The Critical Social Worker Podcast
Episode #42: Heart Wisdom and Talking Circles | A Dialogue with Ilarion Merculief
Listen to the recording here:
The Critical Social Worker: A Revolutionary Storytelling Podcast, hosted by Christian Ace Stettler, assistant professor of social work at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, is profoundly honored to feature Ilarion 'Kuuyux' Merculieff. Ilarion, an highly respected Elder with a lifetime dedicated to advocating for Indigenous rights and environmental stewardship, will share his unparalleled insights into the ancient wisdom that has guided his journey and work.
Ilarion's extensive background, from his roots in a traditional Unangan (Aleut) upbringing in Utqiaġvik to his leadership roles across global Indigenous and environmental platforms, positions him uniquely to discuss the transformative power of talking circles, heart wisdom, and the application of Indigenous knowledge in navigating our collective future.
Highlighted Talking Points:
Talking Circles: Ilarion will delve into the significance of talking circles as a space for community building, shared understanding, and collective healing. These circles, rooted in Indigenous traditions, offer a model for inclusive dialogue and decision-making that can address contemporary societal challenges.
Heart Wisdom: At the core of Ilarion's teachings is the concept of heart wisdom—understanding and decision-making that transcends the intellectual to encompass emotional and spiritual dimensions. Ilarion will explore how heart wisdom can guide us in creating more compassionate and sustainable communities.
Indigenous Knowledge and the Future: Ilarion will share insights on how Indigenous perspectives and knowledge systems can offer vital pathways for addressing global issues like climate change, social injustice, and community disconnection. He'll discuss the importance of integrating this wisdom into modern strategies for environmental conservation and social work.
Episode Details:
Date and Time: Sunday, February 4th at 10 am Alaska (8 am Hawaii, 9 am Pacific, 10 am Mountain, 11 am Central, 12 pm Eastern)
We invite you to join us live for this extraordinary episode. Your participation is welcomed; engage with us through the chat box or by calling in to contribute to this invaluable dialogue with Ilarion Merculieff.
Prepare to be moved and inspired by the depth of wisdom Ilarion brings to our understanding of ourselves and the world. This episode promises to be a profound exploration of how we can collectively move towards a more equitable and sustainable future, guided by the enduring insights of Indigenous wisdom.