Episode #215: Indigenous Perspectives on Space Exploration

On this week's episode, we're joined by Dawn Marsden to discuss her book Starship Citizens: Indigenous Principles for 100 Year Interstellar Voyages, which explores how Indigenous principles can allow for more sustainable futures and equitable sharing of resources, as well as, support the philosophical, ethical and social backdrop for more meaningful space exploration.

Dawn’s work has a continuing theme, of applying Indigenous knowledge to environmental sustainability, public health & wellbeing, education, research and space sciences. Dawn has degrees and certificates in environmental health, anthropology, environmental science, education, and nutritional therapy. She is currently focused on applied astronautics and counseling psychology. Dawn’s perspectives and worldview have been influenced by her Anishinaabe and French ancestry, her off-reserve locations, as well as her connections to the First Nation (Mississaugas of Scugog Island). Dawn’s book, Starship Citizens: Indigenous Principles for 100 Year Interstellar Voyages, reflects on Indigenous principles for living good lives within communities and draws upon a lifetime of stories shared with her by Indigenous Elders and knowledge keepers across Canada.