For the Whole to Flourish

“The most important thing each of us can know is our unique gift and how to use it in the world. Individuality is cherished and nurtured, because, in order for the whole to flourish, each of us has to be strong in who we are and carry our gifts with conviction, so they can be shared with others.” ― Robin Wall Kimmerer, Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants

I’m thrilled to share the second installment of Legacy’s “Women and Femmes in Interpretation” two-part series. In this issue, you’ll journey through time and across continents and oceans to uncover narratives that lie unnoticed or have been silenced. Stories of place are central in this edition, along with the evolving accounts of peoples, landscapes, and interpretive sites over time.

In Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants, one of my favorite authors, Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer, writes, “Transformation is not accomplished by tentative wading at the edge.” The authors in this issue step wholeheartedly into their work—from centering Indigenous knowledge, to highlighting how gender inequality persists through generations, to how shared trauma can lead to new possibilities. These authors are reimagining interpretation to ensure it is more inclusive, vibrant, and authentic.

Through articles in this issue, you will learn from Indigenous knowledge holders and Elders. They share how Indigenous communities are upholding their cultural ties to land and place, the very source of their identity. You will gain insights into how interpretive sites are collaborating with Indigenous partners. Together, they are co-creating programs based on mutual learning and engagement in their shared responsibilities to people and place.

Stories in this issue span time scales. They delve into how sites interpret earth’s history in the span of billions of years, to events that occurred within human history thousands of years ago, and more recent history with generations of people learning from each other. Authors describe how they collaborate with local communities to craft interpretive encounters for visitors. One author reflects on her time at a museum and its history, emphasizing the importance of engaging visitors with deep time, geology, and the evolving understanding of Earth's past and future. And they explore ways in which interpreters at a UNESCO World Heritage Site are challenging patriarchal norms and promoting gender equality through transformational interpretive experiences.

Furthermore, authors share narratives from sites where women and femmes have been marginalized, concealed, and disregarded, a practice that is replicated across the world. They challenge the uniform portrayal of womanhood and advocate for embracing the diverse range of experiences and viewpoints within it. They explore how interpreters are reevaluating and reinterpreting history from a more honest and inclusive perspective, aiming to shape a future that honors and embraces the stories of all people.

As I close out my role as guest editor for Legacy's "Women and Femmes in Interpretation" series, I would like to extend my deep gratitude to the authors who trusted me and NAI with their stories. As Robin Wall Kimmerer wrote, "The most important thing each of us can know is our unique gift and how to use it in the world." Through the exploration of narratives spanning space and time, we've witnessed the power of embracing individuality and acknowledging the diverse tapestry of human experiences. The authors in this series have demonstrated a commitment to transformation, challenging norms, and fostering inclusivity in interpretation. As we carry forward the lessons learned from these articles, may we continue to nurture our unique gifts, share them with conviction, and strive for a future where every voice is heard, and every story honored.