Ilarion Merculieff, also known by his traditional name Kuuyux, is a respected Unangax̂** elder, author, and messenger carrying ancient knowledge into modern times.

In this Proven Sustainable™ conversation, Kuuyux reflects on his childhood in the Pribilof Islands, a time marked by both powerful lessons learned from wildlife and his mentor, and the harsh reality of U.S. control over his people, including forced labor in the commercial seal harvest. He shares captivating stories about affirmation-based child-rearing, the deep role of elders, and the spiritual practices that sustained him through enduring hardship.

Kuuyux also speaks to the resilience of the Unangan culture, the lasting impacts of historical trauma, and the urgent need to return to heart-centered ways of living. His teachings emphasize personal authority, reverence for the natural world, and pathways to collective healing and balance for all humanity.

He has dedicated over fifty years to leadership and service for his people and Indigenous communities internationally. He is the President of the Global Center for Indigenous Leadership and Lifeways (GCILL) and an advisor to the World Wilderness Congress.

Mali Ole Kaunga is a respected Maasai activist who speaks about the ongoing struggle for Maasai land rights in Kenya and its connection to global climate challenges. He shares powerful insights into the historical injustices faced by the Maasai people, including forced removals and the erosion of their traditional way of life. He also discusses the importance of preserving Maasai cultural identity and the crucial role of traditional pastoralist practices in promoting environmental sustainability.

In this intimate conversation recorded at the 2024 Florida Permaculture Convergence, seventh-generation Floridian Johnny Dame shares his journey as an artist, naturalist, Earth Shepherd, and environmental educator. Opening with a grounding meditation, Johnny reveals how his childhood gift for locating indigenous artifacts evolved into a life dedicated to helping others connect with the land. Through his beautiful Wildflower Wheels—which help people discover their ecosystem-specific "birth flowers"—and his detailed physiographic maps, Johnny demonstrates how art can bridge the gap between people and place. He shares moving stories about his grandmother Reita, who learned native plant medicine from those who lived with the Seminoles, and offers insights into the ancient European practice of "scrying"—finding meaning in natural patterns. The episode captures Johnny's unique blend of ancestral wisdom and artistic expression, illustrating how direct observation of nature can help us rediscover our essential connection to the Earth.

The Proven Sustainable™ Conversation Series is a fiscally sponsored project of the Center for Transformative Action, a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. Any funding directed towards the Conversation Series will go towards production efforts to ensure the the recorded discussions are diligently captured and meaningfully distributed. This Conversation Series and website are not-for-profit and created with the intent of channeling support directly to the Peoples represented.