Nôhcimihk | Into The Bush Podcast

In this fascinating episode of the Nôhcimihk podcast, we sit down with Corey Gray, a Scottish and Blackfoot physicist from the Siksika Nation. Corey shares his unique journey from growing up in southern California to becoming a key figure in the ground-breaking LIGO project, which made historic strides in gravitational wave detection. Alongside discussing his scientific endeavors, Corey delves into the significant role his culture plays in his life and work, including his efforts, alongside his mother, to weave Blackfoot knowledge and language into the fabric of the scientific discovery at LIGO.

Join us as Corey explores the intersections of identity, culture, and science, and shares his passions—from interpreting science to kayaking with his hand-built wooden kayak and his love for his brilliant mother. This episode is a deep dive into how our backgrounds can shape our careers in unexpected and enriching ways.

Corey Gray’s Instagram

Comic for LIGO

Purchase the comic here: ⁠https://quietquailbooks.com/shop-books/p/reflections

Resources & Links

LIGO Project: Learn more about the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) where Corey works and explore the fascinating world of gravitational waves.

https://www.ligo.caltech.edu/

https://humansofligo.blogspot.com/2019/01/corey-gray_22.html

Media Interviews and Stories: Check out a selection of interviews and articles featuring Corey Gray, highlighting his work at LIGO and his efforts to incorporate the Blackfoot language into scientific contexts:

YouTube Lecture from Dr. Corey Gray 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9iGUfzOe7Js

CBC Article https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/corey-gray-siksika-blackfoot-nation-mcgyver-1.5145208

Corey and His Mother's Work: Discover the impactful collaboration between Corey and his mother in integrating the Blackfoot language with scientific discovery.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/corey-gray-sharon-yellowfly-making-siksika-nation-proud-shambery

https://www.symmetrymagazine.org/article/einsteins-garden-translating-physics-into-blackfoot?language_content_entity=und

https://spacegrant.org/2020/10/29/meet-the-mother-son-duo-translating-astrophysics-into-blackfoot/

Please help us share this episode on social media and tag us @Nohcimihk on Instagram or visit our website for more information or to get connected.

www.nohcimihk.com

Episode 3 | The Aunty of Antarctica with Danii Kehler

In episode number three, we are joined by the Aunty of Antarctica, Danii Kehler. As we navigate the systemic barriers Indigenous and marginalized people face, Danii teaches us the importance art and culture play in her story. Danii shares her experience growing up an urban native, rooted in culture and ceremony through her kohkum's (grandmother's) teachings, to venturing to a continent where few have explored. This is just the tip of the iceberg! (I couldn't not tell this joke, c'mon)

Danii Kehler is a Plains Cree woman from the Kawacatoose First Nation on Treaty 4 territory and is a recent graduate from the Edwards School of Business in Business Management. In the Fall of 2024, Danii will be entering the School of Environment and Sustainability at the University of Saskatchewan to complete a Master's in Energy Security.

She is an Indigenous artist focused on the resiliency of Indigenous people healing from intergenerational trauma by deconstructing colonial structures and reclaiming an Indigenous narrative. Danii shares stories through her art by showcasing the true beauty and meaning of Indigenous culture and people. Danii is the Manager of SevenGen Energy, an Indigenous Youth Council tackling climate change by empowering and equipping Indigenous youth.

She is also the “first” First Nations person from Canada to be a participant of the 2041 ClimateForce Antarctic Expedition becoming an Ambassador for the Antarctic, charged with making a stand in the fight against anthropogenic climate change. Danii is now a part of the team that is working to see protection and justice for Antarctica!

Find her art on IG!

Instagram: @kehlervisions

Resources: https://canada-ny.com/mobilizing-indigenous-youth-for-a-just-energy-transition/https://www.facebook.com/CECconnect/videos/danielle-kehler-at-cop28/706920257825947/

Episode 2 | Laws of Nature with Tāwhiao McMaster 🎙️

As a descendant of the rapid flowing waters of Whanganui, and the silent waters of Waikato in Aotearoa New Zealand, Tāwhiao navigates the waters they ventured to bring honour back to the river. 🌊

Join Jordyn and Tawhiao as they discuss the impacts of colonization, and the resiliency of Indigenous nations around the world. 🌳

Tāwhiao holds a Bachelor of Law (conjoint), Major in Law and a Major in Tikanga Māori / Māori Cultural Studies. As well as a Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Māori and Pacific Development. Tāwhiao is on the legal team that fought a century long battle to gain human rights for the lifegiving Whanganui River where he calls home. A legal consultant, a tribal leader, and a firm lover of cultural language, arts and practices.

Flowing from the Clan of Mountains are two mighty rivers that I descend from. Waikato of a hundred leaders, where every bend there is a chief. And the sacred Whanganui, where its people say; I am the River and the River is me.

Socials & Resources

Episode 1 | Economic Hostages with Melina Laboucan-Massimo

Melina Laboucan-Massimo is Lubicon Cree from Northern Alberta. She has worked on social, environmental and climate justice issues for the past 20 years. Melina is the Just Transition Director at Indigenous Climate Action, the Founder of Sacred Earth Solar and a Fellow at the David Suzuki Foundation. She is also the Host of a new TV series called Power to the People which profiles renewable energy, food security and eco-housing projects in Indigenous communities across Canada.

Articles & ResourcesCBC: Bella Marie Laboucan-McLeanAPTN: It felt like there was no end to the screaming sadness: one sister’s take on #mmiwGrist: Making the connections on tar-sands pollution, racism, and sexismAPB Speakers: On the Pervasiveness of Western Culture - Melina Laboucan-MassimoMMIWG2S+ SupportsNational Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and GirlsMMIWG2S+ Calls for Justice