Summer Soundwalk Series: Billie J. Warren

Join us for an enlightening and serene event, “Embracing Soundscapes: An Acoustic Ecology Journey,” where we delve into the profound relationship between sound and the environment from the unique perspective of the Potawatomi people.

Our event will bridge gaps between Western Science and Traditional Ecological Knowledge, and will feature Potawatomi speaker Billie Kerner (she, her, hers), who will share her deep insights into acoustic ecology. She will guide us through a relaxing exploration of how sounds shape and are shaped by the natural world around us. This journey will highlight the integral role of sound in Potawatomi language, culture, and spirituality.

Participants will be immersed in the rich tapestry of natural sounds, learning to listen with intention and appreciate the symbiotic relationship between the environment and the auditory experiences it offers. From the whisper of the wind through the trees to the calls of native birds, each sound tells a story and holds significance in the Potawatomi way of life.

Key Highlights:

Cultural Insights: Understand how sounds are interwoven with Potawatomi traditions and beliefs.

Language Connection: Discover the importance of auditory elements in the Potawatomi language.

Spirituality and Sound: Explore the spiritual significance of natural sounds in Potawatomi practices.

Guided Listening Sessions: Participate in guided sessions to experience and appreciate the sounds of nature in a new and profound way.

This event promises to be a peaceful and reflective experience, inviting participants to deepen their connection with the natural world through the lens of acoustic ecology. Come prepared to listen, learn, and leave with a renewed appreciation for the sounds that surround us every day.

Location: Burnham Wildlife Corridor at 47^th St & Cornell Drive, by the Caracol Gathering Space.

Reserve your spot today and embark on a journey of sound and nature that will resonate long after the event concludes. RSVP here: https://forms.gle/LKWWhNYYJAdeEqTh6

Billie Warren is a citizen of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi and is Bear Clan. Billie has been an educator, environmentalist, humanitarian, and beadwork artist for more than twenty years. Recognizing the climate change urgency, she is the founder of the nonprofit organization Jibek Mbwakawen Inc., which aims to improve the environment by connecting people to the land from an indigenous perspective. She holds a BA degree from Indiana University Northwest and is currently pursuing a graduate degree.

In partnership with Night Out In The Parks and the Chicago Park District, our program consists of a series of guided soundwalks, workshops and training sessions that engage multi-generational communities in their own neighborhoods. Participants will listen to and for cultural and natural features of the landscape. Rivers, streets, residential and commercial dwellings, traffic patterns, human and animal sounds all feature in these soundscapes. Are plants tuning in, contributing, or responding to all this sound? How do we listen culturally, collaboratively, and more carefully?

Graphic by Madeline Stocking.