Connectedness, Culture, and Subsistence: Heather Sauyaq Jean Gordon on Indigenous Well-Being, Youth Leadership, and the Power of Relationship
Behaviour Speak with Ben ReimanShow Notes
In this episode of Behaviour Speak, Ben Reiman welcomes Heather Sauyaq Jean Kwamboka Gordon, an Indigenous scholar, advocate, and community-engaged researcher whose work spans Alaska, the Arctic, Indigenous well-being, subsistence practices, climate action, and youth leadership.
Heather explores the deeper meaning of subsistence beyond food harvesting, describing it as a relationship of reciprocity, responsibility, nurturance, and connection with the natural world. She shares how Indigenous communities understand well-being through relationships with land, culture, language, spirituality, family, and future generations. The conversation examines Indigenous methodologies, connectedness as a protective factor, the impacts of colonization on Arctic communities, and the role of youth leadership in addressing climate change and cultural revitalization. Heather also reflects on Inupiaq values such as humility, conflict resolution, honesty, and collective responsibility, offering lessons that extend far beyond Indigenous communities. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/3xeyf_swdi8
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Links and Resources
People Mentioned Dr. Onowa McIvor Whitinuihttps://www.uvic.ca/education/indigenous/our-faculty/profiles/mcivor-whitinui-onowa.php Linda Tuhiwai Smith https://www.wananga.ac.nz/about/awanuiarangi-council/linda-tuhiwai-smith/ Ninilchik Village Tribe https://www.ninilchiktribe-nsn.gov/ Alice Spotted Bear and Walter Soboleff Commission on Native Childrenhttps://nni.arizona.edu/commission-native-children-archives/home
Global Indigenous Youth Summit on Climate Change https://futureearth.org/global-indigenous-youth-summit-on-climate-change/ Center for Native American Youth https://www.cnay.org/ Inuit Circumpolar Council https://www.inuitcircumpolar.com/
If you enjoyed this conversation with Heather, you may also be interested in these related Behaviour Speak episodes that explore Indigenous connectedness, leadership, cultural identity, climate action, psychology, and community wellness. Episode 231: The Indigenous Connectedness Framework with Dr. Jessica Saniguq Ullrich A deeper exploration of the Indigenous Connectedness Framework and the growing body of research examining the relationship between connectedness, culture, identity, spirituality, and wellness in Indigenous communities. This episode provides important context for many of the concepts discussed in Heather's conversation. 🔗 Listen to Episode 231: The Indigenous Connectedness Framework with Dr. Jessica Saniguq Ullrich Katisha Paul Part 1: Finding Her Voice - Indigenous Leadership, Resilience & Healing In this powerful conversation, Katisha Paul shares her journey of leadership, advocacy, resilience, and healing. The episode highlights themes of identity, community, and Indigenous leadership that closely align with Heather's discussion of youth leadership and cultural connectedness. 🔗 Listen to Katisha Paul Part 1: Finding Her Voice One Heart, One Mind: Indigenous Sovereignty, Climate Leadership and the Future This episode explores Indigenous sovereignty, environmental stewardship, climate leadership, and collective action. Listeners interested in Heather's reflections on climate change and Indigenous youth leadership will find this an excellent companion episode. 🔗 Listen to One Heart, One Mind: Indigenous Sovereignty, Climate Leadership and the Future The Future of Indigenous Psychology, Leadership, Identity and Community with Dr. Vicky Lomay Dr. Vicky Lomay discusses Indigenous psychology, leadership development, identity, and community wellness. This episode complements Heather's discussion of Indigenous methodologies, strengths-based approaches, and pathways toward healthier communities. https://www.behaviourspeak.com/e/the-
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