For this episode, Mos Def and Talib Kweli (aka Cody and Dan) are going #beyondFLG with Colleen Cooley (@ccoolio2). Typically our introductions have included statements about the current working roles and responsibilities of the individual with a focus on achievement. However, Colleen demonstrated a different model of introductions that we’d like to honor. Pay close attention to how she introduces herself with a focus on her personal history and heritage.
For now, let us say that Colleen grew up splitting time between Shonto, Blue Gap, and Flagstaff, AZ. She grew a meaningful connection with the lands, plants, animals, and water around her that led to becoming a river guide and consulting activist. Currently, Colleen maintains her connection to the environment around her by advocating for the rights of the people and the natural world in this area. She has a powerful and important voice. Be sure to catch the “Beyond the Pandemic” series orchestrated by Colleen in which the topic of incorporating indigenous voices into decisions about the land, including the Grand Canyon, are addressed. Two episodes in those series have been released with two more on the way. Check out links to that series and other links to Colleen’s work below and follow Colleen Cooley on the IG, @ccoolio2. With that said, let’s go #beyondFLG with Colleen Cooley.
Water Flows Together
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrIa7y1P_f4
Inhabitants
https://www.inhabitantsfilm.com/
Beyond the Pandemic: Indigenous Sovereignty https://youtu.be/RonA0k6aZh8
Beyond the Pandemic: Diversity in the Outdoors
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npLT0Gr4GUI&feature=youtu.be
KNAU: Not Your Playground
https://www.knau.org/post/not-your-playground-indigenous-voices-grand-canyon-s-centennial
TED: Our Relationship with Water
https://www.npr.org/programs/ted-radio-hour/899822853/our-relationship-with-water
Flagstaff is a remarkable place full or remarkable people. Some may even say that Flagstaff is the best place on Earth and some may say that such a statement is hyperbolic. Either way, there is no other place exactly like it, and that includes the people that contribute to it. Flagstaff is full of people with diverse backgrounds that possess a wide range of interests, skills, and stories. This variety of interests, skills, and stories contributes to the textured and unique feel of the area.
#BeyondFLG is a podcast aimed at highlighting the natural beauty of this region and the peoples that contribute to it. Some may describe this podcast as award winning based on the badges given to it through the podcast platform while others may say that the show is underproduced and overstated. #beyondFLG is hosted by two local psychologists and founders of Beyond the Pines, A Flagstaff Wellness Collective; Cody Bayles and Dan Phillips. Their values lie in promoting connection to self, others, and the natural world and their efforts occasionally hit somewhere near that mark, let’s say adjacent to it. Join them as they go #beyondFLG with members of the Flagstaff community and explore the overall connection to the area, their craft, and others.