In 2020, the US Government de-established the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe's reservation trust land during the COVID-19 pandemic. This decision is particularly poignant, occurring 400 years after the

In 2020, the US Government de-established the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe's reservation trust land during the COVID-19 pandemic. This decision is particularly poignant, occurring 400 years after the Pilgrims arrived, settling on land previously ravaged by a European-introduced epidemic (1616-1620) that decimated up to 90% of the Wampanoag population. Despite this devastating history, the Wampanoag helped the Pilgrims survive and remain on their ancestral homelands, now threatened by the Department of the Interior.

Listen to a 35-minute conversation with Alexis Bunten (Indigeneity Program) and Mashpee Wampanoag citizen Danielle Hill. They discuss how this decision reflects a broader legacy of tribal termination, and the roles of capitalism and racism.

Learn more about the Bioneers Indigeneity Program at https://bioneers.org/indigeneity

The "membership economy" is profoundly transforming business, comparable to the industrial revolution, states Silicon Valley consultant Robbie Kellman Baxter. This model shifts the consumer-brand

The "membership economy" is profoundly transforming business, comparable to the industrial revolution, states Silicon Valley consultant Robbie Kellman Baxter. This model shifts the consumer-brand relationship from transactional to relational, emphasizing access over ownership and delivering a "forever promise."

While not a new concept—Charles Dickens used subscriptions—modern technology allows businesses to build these ongoing relationships with unprecedented reach. This shift, exemplified by Netflix's success over Blockbuster, prioritizes consistent value and customer certainty. Baxter, author of "The Membership Economy," details this move from one-time payments to recurring revenue and multi-directional communication.

Discover more: Big Think YouTube and Big Think Edge.

Fiona Oakes, a world-class vegan athlete, proves that plant-based living doesn't hinder elite performance. Vegan since age six, she conquered both the Antarctic Ice Marathon and North Pole

Fiona Oakes, a world-class vegan athlete, proves that plant-based living doesn't hinder elite performance. Vegan since age six, she conquered both the Antarctic Ice Marathon and North Pole Marathon in 2013, despite losing a kneecap at 17. Her remarkable running achievements are fueled by her dedication to animal welfare.

Fiona founded Tower Hill Stables Animal Sanctuary in 1993, providing lifelong care for animals in need. She also serves as an ambassador for The Vegan Society and a patron of the Captive Animals Protection Society. All donations directly support the sanctuary's operations. To contribute, please visit https://www.towerhillstables.org/donate-1.

Environmental and social justice activist Julia Butterfly Hill argues that our perception of being

Environmental and social justice activist Julia Butterfly Hill argues that our perception of being separate from the natural world has cultivated a "disposability consciousness."

This mindset, she explains, leads to the exploitation of resources and people, contributing to both environmental degradation and social injustice. Hill advocates for a shift towards interconnectedness to foster a more sustainable and equitable future.

In her reflection titled "Disconnection," Julia Butterfly Hill introduces "separation syndrome" as the fatal consequence of severing our ties to life. She illustrates this by noting that a plant

In her reflection titled "Disconnection," Julia Butterfly Hill introduces "separation syndrome" as the fatal consequence of severing our ties to life. She illustrates this by noting that a plant dies when its roots are ripped from the earth, mirroring how humanity perishes when we detach from our connected consciousness.

Hill argues that this profound disconnection leads to the demise of our planet, our human families, and the entire global family. Her message underscores the critical importance of recognizing and nurturing our interconnectedness for collective survival.

Tamara Hill-Kennedy of the Green Meeting Industry Council (GMIC) addressed the "Where's the ROI in green

Tamara Hill-Kennedy of the Green Meeting Industry Council (GMIC) addressed the "Where's the ROI in green travel?" panel at the Ecotourism and Sustainable Tourism Conference. Sponsored by The International Ecotourism Society (TIES), the event was held September 8-10 in Portland, Oregon. EarthSayers.tv recorded Ms. Kennedy-Hill's presentation.

The GMIC is a premier global non-profit organization dedicated to advancing sustainability in the meetings and events industry. It spearheads education, research, policy, and standards, with member representation in over 20 countries.

Randy Woodley and Graham Hill discuss embracing ethnic diversity and learning from indigenous communities on The GlobalChurch Project. Woodley, a descendent of the United Keetoowah Band of

Randy Woodley and Graham Hill discuss embracing ethnic diversity and learning from indigenous communities on The GlobalChurch Project. Woodley, a descendent of the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians, is a founding member of the North American Institute for Indigenous Theological Studies. Hill is the Founder and Director of The GlobalChurch Project.

Woodley and his wife Edith previously led a Native American gathering and developed a holistic service model, including a sustainable farm and Christian community. This initiative, which taught sustainability and eco-justice, was unfortunately disbanded due to violence. The GlobalChurch Project films Christian leaders and churches from diverse non-Western cultures, providing resources like curriculum, books, and training videos. A full 35-minute interview is available here.

Amidst high political distrust, finding common ground is crucial for solving national problems. We welcome Rev. Franklin Ruff, a conservative pastor from First Baptist Church in Stillwell, Kansas,

Amidst high political distrust, finding common ground is crucial for solving national problems. We welcome Rev. Franklin Ruff, a conservative pastor from First Baptist Church in Stillwell, Kansas, and Red Co-Chair of the Braver Angels Kansas City Alliance.

Rev. Ruff, also past president of American Baptist Churches of the Central Region, advocates for humility and recognizing the humanity in others. He will share insights on bridging differences and fostering mutual understanding to address our nation's challenges.

Shannon Lisa, Program Director for the Edison Wetlands Association, investigates chemical contaminant dumping. Motivated by growing up in a contaminated state, she protects human health and the

Shannon Lisa, Program Director for the Edison Wetlands Association, investigates chemical contaminant dumping. Motivated by growing up in a contaminated state, she protects human health and the environment through "environmental detective work."

In Franklin, Indiana, Shannon uncovered a decades-old toxic cold case. After children fell ill, she analyzed over 40,000 hidden EPA documents, revealing a mismanaged industrial site and homes potentially invaded by poison gases like TCE. She coordinated residential air testing, finding toxins 18x over state thresholds, prompting a reopened EPA investigation.

Shannon continues to advocate for permanent cleanup in Franklin and national change against industrial pollution. broweryouthawards.org. Film by Storyline Media.

Foreign policy expert Fiona Hill, from a coal-mining town, served under three presidents. Her book, "There Is Nothing for You Here: Finding Opportunity in the Twenty-First Century," warns of

Foreign policy expert Fiona Hill, from a coal-mining town, served under three presidents. Her book, "There Is Nothing for You Here: Finding Opportunity in the Twenty-First Century," warns of America's socioeconomic collapse and authoritarian shift, advocating for expanded opportunity.

Hill discussed these insights with Ellen Nakashima (The Washington Post) on October 12, 2021. This program is part of the Good Lit series by The Commonwealth Club, the nation's oldest public affairs forum.

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