21: I would give INDIGENOUS nations a voice: Leah Penniman (Soul Fire Farm)

“Indigeneity is ancient, but it’s also present and future.” Today, we explore the profound connection between humanity and the natural world. Gillian is joined by Leah Penniman, a dedicated farmer, soil enthusiast, mother, and co-founder of the Afro-Indigenous Centered Community Farm in New York State, known as Soul Fire Farm.

Key Takeaways

Revisiting Youthful Idealism:

• Hear a powerful recording from Leah’s high school graduation speech, questioning the motivations behind our life choices and our impact on the planet.

Reflections on Personal and Social Identity:

• Leah discusses her unique experiences as a black woman in science and nature, challenging the notion of being an outlier and emphasising the universal quest for belonging and purpose.

Farming as Activism:

• With over 30 years of farming experience, Leah intertwines social justice with agriculture, detailing her journey from a youth activist to founding Soul Fire Farm, which focuses on food justice and community empowerment.

Cultural and Ancestral Influence:

• Exploring the impact of her parents' activism, Leah highlights the importance of understanding and honouring our roots, both cultural and environmental.

Environmental Justice and Systemic Issues:

• Leah offers a comprehensive analysis of systemic injustices that exacerbate environmental degradation, highlighting the need for a holistic approach to address these intertwined crises.

Follow the show:

You can follow ‘If I Ruled the World’ on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your preferred platform of choice.

Connect with Soul Fire Farm:

• https://www.soulfirefarm.org/

Follow Gillian

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gillians_voice/

Website: https://www.gillianburkevoice.com/

Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter!

Mentions & Resources

• LION (Land in Our Names)
• Lauret Savoy
• Global Grid Potential
• Schumacher Institute
• Indigenous map of the world

What would you do if you ruled the world?

If you have any insights or feedback on today’s episode or you have an idea for how the world could be a better place, drop me an email on [email protected]

A final thank you to our wonderful sponsors Triodos Bank UK for making this podcast happen, and to The Wildlife Trusts for their continued support.

Credits:

Host: Gillian Burke

Production Company: Soundquake

Producer: Sam Hamilton-Turner

Producer: Jake Lee-Savage

Editing: Jake-Lee Savage