Nature Protects Us When We Protect Nature with Dr. Jessica Hernandez (Author Fresh Banana Leaves)

My guest this week is Dr. Jessica Hernandez (Maya Ch’orti’ & Binnizá), the author of the new book “Fresh Banana Leaves - Healing Indigenous Landscapes through Indigenous Science”. Jessica is a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Washington Bothell, a Climate Justice Policy Strategist at the International Mayan League and the Environmental Justice Representative of the City of Seattle Commission of Urban Forestry.In this episode, Jessica helps us understand how indigenous and western science can be complementary, and what we need to know about colonialism, eco-colonialism and ecological grief if we want to tackle climate change. Jessica shares the wisdom she has gathered on her leadership journey, particularly around framing and tackling imposter syndrome. The topics we cover in our conversation are:The fascinating story behind the title of her book “Fresh Banana Leaves”What it means to be an indigenous scientistHow settler colonialism impacts indigenous communitiesWhat eco-colonialism means and why it is importantWhat people working in the field of sustainability need to understand about indigenous scienceHow Jessica is integrating her experiences as an indigenous and western scientist and how both approaches can complement each otherThe concept of ecological griefThe restorative agricultural practice of MilpasSpirituality and our relationship to natureHow Jessica found the courage to pursue her path integrating indigenous and western scienceHow Jessica frames and navigates imposter syndromeWhat it means to her to be good ancestorWhat we can learn from leadership in matriarchal pueblos of the Zapotec nationIndigenous-led movements that inspire JessicaWhat the food system would look like if it were returned to indigenous peoplesHow Jessica stays grounded and manages her time and energyFind more information about Jessica Hernandez on her website and twitter.Order your copy of Fresh Banana Leaves - Healing Indigenous Landscapes through Indigenous Science here.Find the book trailer here.Need support on your sustainable leadership journey? Join the next cohort of women in the Be The Change group coaching and leadership training program starting in September 2022 - get on the waitlist here: www.thegreatfull.com/bethechangeIf you are interested in food and sustainability and what you can do to create change, you might like The Great Full cookbook: www.thegreatfull.com/bookFollow The Great Full on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegreatfull/Don’t want to miss an episode of The Great Full podcast? Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!