Presentations
Presenter: Donald A. Perrot
Born in Wisconsin, Mr. Perrot was raised in a Potawatomi community that maintained a rich culture steeped in traditional values and practices. By the time he entered school at age 6, he could speak five native languages fluently. He learned his 6th language, English, in school. He has traveled to every continent lecturing about true Neshnabe'k traditions and beliefs. He currently teaches Potawatomi language and culture to his people.
Sustainable Living Panel
Presenters: Maynard Kaufman
Retired WMU professor and farmer. Started the School of Homesteading in 1973, co-founded Michigan Land Trust in 1976, and founded Michigan Food and Farm Alliance (MOFFA) in 1991. Maynard lives in rural Bangor in an off-the-grid solar/wind powered home.
Presenter: Penny Kelly
Penny has a PhD in nutrition, maintains a holistic counseling practice and teaches intuition and organic gardening classes. Penny is the owner with her husband of Lily Hill Farm and Learning Center in rural Lawton. She has written a number of books including: Robes: A Book of Coming Changes from the Little Men in Brown Robes and The Evolving Human.
Presenter: Lynne Heasley
Lynne is an associate professor of history and environmental studies at Western Michigan University. Her recent book, A Thousand Pieces of Paradise: Landscape and Property in the Kickapoo Valley, examines the evolution of property debates in rural communities that are trying to preserve both their culture and their landscapes. Dr. Heasley is also on the board of directors of Tillers International. She lives and works in Kalamazoo.
Presenter: Tyler Bassett
Tyler has a BS in Biology. He co-founded the Kalamazoo Community Garden Initiative (KCGI). He has worked for the Kalamazoo Nature Center and is currently working for Native Connections based in Three Rivers. Tyler belongs to the Wild Ones of Kalamazoo and the Michigan Botanical Club.
1:00-2:00 pm - Mr. Don Perrot: Potawatomi Life and Values. Before the European people came to this land, Potawatomi People lived here. Mr. Perrot will provide insights into Anishinabe history and the values held in this traditional culture. We will hear how a people can live sustainably on the land taking only what is needed while providing for future generations. We will also come to know how core values of love, humility, and respect can be part of a system that emphasizes cooperation and supportive relations for the common good. It is an effort to see how all creation is related. Join our circle for these inspirational teachings.
2:00-3:30 pm- SUSTAINABLE
LIVING: Local Folks Harvesting the
Good Life. A panel of
local folks will share how they are
attempting to lead a sustainable lifestyle. Panelists
from both rural and city settings will be
included. Learn how they have changed
their lifestyles
to become more holistic and how they have integrated green living
concepts with
their food, energy, and living systems (community involvement,
approaches to
work/jobs, family involvement). Topics
covered will include organic gardening, solar/wind power, conserving
car usage,
wild flower planting, recycling, alternative work, political action,
community
involvement, and a look at what the future may hold and what we could
create as
alternatives. Panelists include: Maynard
Kaufman, Penny Kelly, Lynne Heasley, and Tyler Bassett. Short bios for
each participant are located to the left.