Ep.9: Insights on Nature Connection & Outdoor education approaches for Muslim children & families - Sr. Shehnaz Toorawa: Outdoor Educator

In this important conversation,  Dr. Tammara Soma, Assistant Professor at Simon Fraser University & Research Director of the Food Systems Lab,  speaks about her own personal journey towards the study of food, food systems and food waste from multiple dimensions.  Dr. Soma explains terms such as food resiliency, food systems mapping, food justice issues, and the circular economy system and how all these relate to issues of food.Dr. Soma connects social, environmental issues that are deeply entrenched in food systems and where these issues are often politically situated.Dr. Soma also reflects, through her own personal journey, on how Islam provides a clear framework that can guide us to many important solutions when it comes to food justice issues and how she as a scholar grounds her own work within an Islamic framework.Finally, she talks about her documentary "Food is my Teacher," which explores the healing nature of food, through relationships and personal connections to food as well as food insecurity.  She also provides highlights of upcoming projects and things to look out for.  ~~Dr. Tammara Soma MCIP RPP is an Assistant Professor at the School of Resource and Environmental Management (Planning program) at Simon Fraser University and Research Director of the Food Systems Lab. She conducts research on issues pertaining to food loss and waste (FLW), food systems planning, food security, Indigenous food sovereignty, and the circular food economy. She is routinely featured in international and local media (The Guardian, BBC, CBC, TVO, CTV, National Observer, Chatelaine and more) and is the co-director of the CBC documentary “Food is My Teacher.” Tammara is a registered professional planner and a proud mother of three.~~~~~~~~More info regarding  Dr. Soma's work can be found at:Food Systems Lab - https://foodsystemslab.ca/Food is my Teacher Documentary - https://brandyyanchyk.com/food-is-my-teacher~~Islam & Earth is a podcast that explores topics and issues related to earth connections through an Islamic worldview. Tune in every other Jumah (Friday) for a new episode! This podcast is part of the Islam & Earth Project, more information can be found at:https://www.islamandearth.com/https://www.instagram.com/islam.and.earth/https://twitter.com/islamandearth

In this majestic episode of Islam & Earth, Sr. Nadia Abuisnaineh, a NASA Solar System Exploration Ambassador,  speaks about how the majesty of the nightsky.  She discusses how this connects us the Creator and the wonders of the Qur'an.  Sr. Nadia provides examples of how the sahabi, and our previous predecessors connected to the nightsky, navigated using the nightsky.She discusses practical tips on how families can begin to explore the nightsky, local events and places to connect with and how it nurtures curiosity in children.Sr. Nadia also shares personal experiences about how she became excited about astronomy and nightsky exploration and how her fond memories of nights in Palestine inspired her to be awed by the nightsky.Finally, she talks about things to consider when we discuss climate change and atmospheric impacts on the skies above us. ~~Sr. Nadia Abuisnaineh was born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota. For as long as she can remember, she always had a deep fascination with the universe. She was one of those kids in school that knew what she wanted to study in college at a very young age, and that never changed, even as she got older. Her love and enthusiasm for math and science allowed her to pursue a Bachelors of Science Degree in Astrophysics from the University of Minnesota. After graduating in 2011, Nadia dedicated her time and talents to a couple non profit organizations in her community. She worked with Mishkah University, and helped launch AlMaghrib Institute classes in Minnesota. Her effort with these organizations taught her the meanings of community service and sacrifice toward a cause larger than herself. By providing community members with an experiential platform to seek knowledge, she enabled them to explore their culture and religious identities under world-renowned scholarship. In 2019, Nadia got accepted into NASA/JPL’s Solar System Ambassador program, where she, and hundreds of other volunteers across the US, engage the public in space and space exploration missions.  Nadia currently resides in Fridley, Minnesota, with her husband and three kids. She spends most of her time teaching her son and daughters how to navigate the world around them. She enjoys watching documentaries, walking around the state's many lakes, swimming, and stargazing.~~~~~~~~More info regarding  Sr. Nadia's work can be found at: https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/ambassadors/1828/~~Islam & Earth is a podcast that explores topics and issues related to earth connections through an Islamic worldview. Tune in every other Jumah (Friday) for a new episode! This podcast is part of the Islam & Earth Project, more information can be found at:https://www.islamandearth.com/https://www.instagram.com/islam.and.earth/https://twitter.com/islamandearth

