We’re All Relatives

What changes when we see the world not as a collection of resources, but as a community of relatives? 

In this episode of Wisdom Keepers, Native scholar and educator Dr. Dan Wildcat reflects on the meaning of Mitákuye Oyás’iŋ—“all my relations.” Drawing on Indigenous teachings, he explores what it means to understand humans as part of a larger living world and considers how these relationships can shape the way we care for the Earth and plan for generations to come. 

In this episode, you’ll hear about: 

-The meaning of “all my relations” 

-Seeing plants, animals, water, and land as relatives rather than resources 

-Indigenous perspectives on interconnectedness 

-Relationships between people and the more-than-human world 

-How these teachings can inform our future 

About the Wisdom Keeper 

Dr. Dan Wildcat is a Muscogee scholar, educator, and author whose work focuses on Indigenous knowledge, environmental justice, climate change, and relationships between people and the natural world. 

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About the Music   

Stories can be shared in all kinds of ways, including through song. In theWisdom Keepers series, you’ll notice the enchanting vocal and flute melodies from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bear Fox⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mignon Geli⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, inspired by the language, traditions, and stories of the Mohawk Nation. These songs reflect the messages, spirit and wisdom passed down from their ancestors and through today’s generations.   

Acknowledgement: Wisdom Keepers highlights the essential role of Indigenous and community leadership in conservation. The series was co-produced by Annabelle Le Jeune and ⁠⁠⁠⁠Raine Media,⁠⁠⁠⁠ with additional production support provided by Eric Noyes and Ximena Marquez Abbona. We extend our gratitude to the Elders and their support networks for their thoughtful review and contributions throughout the production process.  

Photo credit: ©Dr. Dan Wildcat