Ecology, Spirituality, Sustainability: Feminist and Indigenous Interventions

Friday, April 11, 2014 and Saturday, April 12, 2014
The 21st Annual Women's Studies Conference

Keynote Speakers

Majora Carter: Visionary, urban revitalization strategist, and public radio host

Dr. Hyun Kyung Chung: Korean eco-feminist and theologian and Associate Professor of Ecumenical Studies, Union Theological Seminary in the City of New York

At this critical juncture as we face waves of ecological crises and witness spiritual alienation from the earth, critical reflections on the relationship between humans and the natural world are more urgent than ever. Our 21^st annual conference seeks to examine feminist and Indigenous analyses and interventions on the exploitation and degradation of the natural world, and to promote the feminist-Indigenous resistance and sustainability initiatives that address the crises on planet earth. This conference will also highlight and showcase feminist and Indigenous thinking and practice against the intersecting oppressions across race, ethnicity, class and sexuality vis-à-vis the natural realm and continuum of species. 

We invite you to consider some of the following questions at this conference: What role have eco-feminist theories and practices played in countering the capitalist and patriarchal models of human interaction with nature? How can indigenous spiritual philosophies and practices in defying the patriarchal distortions of the essence, purpose and value of nature play a role in turning the tide? What are some of the global movements that bring eco-feminist principles and indigenous values into practice?  How have women in communities throughout the world fought against the destructive forces of industry, politics and human greed to defend the ecological integrity of their homelands? What are some of the best practices of sustainability to restore the ecological health of the environment?