LIVE AMA with Cristina Mittermeier

ShawnSmith71 · April 10

Hello Cristina. Thank you for your time and insights today. I'm curious, when talking with indigenous individuals/communities about your work do you find that they use the term "conservation" -- or even understand it -- in the same way you're using it? For 25 years I've dedicated my career to land-based "conservation" -- and I would say in the last 10 years, as I grow more intimate with my indigenous ancestors (Mesoamerican and Cherokee), I find myself using that word less.

Cristina Mittermeier · April 10

Hello Cristina. Thank you for your time and insights today. I'm curious, when talking with indigenous individuals/communities about your work do you find that they use the term "conservation" -- or even understand it -- in the same way you're using it? For 25 years I've dedicated my career to land-based "conservation" -- and I would say in the last 10 years, as I grow more intimate with my indigenous ancestors (Mesoamerican and Cherokee), I find myself using that word less.

This is such a great question. I have found that the idea of "conservation" or "sustainability" is pretty alien to indigenous communities. For them, the correct mindset is one of guardianship.

Cristina Mittermeier · April 10

Hello Cristina. Thank you for your time and insights today. I'm curious, when talking with indigenous individuals/communities about your work do you find that they use the term "conservation" -- or even understand it -- in the same way you're using it? For 25 years I've dedicated my career to land-based "conservation" -- and I would say in the last 10 years, as I grow more intimate with my indigenous ancestors (Mesoamerican and Cherokee), I find myself using that word less.

Indigenous people most often do not feel separate or superior to nature and the resources they depend on, and they are not driven by greed, arrogance or exceptionalism.

Cristina Mittermeier · April 10

Hello Cristina. Thank you for your time and insights today. I'm curious, when talking with indigenous individuals/communities about your work do you find that they use the term "conservation" -- or even understand it -- in the same way you're using it? For 25 years I've dedicated my career to land-based "conservation" -- and I would say in the last 10 years, as I grow more intimate with my indigenous ancestors (Mesoamerican and Cherokee), I find myself using that word less.

When you observe behavior, you notice there is a tacit understanding that the well-being of all depends on everyone being accountable and respecting the limits of resources that serve many.

Cristina Mittermeier · April 10

Hello Cristina. Thank you for your time and insights today. I'm curious, when talking with indigenous individuals/communities about your work do you find that they use the term "conservation" -- or even understand it -- in the same way you're using it? For 25 years I've dedicated my career to land-based "conservation" -- and I would say in the last 10 years, as I grow more intimate with my indigenous ancestors (Mesoamerican and Cherokee), I find myself using that word less.

I would love to know what you think and how these ideas resonate, or not, with you. I myself have some indigenous heritage but that, of course, doesn't give me any special insight. Just a gut feeling and observation.

ShawnSmith71 · April 10

Hello Cristina. Thank you for your time and insights today. I'm curious, when talking with indigenous individuals/communities about your work do you find that they use the term "conservation" -- or even understand it -- in the same way you're using it? For 25 years I've dedicated my career to land-based "conservation" -- and I would say in the last 10 years, as I grow more intimate with my indigenous ancestors (Mesoamerican and Cherokee), I find myself using that word less.

Everything you wrote completely resonates with me, and has been my experience. Since I was a child, I knew and "felt" I was part of the nonhuman world around me, but I wasn't raised in a cultural setting that supported that. It took a lifetime to learn this was not "in my head", but real.

ShawnSmith71 · April 10

Hello Cristina. Thank you for your time and insights today. I'm curious, when talking with indigenous individuals/communities about your work do you find that they use the term "conservation" -- or even understand it -- in the same way you're using it? For 25 years I've dedicated my career to land-based "conservation" -- and I would say in the last 10 years, as I grow more intimate with my indigenous ancestors (Mesoamerican and Cherokee), I find myself using that word less.

In learning from indigenous/First Peoples I've met the more authentic part of myself - the one who feels at home tending, being a guardian (not an owner), and being in relationship with the nonhuman world that is grounded in the 5R's. It's put me at a crossroads in my professional career, though.

ShawnSmith71 · April 10

Hello Cristina. Thank you for your time and insights today. I'm curious, when talking with indigenous individuals/communities about your work do you find that they use the term "conservation" -- or even understand it -- in the same way you're using it? For 25 years I've dedicated my career to land-based "conservation" -- and I would say in the last 10 years, as I grow more intimate with my indigenous ancestors (Mesoamerican and Cherokee), I find myself using that word less.

I'm finding so much commonality, and incredible inspiration, from you and Paul through your Sealegacy videos. It's helping me navigate these questions of myself, and think about how I can best move forward for me and my passions and work - what I have to offer.