Restoring our Pre-colonial Kinship Worldview, Embracing a Fearless Trust in the Universe and Diminishing our Dependence on Brain Hemisphere Theories with Wahinkpe Topa (Four Arrows)

Unshod with D. Firth Griffith

How can the indigenous or pre-colonial worldview reshape our understanding of our world? How can it reconnect us as humans, as mammals once again? Is her power accessible to everyone? Should it be....?

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In today's episode, we are joined by my dear friend and mentor, Wahinkpe Topa, or Four Arrows, navigating the intersections of indigenous wisdom, its non-binary worldview, and the transformative power of becoming fully human: a relation, a kin with nature and not her dominator. We kick off this conversation with a critical discussion on the film "Indian Horse," co-produced by Christine Habler and Clint Eastwood, spotlighting the nuances of indigenous portrayal in media and the importance of authenticity and sincerity when we embrace the indigenous worldview in our own lives. Through Four Arrows' perspective, we differentiate between place-based wisdom and overarching indigenous worldviews, drawing argumentative connections with Iain McGilchrist's theories on brain hemispheres and their cultural implications.

We then challenge the conventional academic frameworks held by our colonial institutes by introducing critical neurophilosophy, merging indigenous wisdom with contemporary neuroscience. This segment critiques McGilchrist’s exclusion through indigenous perspectives and examines the essence of oneness, implicit in the indigenous worldview. We discuss Four Arrow's book Restoring the Kinship Worldview, which illuminates the power of worldview and the indigenous worldview's 28 precepts: nature-based and human-centered worldviews.

Our conversation takes a deeper turn as we redefine hope and human connection amidst global crises. Drawing inspiration from Sitting Bull and indigenous spiritual practices, we explore concepts such as reincarnation, hypnosis, and the intrinsic value of interconnectedness. The episode culminates in a powerful discussion about moving from a fear-based or courageous culture to one of fearlessness, emphasizing the power to rebuild society through indigenous principles. We also reflect on Abraham Maslow's encounter with the Blackfoot people, challenging the Eurocentric biases that have shaped traditional views on self-actualization.

Watch this Conversation on YouTube
Buy Daniel's Latest Book, Stagtine

Wahinkpe Topa's Books:

  1. Full list HERE. 
  2. Restoring the Kinship Worldview
  3. Sitting Bull's Words For a World in Crisis
  4. Unlearning the Language of Conquest Scholars Expose Anti-Indianism in America

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