“The woods were the place where I could be comfortable, where I could be myself. Out there, I knew I was connected to something much bigger than myself.” – Hank Bailey

In this episode Mark Wilson, Claire Wood, and Jenee Rowe sit down with Hank Bailey, a tribal citizen and elder from the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, as they discuss the Anishinaabe connection to the land and the importance of preserving natural resources. Hank shares his personal experiences growing up in Benzie County and how his relationship with the land has shaped his life and work, including his time with the Grand Traverse Band's Natural Resources Department. Together, they explore topics such as the significance of treaty rights, the healing power of nature, and the importance of "walking in a good way."

This is part of the Indigenous Knowledges Series, a project of the Leelanau Conservancy. The goal is to elevate Aanishinaabeg voices in conservation through conversation.

Learn More: https://leelanauconservancy.org/indigenousknowledges.or Our producer and liaison is Mark Wilson of New Leonard Media https://newleonard.com/.