A Companion to Public Philosophy

10Earth – A Place for Indigenous Solutions¹

DANIEL R. WILDCAT

I am for systems of life‐enhancement. We must concentrate on how we can promote systems of life–enhancement. We can do it legally; we can use the law. We can use economics. We can use politics. We can use education. There is plenty of work for everyone.

—drw

It is notable that public philosophy has become a distinct field of study and practice. Public philosophy distinguishes itself from other philosophical undertakings by either addressing public problems, i.e. those with broad social consequence, or doing the work of philosophy in a public setting beyond the confines of a purely academic environment. The following contribution is offered as a contemporary example of what might be called Indigenous public philosophy. It certainly addresses a critical public issue – climate change – and the largest part of the ideas conveyed were given and received in public settings. Sorry for those wanting esoteric or arcane tribal secrets; they will not find them here. As for the Indigenous character of what is offered, the ideas here shared are those given to me through over three decades of work with Indigenous Peoples. What is shared is a reporting‐out on what I have learned during this time by paying attention to what our Mother the Earth and some very wise folks shared with me.

Were these folks (I would call them elders) public philosophers? Sometimes, but not by vocation. The philosophy they practiced was grounded in their ...