Sand Talk

How Indigenous Thinking Can Save the World

By: Tyson Yunkaporta

Narrated by: Tyson Yunkaporta

Length: 7 hrs and 49 mins

Publisher's summary

A paradigm-shifting book in the vein of Sapiens that brings a crucial Indigenous perspective to historical and cultural issues of history, education, money, power, and sustainability - and offers a new template for living.

As an indigenous person, Tyson Yunkaporta looks at global systems from a unique perspective, one tied to the natural and spiritual world. In considering how contemporary life diverges from the pattern of creation, he raises important questions. How does this affect us? How can we do things differently?

In this thoughtful, culturally rich, mind-expanding book, he provides answers. Yunkaporta’s writing process begins with images. Honoring indigenous traditions, he makes carvings of what he wants to say, channeling his thoughts through symbols and diagrams rather than words. He yarns with people, looking for ways to connect images and stories with place and relationship to create a coherent world view, and he uses sand talk, the Aboriginal custom of drawing images on the ground to convey knowledge.

In Sand Talk, he provides a new model for our everyday lives. Rich in ideas and inspiration, it explains how lines and symbols and shapes can help us make sense of the world. It’s about how we learn and how we remember. It’s about talking to everyone and listening carefully. It’s about finding different ways to look at things. Most of all it’s about a very special way of thinking, of learning to see from a native perspective, one that is spiritually and physically tied to the earth around us, and how it can save our world.

Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2020 Tyson Yunkaporta (P)2020 HarperAudio

Life altering read!

One of the most significant and profoundly meaningful books I've read. It holds the sacred wisdom to bring the planet and her people back into alignment. Tyson is brilliant!

Ideas and principals for supporting creation

Highly recommend this great book. Loved that the author read it himself. Quality book in audio format, just make sure you look to the accompanying pdf included.

Please listen to this book for the good of our collective future

This book is very important for the survival of Life on our beloved planet. Thank you, Tyson, for your sacrifice and service to us all. 🙏

Everyone should read this book

amazing look into the thinking and wisdom of indigenous peoples. Tyson's narration is honest and easy to listen to. -GN

A Yarn for Humanity

As we walk through this life of learning, if we are lucky or well-guided, we may chance upon treasures of storytelling, of healing, of that certain something that fulfills a deep and indescribable need. If you're looking at this and this book, know now that you have found such a treasure. Listen to its wit and wisdom, then take it to heart and hand.

A yarn of understanding?

I was very surprised by the impact this book had on my way of thinking about the world of things, not through aboriginal ways of seeing, but through the disconnect of my western cultural history and language. Not saying I get it completely and maybe that's just the way it will be. But, I am listening again! So good! Thank you!

Good story telling and Relevant information

I liked the narration and subject matter. Grateful the author has shared his life learnings. Hopeful the dominant culture will realize converting global natural resources into commodities is a disaster unfolding.

Life changing & challenging

This beautifully written and read book is a “must read” for anyone working in social, justice, education, or development. It is challenging, yet accessible. It is humerus yet covers deadly serious topics. I would recommend this book especially to anyone teaching theory or methods (any discipline) in higher education. The book offers epistemological and ontological alternatives to western standards. I recommend this book, especially the audiobook, with my whole heart.

taking notes, journaling for complete integration

Looking for some deep truth telling with whole-body-resonant humor and all the strategies needed to save the planet that you can carry 'on the back of your hand' from an indigenous perspective?

Tyson Yunkaporta.

I'm not too sure why he is not more sought after by top podcasters, more publishers and world leaders alike. Publisher's note: "A paradigm-shifting book in the vein of Sapiens that brings a crucial Indigenous perspective to historical and cultural issues of history, education, money, power, and sustainability - and offers a new template for living." ...I guess they'll catch on in another 20 years. If you get the audio book - where you can listen to (engage with? I did) Yunkaporta's deeply sobering, rugged baritone voice, agile enough to achieve a hilarious but also loving gentle whimsy - be sure to download and study the accompanying PDF where he describes the simple-with-profound-implications drawings in his book narration. The less than great reviews of this book are by those who most likely can't sit with themselves.

ABSOLUTELY PROFOUND

Sand Talk is one of those books that can foundationally change the way one looks at life and how one relates to it, if one chooses to consider deeply the information which is passed on within - and between - the pages. Or so I've found. It is brilliantly and clearly written and read by the author. He draws upon his experience as an Aboriginal Australian mentored in traditional life values by valued members of the indigenous community in combination with his studies prior to obtaining his doctorate from a prestigeous Australian university.

The following are some of the topics into which he delves:
- Truths conveyed orally and pictorally allow for greater room of understanding, interpretation and personal application
- Respect is widely missing from interactions amongst people and groups (including nations)
- Lack of respect for the land and non-human inhabitants naturally follows with catastrophic consequences - one has only to look around at our world and at those who are at the pinacle of power in the hierarchical structure that control most aspects of our world - family, education, religion, political
- Heart is often looked upon as weakness, replaced with individual and group narcissism and brute strength

This is a beautifully written and read book and deserves a wide readership (or in this case, listenership). The messages that the author shares are profound, yet are presented in a light, enjoyable manner that's a pleasure to listen to. It definitely deserves a rating of six stars!