In this deep and wide-ranging interview, I sit down with world-renowned Indigenous scholar and author Four Arrows (Wahinkpe Topa) to explore the core principles of Indigenous worldview, the sacred role of ceremony, the importance of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), and the dangers of colonial ideologies like blood quantum and utilitarianism.

We open the conversation by discussing place-based wisdom—why it’s critical to protect Indigenous knowledge rooted in language, ceremony, and land stewardship—and the distinction between Indigenous worldview and tribal-specific place-based knowledge.

Four Arrows shares profound insights from decades of work with Native and Indigenous communities around the world, including the Kogi of Colombia, Lakota ceremonies, and the powerful role of humor and non-binary thinking in traditional cultures. He challenges common assumptions around Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) from an Indigenous lens and discusses his critiques of top-down leadership models, drawing from his book The Authentic Dissertation and his work on ProvenSustainable.org.

We also dive into controversial topics such as:

Should ceremony be shared with outsiders? How can settlers reconnect to their own lost Indigenous roots?

The colonizing impact of blood quantum and federal recognition

The dangers of misusing spiritual practices without proper guidance

As a Yurok tribal member working in river restoration, I also share how Indigenous worldview shapes ecological restoration in my community—particularly around the historic Klamath River dam removal and revival of salmon runs.

Whether you're a student, educator, reconnecting Native, or settler ally seeking to learn and grow—this is an essential conversation that centers truth, humility, and healing through story, relationship, and respect.

📚 Recommended For: Students | Indigenous leaders | Environmental activists | Educators | Allies | Cultural workers | TEK practitioners | Ceremony stewards

Join us for an in-depth 45-minute interview with Amy Cordalis, a Yurok leader recently recognized in Time's Top 100 Climate List and as a United Nations Champion of the Earth. Amy shares the incredible history of her family, from her great-grandmother's pivotal role in the Salmon Wars to her great-grandfather's Supreme Court case that secured fishing rights for Yurok citizens.

We explore the journey that led her to co-find the nonprofit Ridges to Riffles (R2R), which played a crucial role in the historic removal of the Klamath River dams. Amy talks about the challenges and triumphs she faced along the way, the groundbreaking projects R2R is undertaking to integrate traditional ecological knowledge in river restoration, and her thoughts on recent policies threatening nonprofit organizations.

This conversation is a powerful testament to Amy's dedication to Indigenous sovereignty, environmental justice, and the fight for a sustainable future.

🌟 Topics Discussed: Yurok family history and the Salmon Wars Ridges to Riffles and Klamath Dam removal Integrating traditional ecological knowledge Challenges facing Indigenous nonprofits

📖 Read the article mentioned: Congress Must Oppose Legislation Threatening Nonprofits

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In this 52-minute interview, I sit down with Mel Brooks, an elder in the Talowa Dee-ni' Nation, born in Requa at the mouth of the Klamath River. Mel shares his personal experiences growing up in Indian boarding schools, institutions where the U.S. government forced assimilation on Native children, stripping away their cultural heritage. This painful chapter in history contributed to the loss of traditional knowledge and culture among many Indigenous people.

We discuss what life was like for the Klamath River natives before colonization, and how the Gold Rush settlers, farmers, and loggers violently seized their lands, murdering native men by the hundreds. Mel, from a prominent family of headmen in Requa, shares insight into what it means to be a headman and the responsibilities that come with it. We end the conversation with some timeless elder wisdom that Mel graciously imparts.

Key Topics:

Mel Brooks' experience in Indian boarding schools

Forced assimilation and cultural loss Life for Klamath River natives before and after colonization

Gold Rush settlers and the violent seizure of native lands

The role of a headman in the Talowa Dee-ni' Nation

Elder wisdom shared by Mel Brooks

In this compelling 1 hour and 20 minute episode of Drum Circle News, Dylan Aubrey sits down with Sean Milanovich, an esteemed elder from the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians and a doctor of Anthropology, for an in-depth discussion on Cahuilla history, the theories of great migrations, and the dark strategies of colonization.