In this episode of Islam & Earth in the last Jumah of Jumada al-Awwal, 1445,  Dr. Nick Estes, a member of the lower Brule Sioux Tribe, Professor of American Indian Studies, as well as co-founder of the Red Nation Movement, and Indigenous Solidarity with Palestine speaks both of his personal experiences as well as the work he leads on Indigenous solidarity with Palestine on the deep and direct connections between Indigenous realities and the ongoing Palestinian gen0c!d*.Dr. Estes touches on the historical, socio-political, as well as spiritual connections that connect the resistance of Indigenous peoples in North America and around the world to the Palestinian resistance against an apartheid state.  "...We still continue this long line of resistance, that we have these embers that can burst into flames in moments of rupture that we are seeing now..." he says.  He speaks from his own experiences in visiting Palestine and the feelings that overwhelmed him when he witnessed mass unmarked graves of Palestinian peoples.In this conversation, he  discusses how language and media connect to the erasure and ethnic cleansing process of both Indigenous peoples around the world as well as people in Gaza.  He also provides insight on healing, and where hope becomes a journey that humanity, collectively must move towards.~~Dr. Nick Estes is an enrolled member of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe and is an Assistant Professor in American Indian Studies at the University of Minnesota.  He studies colonialism and global Indigenous histories, focusing on decolonization, oral history, U.S. imperialism, environmental justice, anti-capitalism, and the Oceti Sakowin.  Dr. Estes is the author of the award-winning book Our History Is the Future: Standing Rock Versus the Dakota Access Pipeline, and the Long Tradition of Indigenous Resistance (2019), which places the Indigenous-led movement to stop the Dakota Access Pipeline into historical context.   Dr. Estes co-hosts the Red Nation podcast and is the lead editor of Red Media, an Indigenous-run non-profit media organization that publishes books, videos, and podcasts. Estes is also a member of the Oceti Sakowin Writers Society (formerly Oak Lake Writers Society), a network of Dakota, Nakota, and Lakota writers committed to defend and advance Oceti Sakowin sovereignty, cultures, and histories. He is also an award-winning journalist whose writing has been featured in the Guardian, The Intercept, Jacobin, Indian Country Today, The Nation, NBC News, The Funambulist Magazine, High Country News, and the New Yorker.~~~~~~~~More info regarding  Dr. Este's work can be found at:Indigenous Solidarity with Palestine: https://indigenousforpalestine.org/ The Red Nation Website:   https://therednation.org/Twitter:   https://x.com/nickwestes?s=20Our History is the Future book: ~~Islam & Earth is a podcast that explores topics and issues related to earth connections through an Islamic worldview. Tune in every other Jumah (Friday) for a new episode! This podcast is part of the Islam & Earth Project, more information can be found at:https://www.islamandearth.com/https://www.instagram.com/islam.and.earth/https://twitter.com/islamandearth

In this second Jumah of Rabi al- Akhar,  as more than 20 days of genocidal attacks in Gaza are passing, this podcast episode is a conversation with Abeer Butmeh, an environmental engineer who is in Palestine right now.She shares what is happening right now in Gaza, what the immediate impacts are, what the projected long-term impacts will be on the land and the people of Gaza.  She shares some of the studies regarding previous attacks on Gaza and how this has caused infertility of the land, soils, and water.  Sr. Abeer discusses what is needed from the international community right now and how environmental activists can engage in standing up against the genocide and ecocide that is happening in Gaza right now.~~Sr. Abeer Butmeh is the Coordinator of Palestinian Environmental NGOs Network - Friends of Earth PalestineShe obtained her B.A. and Masters degree from Ber Zeit university specialising in water and environmental engineering. She has worked in this field since 2006. She leads through campaigning, coordination, communication and facilitation between deferent bodies. She has focussed in institutional development, monitoring and evaluation procedures, financial management, project management, and procurement procedures. She is a trainer in water, waste water and environmental issues.She also is an active member in many Social and environmental networks at local and international levelShe has participated in local and international conferences related to water and environment, and in many environmental research studies locally. She has written and published on many platforms including Al-Jazeera, she has published in academic outlets through the University of Denver’s school of theology, and many other important climate change platforms.~~~~~~~~More info regarding  Sr. Abeer's work  and PENGON's projects can be found at:Facebook: Pengon-foe PalestineWebsite -www.pengon.orgBook chapter: "Blockade & Climate Change Vulnerability," see ch. 3~~Islam & Earth is a podcast that explores topics and issues related to earth connections through an Islamic worldview. Tune in every other Jumah (Friday) for a new episode! This podcast is part of the Islam & Earth Project, more information can be found at:https://www.islamandearth.com/https://www.instagram.com/islam.and.earth/https://twitter.com/islamandearth

 In this special LIVE recorded episode of Islam & Earth,  three guests: Nazish Qureshi (Muslim Climate Watch); Kadjahtou Balde (Faithfully Sustainable); and Tasnim Mellouli (Climate Justice Activist) join for a very critical conversation on climate justice and Palestinian justice issues.These three guests provide deep insights on how the Palestinian genocide is deeply entrenched in a colonial occupation and how this has impacted Palestinian lands for decades.  They provide practical tips for how climate activists can educate themselves, how to take meaningful action and also how we, who are watching the atrocities of this genocide take place, can stay grounded and find ease through such difficult times.Finally, as they share many different tips on how to engage and stand up against this genocide, they remind us of the importance of prayers at this time.Take a listen and share ~~Nazish Qureshi is a Muslim climate organizer and activist based in Washington, DC. She is the founder of Muslim Climate Watch, a Muslim-led climate justice organization. Muslim Climate Watch tracks and documents the devastating loss and damage from climate change and demands climate reparations, and aims to inspire climate action that is embedded in Islam and guided by the life of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).Tasnim Mellouli is a higher education professional with a background of working on environmental issues and engaging the Muslim community in climate justice movements. She graduated from the University of Central Florida with a BS in Environmental Studies, and currently works at the university connecting students to research opportunities. She is passionate about connecting Islam to contemporary environmental justice issues and is interested in the interconnectedness of people and nature.Kadjahtou Balde is the founder and Chief Steward Officer for Faithfully Sustainable which holds a vision for a future where Muslim-led initiatives are at the forefront of tackling every environmental crisis, promoting equitable and regenerative solutions that reflect Islamic principles of oneness, empathy, and justice.  Kadjahtou has managed economic development projects, for entrepreneurship development centers in the state of New York.~~~~~~~~More info regarding the work of these guests can be found at:Muslim Climate Watch:https://muslimclimatewatch.com/https://www.instagram.com/MuslimClimateW/https://twitter.com/MuslimClimateWFaithfully Sustainable:https://www.faithfullysustainable.org/https://www.instagram.com/faithfully.sustainable/Tasnim Mellouli:https://www.instagram.com/tasnim_mem/~~Islam & Earth is a podcast that explores topics and issues related to earth connections through an Islamic worldview. Tune in every other Jumah (Friday) for a new episode! This podcast is part of the Islam & Earth Project, more information can be found at:https://www.islamandearth.com/https://www.instagram.com/islam.and.earth/https://twitter.com/islamandearth

In this episode of Islam & Earth in the second Jumah of Rabi ul Awwal, 1445,  Sr. Tazeen Hasan, human rights advocate speaks about the environmental genocide that is happening in Kashmir.Sr. Tazeen explains how armed conflict impacts human rights, cause environmental catastrophes and how both are related, causing damage in manifold.She explains how the environment is a hidden victim of the occupation, and how environmental occupation is frequently underreported and has lethal repercussions for the Indigenous Kashmiri population.  Sr. Tazeen explains the extent of destruction where massive glacier melting in Indian administered Kashmir, are melting two times faster than the rate of glaciers melting in other parts of the world, which is the main source of waters for Kashmiris.  She also speaks about the extensive deforestation and smuggling of timber from Kashmir, to intentional destruction of apple orchards and cutting trees on immense scales, Sr. Tazeen explains the way this impacts the livelihoods of Kashmiris on a daily basis. Sr. Tazeen explains how India's illegal occupation has led to extensive amounts of unregulated pilgrimage in the region, despite experts calling its implications to be irreversible damage.    "It is no less than the nuclear war, and I will call it genocide," she says.Sr. Tazeen also offers practical advice and explains that Allah(swt) obligates us to struggle, but doesn't obligate us for results.  Instead, she advises that we should raise awareness, educate the masses, lobby with the government, and collaborate with other organizations.Finally, Sr. Tazeen speaks of how we as Muslims approach such difficulties: Hope lies in the presence of God, she shares.~~Sr. Tazeen Hasan is a writer,  researcher, and a passionate advocate for human rights, currently affiliated with Justice For All, Canada. She received the 2020 Harvard Spotlight Award for her outstanding coverage of the Uyghur Genocide. Her work involved immersive experiences living amongst Uyghur refugees in two different cities in Turkey.Tazeen is also a contributor to two anthologies published in Canada. She has contributed to major media outlets across South Asia, North America, and the Middle East. Her pieces have been published on BBC Urdu, Independent Urdu, Clarion (India), and the Sharq-al-Awsat group in Saudi Arabia.Tazeen has spoken on global forums, including the United Nations human Rights Council and Amnesty International.~~~~~~~~More info regarding  Sr. Tazeen's work can be found at:Rotten Apples, the Systematic Destruction of Kashmir's Economy and United Nations Millennium Goals -articleI am a Kashmiri glacier, and I am witnessing an environmental genocide - article  ~~Islam & Earth is a podcast that explores topics and issues related to earth connections through an Islamic worldview. Tune in every other Jumah (Friday) for a new episode! This podcast is part of the Islam & Earth Project, more information can be found at:https://www.islamandearth.com/https://www.instagram.com/islam.and.earth/https://twitter.com/islamandearth

