The following activities were designed by students in the 2022 Intro to EJ course to provide an opportunity to engage with Environmental Justice resources in a reflective way:
Vivian P. & Will
This resource includes a (non-exhaustive) list of EJ-focused courses offered at Macalester as well as discussion/reflection questions and a few suggestions for introductory readings.
Zaryn
For Macalester Students, Faculty, and Beyond
This Tree meditation is a guide to help us emotionally connect with the Land and care for Mother Earth. In connecting with the Land, we can be better allies to Indigenous Lands and Indigenous peoples.
In order to begin this meditation, go to a Tree. They can be your favorite Tree or just a Tree nearby. If you are inside, try to imagine this Tree in your mind.
Once you are with the Tree, begin to situate yourself. So, get in a comfortable position, it can be sitting or lying or however you like. Now, take a moment and pay attention to the sounds, sensations, and sights of the Tree and surrounding space. Acknowledge what you sense, and understand that you are not alone.
Next, you will center yourself. First, place your hand over your heart and take a moment to notice and feel the rhythm of your heartbeat. Once you’ve got it, inhale four for heartbeats and exhale for four heartbeats. Let any tension release as you breathe and continue this cycle a few more times.
Now that you are centered, you will embody this Tree which is to feel that you are the Tree. You should first ask permission. So, ask the Tree, verbally or in your own way, to embody them and wait until you feel a response. Once you receive permission, you can begin embodying the Tree. It can help to imagine your body and limbs growing into the branches and the trunk of the Tree and your feet turning into roots which dig into the ground.
As you embody the Tree, try to imagine the sensations the Tree is feeling. Perhaps the sensation of wind blowing through your leaves and branches, the scurrying of chipmunks up and down your trunk, or the warmth of sun on your Tree body.
As you come to situate youself in this Tree and empathize with them, you can start to ask this Tree what they need. For example, what does this Tree need to be happy? to be healthy? to be at peace? Sit with these questions for a good moment and try to notice what thoughts occur in your mind. Treat these thoughts as the Tree’s thoughts. Perhaps the Tree is saying they need water or companion Trees or more space. Remember what the Tree is telling you. As you meditate, continue to notice the sensations and communicate with the Tree about whatever you like.
When you are ready to return to yourself, thank the Tree for allowing you to embody them. Now, try to find your heartbeat again and begin the breathing exercise of inhaling and exhaling for four heartbeats. As you do so, imagine your body returning from the Tree’s to your own body. Start to notice the sensations of your own body. Allow yourself enough time to return comfortably to yourself.
When you have returned to yourself, it is okay to sit and reflect for a while on what you learned from the Tree.
Now, it is your decision to act. If the Tree told you they needed something, what can you do to help the Tree out? How can you be a good ally to the Tree? Think about your responsibility to take care of Mother Earth.
This meditation can be used with not just Trees, but with other beings such as Plants, Animals, Rocks, and Water. Hopefully you will continue to use this meditation and grow as an ally and environmental steward.
Image from Macalester News, May, 2021
Gene, Charlie & Dylan
Click the link below, then when Google Earth opens click "Present" to begin your waste tour. The tour will track various locations where waste originating from Macalester is sent and its impact on surrounding communities. Use the arrow keys to progress from stop to stop. Feel free to zoom out and view each place in the larger context of the cities and surrounding area.
Beya, Louise & Molly
Look at the chronological history and add in your own comments about important EJ milestones and activism, on campus and off!
Ryan & Zade
Take a look at some Native prairie plant and pollinators endemic to the Minnesota area! Try to find some nature around you, or check out the native plant garden by Olri to find some of these species!
Lucy & Oliver
Reflect on your relationship with the Mississippi River through poetry!
Kailey, Julia, & Jada
Learn Dakota words for your favorite Twin Cities bodies of water!
Lake Minnetonka > Mní iá Tháŋka
Minnehaha Creek > Mníȟaȟa Wakpádaŋ
Lake of the Isles > Wíta Tópa Bde
Bde Maka Ska
Lake Harriet > Bde Umáŋ
St. Anthony Falls > Owámniyomni
& 11 & 12. Mississippi River > Wakpá Tháŋka
Coldwater springs > Mniówe Sní
Mníȟaȟa Falls > Mní Iȟpáyedaŋ
Minnesota River > Mnísota Wakpá
To practice pronunciation, visit Indigenous artist Marlena Myles' website to find recordings of all the phrases.
Louise, Evelyn & Nora
The following infographics are a tool to begin the conversation around what land back can look like within society, your personal life, and at Macalester College.
Jamie & Vivian T.
This resource provides local food sources at Macalester and in the community. We encourage folks to explore these sources and utilize what you need. Each map can be printed for your convenience.