In this inaugural episode of FutureKind, Dr. Lyla June shares profound insights about humanity's forgotten role as ecosystem architects. Drawing from her groundbreaking research on indigenous food systems and her personal journey of healing, she explores how ancient wisdom can help us transform our relationship with food, land, and ourselves. Dr. June challenges the "pristine myth" of wilderness and reveals how indigenous peoples historically cultivated thriving ecosystems across North America, offering hope for how we might rebuild our connection to the living world today.

Learn more about Dr Lyla June Johnston

Lyla June’s new album Hózhó is out now. Listen on Spotify

Key Moments:
[00:00:07] The Indigenous word for human: "sacred earth surface being" and its deeper meaning

[00:03:56] Dr. June shares how an elder's wisdom about ancient food systems changed her life's direction

[00:13:19] Fascinating revelation about the true history of American chestnut forests and Indigenous management

[00:24:10] "We've done it before, we can do it again" - Hope for humanity's role as keystone species

[00:31:17] Powerful perspective on trauma, healing, and the elders' response: "You are innately good."

[00:38:23] The importance of reconnecting with ancestral roots and sacred sites

[00:42:57] Why technological solutions alone won't solve our food system challenges

[00:59:25] The sacred nature of food as a verb rather than a noun - our direct connection to Mother Earth

[01:01:39] "Food is sacred... it's how everything gives their life every day so that we can live"

Episode ends with “Water is Life” by Dr Lyla June Johnston; check out the music video here

Music Credits:
Rise by Yaima from the album C E R E M O N I A
Gaia Nectar by Masood Ali Khan from the album The Yoga Sessions, in collaboration with Yoga Organix Records

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