In this episode of Islam & Earth in the last Jumah of Safar, 1445,  Sr. Tenille Fatimah, a quilter, and natural dyer, takes us on a journey through her experiences of transitioning into living off the grid, and how it is connected to her own journey in Islam. Sr. Tenille delves into how quilting, natural dying and living off the grid are so interrelated.  She speaks about her own journey into connecting artisanal practises of natural dying and farming are connected to Islamic traditions.  She also explains her own journey of moving beyond the traumatic transatlantic slave and cotton growing experiences, to the artisanal practises that are more connected to the traditional practises within the African continent and what she has learned through her experiences.Sr. Tenille reflects on how living off the grid has deepened her own understanding of Islamic traditions and connect to an understanding of how the Prophet(saw) and the first generations lived with complete tawakkul and how this has even enabled her to build deeper tawakkul and strengthen her salah.  She is even working on a compilation on the 40 hadith of off-grid living!Finally, Sr. Tenille offers some practical advice on living more sustainably, and natural dying practises. ~~ Sr. Tenille Fatimah is an avid quilter & natural dyer currently living between her off-grid homestead in rural GA and the Southwestern desert of Las Vegas. She is a mother of six and a die-hard Star Wars fan. You can find her on IG showcasing her quilts & dye experiments, as well as talking about the Blackest and greenest of things. ~~~~~~~~More info regarding  Sr. Tenille's work can be found at:Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/tenillefati/Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/quilted_salah/Botanical dying resources created by Sr. Tenille: https://docs.google.com/document/d/10Z_v1y7-wFEqktZeJaPig1PRaIdOrTq6X-BPWVJNCps/edit~~Islam & Earth is a podcast that explores topics and issues related to earth connections through an Islamic worldview. Tune in every other Jumah (Friday) for a new episode! This podcast is part of the Islam & Earth Project, more information can be found at:https://www.islamandearth.com/https://www.instagram.com/islam.and.earth/https://twitter.com/islamandearth

In this episode of Islam & Earth in the last Jumah of Muharram, 1445,  Sr. Elle OumGhazi, a nature enthusiast and birder passionately shares insights from her experiences as a birder.  From sharing about her own journey to birding, to the ways that birding and time in nature support well-being, Sr. Elle provides a wealth of insight into how these beautiful and intricate creations of Allah(swt) invite us to reflect and appreciate the natural world around us.Sr. Elle also speaks about her own journey as a visibly Muslim and black birder brings opportunities for da'wah within this unique space as well as reflections on how Qur'anic verses and sunnah guide her journey as a birder.She speaks about the impacts of human behaviours and climate change on bird habitat and population and how we can think about building more bird-friendly habits.She also provides some ideas on how one can begin to start their own birding journey with recommendations on resources and approaches! ~~Sr. Elle OumGhazi is a Black/mixed-race bird watcher, nature photographer, single-momma to multiple amazing mini’s and general lover of the outdoors. With over two decades of birdwatching under her belt, Elle stands as a seasoned Senior Product Operations Director within a Public Health Agency by day and avid nature enthusiast by the weekend. Currently training as a Birding Audubon Trip Guide, Elle dives into the healing aspect of mindfulness and Nature Therapy through studying Allah’s creation within the natural world. ~~~~~~~~More info regarding  Sr. Elle's work can be found at:Website -  https://outdoorhijabi.ghost.io/Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/outdoorhijabi/Threads: @outdoorhijabi~~Islam & Earth is a podcast that explores topics and issues related to earth connections through an Islamic worldview. Tune in every other Jumah (Friday) for a new episode! This podcast is part of the Islam & Earth Project, more information can be found at:https://www.islamandearth.com/https://www.instagram.com/islam.and.earth/https://twitter.com/islamandearth

