soil will revive, more species survive, and nature thrive.” I conclude with this hope, “May we mourn our abuse of the biosphere and repent of the harm we have done.” I embrace an ecological understanding of living in Iowa, which is enriched by the wisdom of indigenous peoples—including today’s speakers—who cherish the prairie between the rivers. Robert Traer, Iowa City
Thank you for creating this presentation and inviting these speakers. Each affirmed a spiritual relationship with the prairie that was the home of their ancestors. I have only lived in Iowa for five years, but my ancestors in Iowa were involved in securing statehood and building the railroad across the state. My grandfather and father benefitted from the taking of the land and the killing of so many who had lived on it for generations. Each morning I say a prayer that begins, “May we head the cry of the earth and the cries of the poor.” And affirms, “May we live humbly so the soil will revive, more species survive, and nature thrive.” I conclude with this hope, “May we mourn our abuse of the biosphere and repent of the harm we have done.” I embrace an ecological understanding of living in Iowa, which is enriched by the wisdom of indigenous peoples—including today’s speakers—who cherish the prairie between the rivers. Robert Traer, Iowa City
Thanks so much for sharing. If only we all had such a morning routine, the world would certainly be a better place.
Excellent podcast thank you! We need to hear and learn more from the people who were here long before us.
Keep on doing what you do, Beth!
It is so heartening to learn from such wise people. Thank you, Beth., for helping amplify their voices.
Great episode! Thx to the women for sharing their stories.