Episode 32 Kinship and Ancestral Connection | A Dialogue with Dr John Hausdoerffer and Eunice James

The Critical Social Worker: A Revolutionary Storytelling Podcast

In Episode 32, recorded on Wednesday, November 8th, 2023, we embarked on a profound journey exploring themes of kinship, ancestral connection, and environmental ethics with Dr. John Hausdoerffer. Co-hosted by the insightful Eunice James, a respected BSW student from Angoon now residing in Juneau, this episode was a deep dive into the interconnectedness of environmental health and social justice.

Episode Highlights:

Exploring Kinship: Dr. John shared his perspectives on 'Kinship' and the series he co-edited, 'Kinship in a World of Relations'. His views on kincentric relationships and how they shape our understanding of belonging and responsibility in the world were both enlightening and thought-provoking.

What Kind of Ancestor Do You Want to Be?: The discussion delved into another of Dr. John's co-edited books, exploring the concept of legacy and our roles as ancestors-in-training. His insights prompted a contemplation of how our actions today shape the world for future generations.

Living Respectfully on Traditional Lands: A key part of our dialogue revolved around how to live respectfully on land and with people we do not traditionally belong to. Dr. John provided insightful guidance on engaging with land and communities in ways that honor their histories and cultures.

Eunice James’ Wisdom: Eunice James brought her unique perspectives and experiences to the episode, enhancing the dialogue with magnificent detail. Her question about how Dr. John connects with his own ancestors offered a personal touch to the discussion, linking personal history with broader environmental ethics.

Recording in the Fairbanks Outskirts: I had the pleasure of recording this episode for the first time at my home in the outskirts of Fairbanks. The transition from dark to a sunlit forest backdrop, thanks to daylight savings, provided a serene setting that complemented our discussion on connection with nature.

Our heartfelt thanks go to Dr. John Hausdoerffer for his invaluable contributions and to Eunice James for her wisdom and co-hosting prowess. Their participation made this episode a truly enriching experience.

Stay tuned for the next episode with Dr. Ian Hyslop, and don't forget our upcoming live session with Haki Kweli Shakur. You can catch this and other episodes on your favorite podcast platforms, and follow us for updates on Facebook and Instagram.

Reflect, engage, and continue being a part of this revolutionary storytelling journey with us!