Today, guest host Erica Brown welcomes the Waterfall Unity Alliance to the show. They are an organization focused on protecting Skóhale (the Schoharie Valley) and our Mother Earth. The alliance aims to build alliances across movements and cultures while finding solutions to the challenges of our time.
We feature key members of the Waterfall Unity Alliance, including Liv Watyana’li:yo Bigtree, a Turtle Clan member of the Onyota’a:ka (Oneida) tribe. Liv’s background in visual art and her upbringing by strong Onkwehonwe (Oneida) women shape her commitment to decolonization, healing, and spirituality.
Sandra Owén:nakon Deer-Standup, a Kanien’kehá:ka (Mohawk) from Kahnawa:ke, has been an advocate for land defense and political activism since childhood. With over 20 years of experience in teaching elementary education in the Kanien’keha language, Sandra also works as an educational administrator and is pursuing her doctoral degree in education.
Bethany Yarrow, a board member of the Waterfall Unity Alliance, is a song keeper, earth activist, and student of spiritual traditions. Through her music, Bethany aims to protect the land and water, build community, and find collaborative solutions to address the existential threats of our time.
We also introduce Kawenniiosta Jock, a Kanien’kehá:ka (Mohawk) and member of the Wolf Clan from Akwesasne. As a mother, activist, artist, and full-spectrum doula, Kawenniiosta works towards restoring collective balance and preserving her people’s way of life through traditional support, cultural teachings, and language preservation.
Additionally, we touch upon the recent Land Buy-Back Catch Up and the purchase of Berry Farm in Schoharie, emphasizing the significance of land preservation. We also invite our listeners to join the upcoming Waterfall Unity Festival, a three-day benefit concert and celebration held from Friday, July 28th to Sunday, July 30th at 1160 Bear Ladder Road, Fultonham, NY 12071.
To register for the festival, visit: Waterfall Unity Festival Registration.
Tune in to “I Want What SHE Has” for inspiring stories and voices that challenge the patriarchy and promote unity, activism, and the preservation of our environment.
