UCLA LiveWell 88: The Story of a Wildcat: Community Resilience and Cultural Connection
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Oct 10, 2025 
Dr. Dan Wildcat, Haskell Indian Nations University professor and author who blends Indigenous wisdom with ecology and climate science. He explores eco-kinship versus anthropocentrism. He reflects on Vine Deloria Jr.’s influence and the writing of Red Alert. He discusses humility, storytelling, generosity, and reframing technology to strengthen community and resilience.
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From Sociology To Place-Based Teaching
- Dan Wildcat describes arriving at Haskell and falling in love with its Indigenous cultural diversity.
- That experience launched his shift from sociology toward integrating culture and place into environmental thinking.
How Walking Restored Hope
- Immersing himself in climate science for a year left Dan depressed about the forecasts.
- Walking outdoors and reconnecting with river, trees, and wind restored hope and inspired Red Alert.
Relatives Not Resources
- Anthropocentrism treats humans as the measure of all things and frames nature as resources.
- Indigenous eco-kinship reframes trees, rivers, and animals as relatives rather than resources.