In this episode of Islam & Earth in the Ashura Jumah of Muharram, 1445,  Sr. Shehnaz Toorawa, a Certified Outdoor Educator shares insights on how engaging Muslim children and families in outdoor immersive experiences can enhance their connection to the Creator and instill a deep and authentic sense of khalifah within them.  Sr. Shehnaz is the co-founder and co-director of Earth Steps, where they believe Nature provides unmatched opportunities for learning and growth. For children, time in nature, especially in a variety of terrains and weather conditions, builds resilience, confidence, foresight and wisdom to face life's challenges. She explains how behavioural issues dissipate and unique strengths surface in natural settings where kids are free to be themselves. Sr. Shehnaz shares about her personal journey into outdoor education and what led her to co-found Earth Steps.  She also shares personal insights on the ways she overcame some challenges in trailblazing into a space which doesn't have a lot of Muslim presence.   Finally, she provides some practical advice on some simple ways that families can build a more nature-focussed approach within their lives, inshaAllah.~~Sr. Shehnaz Toorawa is the co-director of EarthSteps, an organization that provides nature immersion and outdoor education programs for children, youth, women and families. She is an educator, writer, avid hiker and nature enthusiast. She holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of Toronto and loves teaching in outdoor settings.   She is a Girl Guides and Scouts leader and has taught homeschool nature programs at the Willow Park Ecology Center.   She is a homeschooler and board member of the Toronto Muslim Homeschoolers. She loves organizing outdoor trips and adventures for children, youth and women.   She believes a connection to nature deeply strengthens our connection to Our Creator. ~~~~~~~~More info regarding  Sr. Shehnaz's work can be found at:Website -  https://earthsteps.ca/Instagram:   https://www.instagram.com/earth_steps/~~Islam & Earth is a podcast that explores topics and issues related to earth connections through an Islamic worldview. Tune in every other Jumah (Friday) for a new episode! This podcast is part of the Islam & Earth Project, more information can be found at:https://www.islamandearth.com/https://www.instagram.com/islam.and.earth/https://twitter.com/islamandearth

In this special episode of Islam & Earth in the last Jumah of Dhul Hijjah, 1444,  a 4-panelist discussion with Muslim youth from around the world explores what drives these youth to lead climate action workThis panel features:Sr. Hania Imran, 19 year old climate activist, Founder of Youth Climate Activists Pakistan with a 100+ activists from all across Pakistan where we organize, mobilize and have conversations regarding the climate crisis.   She's also a Global Youth Leadership Council member of Earth Uprising International. https://www.instagram.com/ycapk/?hl=enhttps://twitter.com/yca_pk?lang=en~~Br. Mohammad Ahmadi, a 20-year-old Iranian climate justice activist based in the United States. He's the Co-founder and Global Youth Leadership Director of Earth Uprising International and Co-founder and Communications Director of the MENA Youth Network.  He was selected by the COP28 Presidency as an International Youth Climate Delegate and by the UN to represent Iran at Youth4Climate Pre-COP26, and was a delegate at the UN Youth Climate Summit and LCOY USA.  Mohammad is an environmental sustainability student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where he is working towards the complete fossil fuel divestment by the university.  He was also selected as a 2023 GYCN MTE Climate Ambassador, has worked on collaborations with the FAO, World Food Forum, Ecosia, Earth Day Network, Islamic Development Bank, MoveOn, and has been featured by BBC, VICE, and the Chicago Tribune.https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohammad-ahmadi-142305172~~Nouhad Awwad is the Ummah for Earth campaigner and Global Outreach Coordinator at Greenpeace-MENA. She holds a BSc. in environmental health and a master’s degree in Environmental Sciences with a concentration in environmental policy planning from the American University of Beirut. Nouhad has a certificate from Duke University in the One Health Program; and attended a course on U.S Foreign Policy in Global Era at Elliott School of International Affairs at the University of George Washington University. In 2015, Nouhad started the Arab youth climate movement chapter in Lebanon and participated in COP21 and attended COP22, COP23, COP24,  COP25, and COP26  as an observer. She attended the Climate Chance Conference in Agadir as a keynote speaker and participated in YOUNGO conferences of Youth: COY12, COY13, and COY14. She was elected as YOUNGO focal point for 2017 in which she works to empower young people so that they have a voice at UNFCCC conferences, as well as to promote youth participation. http://ummah4earth.org/~~Tasnim Mellouli is a higher education professional with a background of working on environmental issues and engaging the Muslim community in climate justice movements. She has a BS in Environmental Studies, and currently works at the University of Florida, connecting students to research opportunities. She's passionate about connecting Islam to contemporary environmental justice issues and is interested in the interconnectedness of people and nature. ~~Islam & Earth is a podcast that explores topics and issues related to earth connections through an Islamic worldview. Tune in every other Jumah (Friday) for a new episode! This podcast is part of the Islam & Earth Project, more information can be found at:https://www.islamandearth.com/https://www.instagram.com/islam.and.earth/https://twitter.com/islamandearth