A special event with Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer

Traditionally, the TLPDC holds the Advancing Teaching & Learning Conference each February. This year, we will be hosting a unique event featuring Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer, author of Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants. Join us for this special webinar on Friday, February 21st from 12:00-1:30. Participants can attend the webinar individually from their own device or are welcome to join us at the TLPDC for a watch party.

Registration

About the Author

Robin Wall Kimmerer is a SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor of Environmental Biology, and the founder and director of the Center for Native Peoples and the Environment. She wears many hats but is best known as a mother, scientist, decorated professor, and enrolled member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. She holds a BS in Botany from SUNY ESF, and an MS and PhD in Botany from the University of Wisconsin with research focusing on plant ecology, bryophyte ecology, traditional knowledge, and restoration ecology. Dr. Kimmerer is a highly sought-after speaker, even addressing the general assembly of the United Nationals on the topic of “Healing our Relationship with Nature.” She was named a McArthur Fellow in 2022. Her New York Times bestselling book, Braiding Sweetgrass, will be the focus of her talk at our conference. Robin’s newest book, The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World (November 2024), is a bold and inspiring vision for how to orient our lives around gratitude, reciprocity, and community, based on the lessons of the natural world. Learn more.

Submit a Question

There will be a Q&A session at the conclusion of the talk, facilitated by Fareed Ben-Youssef, Assistant Professor in Film & Media. Questions will be gathered before and during the event.

Submit your question now!

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About the Book

Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer is a profound work that combines indigenous knowledge and scientific principles with reflections on ecological stewardship, reciprocity, and the interconnectedness of all life. While the book primarily focuses on ecology, plant life, and the natural world, it also offers valuable insights into how teaching—especially in higher education—can be informed by these perspectives. Here are several ways Braiding Sweetgrass connects to teaching in higher education:

Emphasis on Relational Learning

Kimmerer emphasizes the idea that learning is a relational process, one that extends beyond the acquisition of knowledge to include a sense of respect and responsibility toward the world. In higher education, this perspective invites educators to move away from the traditional, transactional model of teaching and instead approach teaching as a reciprocal relationship. This could mean encouraging students to see themselves as part of a larger community—whether that’s the academic community, a local community, or the broader natural world.

Interdisciplinary Approaches

In higher education, this can inspire interdisciplinary teaching methods that break down silos between disciplines. For example, courses in environmental science, biology, anthropology, and even philosophy could integrate indigenous ecological practices with scientific research to offer students a more holistic understanding of the natural world. By blending disciplines, educators can challenge students to think critically about the value of different kinds of knowledge and their application to real-world problems.

Storytelling as a Pedagogical Tool

Storytelling is not just about entertainment or cultural preservation; it’s a way to engage students emotionally and intellectually. In higher education, storytelling can be a powerful tool for educators to help students connect with abstract concepts or to make learning more relatable. By integrating personal narratives or culturally significant stories, educators can help students see the relevance of academic content in their own lives and the world around them.

Reach out to us to receive a copy of the book!

 

Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants