Indigenous Teaching for a Sustainable Future - Melissa Nelson, Ph.D

Melissa Nelson, Ph.D gives the Opening Reflection: Indigenous Teaching for a Sustainable Future at the 2014 Festival of Faiths: Sacred Earth Sacred Self. The Festival of Faiths is an annual event in Louisville Kentucky put on by the Center for Interfaith Relations. The 2014 Festival took place at Actors Theatre of Louisville, May

Dr. Melissa K. Nelson is a cultural ecologist, media-maker and indigenous scholar-activist. She is an associate professor of American Indian Studies at San Francisco State University and president of the Cultural Conservancy, A Native-led indigenous rights organization, which she has directed since 1993. Her work is dedicated to indigenous revitalization, environmental restoration, intercultural understanding and the renewal and celebration of community health and biocultural diversity. Nelson edited and contributed to Original Instructions -- Indigenous Teachings for a Sustainable Future (2008) and regularly publishes in books and journals. She has produced four documentary films and serves on the board of directors of Bioneers and the Center for Whole Communities. She is a former board member of the United Religions Initiative and the Interfaith Council of the Presidio. Nelson is Anishinaabe / Métis /Norwegian and an enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians.