In this episode, we have the great privilege of listening to the wise counsel, ancient teachings, and future-minded wisdom of Ilarion Merculieff. With great heart and clarity, this celebrated and cherished Traditional Elder offers healing insights for individuals, communities, and our greater world. Drawing on his experience as both a spiritual leader and a social and political change agent working in diverse fields from ecology to wellness, this interview offers more than can be put into words!

Ilarion (Larry) ‘Kuuyux’ Merculieff has decades of experience serving his people, the Unangan (Aleuts) of the Pribilof Islands and other indigenous peoples in a number of capacities—locally, statewide, nationally, and internationally. For his entire career, Merculieff has been a passionate advocate for indigenous rights/wisdom, and harmonious relationship with the Earth Mother. He has given keynote addresses at such forums as the National Academy of Sciences Annual Meeting, Pan-Pacific University President’s Association, the national convention of American Indian Students in Science and Engineering, White House Conference on the Oceans, and the World Congress of Ethnobiology. He also has lectured on traditional ways of knowing and Indigenous Elder wisdom at such places as Colombia University, University of Montana, Missoula, University of Colorado, Boulder, Seattle University, University of Alaska Anchorage, University of Alaska, Fairbanks, and Oregon State University. Merculieff has been featured in interviews and talks on media such as Al Jazeera, BBC, Native America Call-In, and National Public Radio (NPR). Close to Merculieff’s heart are issues related to cultural and community wellness, traditional ways of living, Elder wisdom, climate change, and the environment. Having had a traditional upbringing, Merculieff has been, and continues to be, a strong voice and activist calling for the meaningful application of traditional knowledge and wisdom obtained from Elders in Alaska and throughout the world in dealing with modern-day challenges. He founded and currently heads the Global Center for Indigenous Leadership and Lifeways, and is a chief consultant and member of several other board councils. His present work revolves much around the council of Elders he co-founded, called the Wisdom Weavers of the World, (https://www.wisdomweavers.world/ ) to bring the messages of Elders from throughout the world to global attention.

Wisdom Weavers of the World

Connect with Jonathan Ellerby, Ph.D. Spirituality and Mindfulness Teacher

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices