Stephen Augustine and Wolf-Dieter Storl on Nature, Spirit and the Wisdom of the Land

In this Interview

This conversation brings together Mi’kmaq knowledge, ethnobotany and Friends United’s work in cultural education to reflect on how people can reconnect with nature and future generations.

Reconnecting with Nature

Rolf Bouman opens the conversation by reflecting on the beauty of Cape Breton’s Indian summer and the importance of the four elements. He asks how today’s young generation can remain connected to nature, their roots and the living world around them.

Wolf-Dieter Storl answers that human beings are not separate from nature. Even in modern cities, people can reconnect by noticing small signs of life — a plant growing through pavement, the warmth of the sun, or an ant moving across a wall.

Learning from the Land

Stephen Augustine explains that many teachings are embedded in the land itself. He describes how children can learn through direct experience outdoors, by growing plants, observing cycles and understanding that human life depends on Mother Earth.

The conversation highlights the importance of taking learning beyond the classroom and helping children experience nature as a living, changing environment.

Body, Mind and Spirit

The discussion then turns to body, mind and spirit as one whole. Wolf-Dieter Storl speaks about human beings as spiritual beings within a spiritual world, connected to plants, animals and even stones.

Stephen Augustine shares Mi’kmaq perspectives on shadow, ancestors, spirit and the body. He explains that mind, body and spirit are deeply connected, and that wisdom is not limited to the brain alone.

Stewardship, Respect and Belonging

Stephen Augustine also reflects on the idea of stewardship. Rather than seeing humans as being above the land, he describes birds, plants, animals and fish as brothers and sisters. The conversation moves toward a deeper sense of respect, belonging and responsibility.

Wisdom for Future Generations

Toward the end of the interview, both guests speak about the need to listen to people who carry lived knowledge, ancestral teachings and close relationships with nature. Wolf-Dieter Storl also reflects on learning from plants and from Indigenous friends who encouraged him to return to his own roots.

The interview closes as an invitation to ask deeper questions about where we come from, where we are, and where we should be going.