Sean delves into the rich history of the Cahuilla people and shares his insights on the great migration across the Bering Strait. He challenges this widely accepted theory, emphasizing that it contradicts the traditional oral stories passed down through generations. Sean provides a nuanced perspective by comparing what he learned academically with his personal beliefs and cultural teachings.

The conversation takes a gritty and dark turn as they explore the brutal strategies of colonization. Sean recounts the Spanish colonization and the devastating impact of the mission system on his people. He also discusses the subsequent colonization by Mexico, which resulted in the loss of land, women, and resources.

In a thought-provoking segment, Dylan questions Sean about his Catholic faith, given the historical atrocities committed by the Church against Native communities. Sean shares his personal reconciliation of this complex and contradictory perspective, offering a deep and reflective insight into faith, identity, and cultural survival.

Key Topics: Cahuilla history and oral traditions Critique of the Bering Strait migration theory Impact of Spanish and Mexican colonization The establishment of missions and their effects on Native communities The complexities of Catholic faith within colonized communities

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In this compelling 50-minute interview, Dylan Aubrey sits down with Omeatl, a talk show host on KBQH 101.5 FM LA, to discuss his incredible journey and mission. Omeatl, who owns 35 acres in the Tejon Mountains where he has reforested 500 trees, shares his story of coming to America as an undocumented indigenous immigrant child from Mexico. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by immigrants in America, the current political climate in Mexico, and its effects on indigenous populations. Omeatl also provides insights into his farm and the various programs he offers to support the local Boyle Heights community, with a special focus on helping indigenous people. These programs include classes on creating self-sustaining living situations, such as boar hunting, raising chickens, and breastfeeding, aimed at empowering individuals and communities. Key Topics: Omeatl's journey from Mexico as an undocumented indigenous immigrant Reforesting 500 trees on his 35-acre property in the Tejon Mountains The increldible journey of being undocuemented. Political climate in Mexico and its impact on indigenous populations Programs to empower the Boyle Heights community with self-sustaining skills Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more thought-provoking discussions on Drum Circle News!

Join Dylan Aubrey for a captivating 1-hour interview with Antonio Carrasco, the President of the Native American Church MaxaCali Chapter. In this in-depth conversation, they explore the profound Prophecy of the Eagle and the Condor, symbolizing the union of southern and northern tribes. Antonio shares the inspiring story of the legacy runners, who journey from Guatemala to the Northern United States to honor this prophecy. The discussion delves into Antonio's family history, including a mysterious assassination attempt on his activist father's life, revealing the deep-rooted struggles and resilience of his family. Antonio also provides an insider's perspective on the Native American Church, explaining its interworkings and the role it plays in preserving and promoting Native spirituality. The interview concludes with a powerful message encouraging people to connect with and participate in ceremony, offering inspiration and guidance for those seeking spiritual growth and community. Key Topics: The Prophecy of the Eagle and the Condor Legacy runners' journey from Guatemala to the Northern U.S. Antonio Carrasco's family history and activism The Native American Church and its operations Inspirational message to engage in ceremony Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more enlightening discussions on Drum Circle News!

Dylan Aubrey sits down with Miguel Angel who holds a master’s degree in Native History, provides a deep dive into the history of the Nahua people and the broader indigenous tribes of Mexico. The conversation delves into the Spanish colonization of Mexico, detailing how a few thousand Spanish conquistadors were able to ally with native tribes to overthrow the Aztec Empire. Miguel and Dylan discuss the lasting effects of colonization, particularly how the Spanish introduced a racial hierarchy that still influences Mexican society today. This system places higher status on lighter skin, leading many Mexican people to deny or hide their indigenous roots, despite having high blood quantification, sometimes even more than many U.S. tribe-enrolled natives. The interview also addresses how this entrenched racism has suppressed the transmission of indigenous knowledge, with elders often too afraid to pass down their wisdom. Miguel shares the painful history of persecution that indigenous people have endured at the hands of both the Spanish and the Mexican population, and how this persecution continues even in recent times.