Source:
https://www.podbean.com/eau/pb-pvmg6-17ebab9
5 Ways to Honor Our Green Spaces with Watson Whitford
Episode Summary
In this powerful episode, Frank Oscar Weaver is joined by Watson Whitford (Wapanatak), co-president of UNITY and member of the Chippewa Cree tribe and Navajo Nation. Together, they explore five essential ways to be a mindful visitor in parks and natural places, weaving together traditional wisdom and practical guidance for honoring our green spaces.
The Five Ways to Honor Green Spaces
Become a True Steward
Connect with the issues affecting natural spaces
Educate yourself about environmental challenges
Take action in your community
Leave It Better Than You Found It
Take responsibility for keeping spaces clean
Think of future generations
Protect the beauty of our lands
Honor Ceremonial Spaces
Recognize the sacred nature of many parks
Respect ongoing ceremonies
Seek permission and guidance
Respect Wildlife Boundaries
Avoid disturbing animal behavior
Maintain appropriate distances
Remember every creature has its place
Get in the Right State of Mind
Ask permission before entering natural spaces
Practice mindful visitation
Show gratitude through offerings
Notable Quotes
"We're a part of this circle of life. I'm no higher than a ladybug. I'm no higher than a buffalo. And we're all the same. We all come from the same place." - Watson Whitford
"I want this place to be beautiful. I want there to be clean water, clean air to breathe, to be healthy animals and healthy plants. Not just for my relatives that are here with us now, but for people that will be coming in the future that aren't even here yet." - Watson Whitford
"Our traditional ways of ceremony are good... we don't talk down about other people's way of religion or talk down about the way other people pray. You know, because we want to be uplifting. We want to help each other." - Watson Whitford
Special Offer
Visit indigenousearth.org to receive an exclusive video prayer from Watson Whitford, guiding you in practicing mindful visitation to green spaces.
Connect with Watson Whitford
Email: copresident@unityinc.org
Instagram: @watson_whitford05
Role: Co-President of UNITY
Support UNITY
UNITY (United National Indian Tribal Youth) supports Indigenous youth leadership across the nation. Your donation helps:
Support Indigenous youth programs
Preserve traditional knowledge
Foster environmental stewardship
Develop future leaders
Donate at: unityinc.org/donate
Stay Connected
Subscribe to our newsletter: indigenousearth.org
Follow Indigenous Earth Community on Instagram at @frankoscarweaver
Credits
Host: Frank Oscar Weaver - Pai Tavytera - Tribe of Paraguay
Guest: Watson Whitford -Navajo/ Chippewa Cree
Sound Engineer: Jake Kelch
This podcast acknowledges that many parks and natural areas are on ancestral Indigenous lands that have been stewarded by Native people for thousands of generations.
Topics: mindful visiting, indigenous lands, environmental stewardship, wildlife respect, ceremonial spaces, leave no trace, climate change, indigenous wisdom, nature connection, community engagement
