How does our understanding of origin stories and spirituality impact the way we engage with our environment? In this episode, we talk to Reverend Chebon Kernell, Executive Director at the Native American Comprehensive Plan of the United Methodist Church and former Executive Secretary of Native American/Indigenous Ministries at the General Board of Global Ministries. We discuss how origin stories influence our view of our place within the natural world and the importance of reverence and spirituality in conservation. We also explore pathways towards sustainability through solidarity and how communities can collaborate to make well-informed decisions to address the environmental challenges we face.

Learn more 

This project was made possible with funding from the Georgia Humanities Council and Patagonia.

Coosa River Basin Initiative is a 501c3 non-profit organization in Rome, GA with a mission to protect, preserve, and restore the upper Coosa River basin. To learn more about our work or become a supporter, visit our website at coosa.org or follow us on Facebook @coosariverbasinintiative or Instagram @coosariverbasin

If you have thoughts or questions about the show, send us a message to [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you. 

This podcast is produced by Brand Red Studios. All episodes were recorded at Darkroot Studios in Rome, GA.  Music, Engineering, and Editing by Austen Earp

Special Thanks to:

Brian Campbell

Sandy Meeks 

Ryan Simmons 

For local historical resources in the upper Coosa River basin: 

Chieftains Museum in Rome

New Echota State Historic Site in Calhoun 

Etowah Indian Mounds State Historic Site in Cartersville