Ian Sanderson

Ian Sanderson (Mohawk Nation, Turtle clan) is a core faculty member in Environmental Studies at Naropa University and serves as a Visiting Instructor and Joanna Macy Earth Guardian Fellow at the Joanna Macy Center for Resilience & Regeneration. He holds a degree in Indigenous Studies from Trent University and brings 25+ years of experience in outdoor education, de-colonization programming, and cross-cultural philosophy integration across Indigenous, Eastern, and Western traditions.

His research focuses on regenerative frameworks that bridge socio-ecological systems, community resilience, and personal transformation. Key domains include Indigenous epistemologies, experiential learning methodologies, and applying complexity theory to environmental challenges. His work emphasizes practical strategies for cultural revitalization and ecological stewardship within diverse communities.

Awards & Fellowships:

• Joanna Macy Earth Guardian Fellow

He co-owns the Boulder Quest Center, training youth and adults in To-Shin-Do ninjutsu to cultivate inner resilience and conflict resolution skills. At the Joanna Macy Center, he develops systems-thinking approaches to navigate societal transitions. Sanderson resides in a regenerative community east of Boulder, integrating land-based practices with academic work.