Paula Peters, the founder of the Native American creative agency SmokeSygnals, will explore the deep relationship between environmental health, Indigenous knowledge, and cultural practice. Focusing on native materials such as bulrush and wampum, the talk will show how plants and shells are not simply resources, but living connections to land, water, craft, and identity. Peters will discuss how invasive species, development, and ecological imbalance threaten these traditions—and how restoration efforts to bring native plants back can help renew both the landscape and the cultural practices rooted within it.

Attend in person: This lecture is free to the public at Smith Commons (5th floor), Sargent Hall, Suffolk University, 120 Tremont Street. The location is wheelchair accessible and has accessible restrooms. Seating is in free-standing chairs which may be moved.

Watch online: The Youtube live-stream will have auto-generated closed captions.