101: Miriam Volat - The RiverStyx Foundation, Ecology, & Indigenous Wisdom

Interview begins @ 4:37Join your host, John Price as he welcomes Miriam Volat, the co-director of The RiverStyx Foundation, co-director of the Indigenous Medicine Conservation Fund, and Executive Director of IPCI. Together, they engage in an eye-opening discussion that bridges the gap between ecology, indigenous traditions, and the Sacred.Episode Overview<br/>In this episode, we learn about The RiverStyx Foundation, discussing its mission and vision for a more connected world. Miriam shares her extensive background in ecology, with a special focus on soil science. She reveals how her work in ecology has been a gateway to exploring indigenous traditions, particularly entheogenic healing practices. Miriam argues that a deeper, more direct connection with the Sacred can catalyze to rekindling our relationship with our immediate environment. Key Points<br/><br/>Ecology as a Lens: Miriam shows how her work in soil science enriches her understanding of indigenous practices.The Disconnect: We examine the pervasive alienation from community and culture, worsened by lacking tools to process trauma.Extractive Models: The hosts question the sustainability of our current approaches to culture and the Earth.Colonialism's Role: A quick dive into how colonialism dismisses the value of context in our interactions with the world.Cultural Roots: Miriam urges the importance of knowing your cultural and environmental ties.Consumerism's Toll: We discuss how consumerism undermines our need for community and culture.Patents and Healing: The conversation challenges the ownership of natural healing elements, advocating for a communal approach.Sustainable Death Practices: Miriam shares insights on death and sustainability, like compostable toilets.Sacred Medicines: The episode concludes by exploring the personal responsibility involved in using sacred medicines for healing.Bio:<br/>Miriam Volat M.S. Co-Director of Riverstyx Foundation & Indigenous Medicine Conservation Fund,  Executive Director of IPCI, is an educator, organizer, facilitator and ecologist with a passion for soils and nutrient cycles. She works Nationally and Internationally to increase health in all systems. She is dedicated to the biocultural conservation of Peyote and other sacred medicines supported by the IMC Fund, and works in any way she can to ensure the conservation of these medicines for Indigenous communities and their precious ways of life. As a mom, she is fortunate her daughter, Cora, also supports her work.https://www.riverstyxfoundation.org<br/>https://imc.fund<br/>https://www.ipci.lifeWebsite for The Sacred Speaks: <br/>http://www.thesacredspeaks.comWATCH:YouTube for The Sacred Speaks<br/>https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOAuksnpfht1udHWUVEO7Rg<br/>Instagram: <br/>https://www.instagram.com/thesacredspeaks/@thesacredspeaks<br/>Twitter: <br/>https://twitter.com/thesacredspeaks<br/>Facebook: <br/>https://www.facebook.com/thesacredspeaks/<br/>Brought to you by: <br/>https://www.thecenterforhas.com<br/>Theme music provided by:<br/>http://www.modernnationsmusic.com