#176 iChange Justice Podcast - Exploring Whatcom County's Complex Landscape with Mel Hoover & Joy Gilfilen

In this lively podcast episode, host Joy Gilfilen has a fascinating conversation with Mel Hoover, who is considered part of the Silent Generation, and shares stories from his life growing up on the East Coast, when Washington Territory was not yet a state. 🇺🇸 Mel's lived experience is rooted in his diverse educational and religious knowledge; then expands to show his multi-faceted, intersectional background which includes his Cherokee and Seminole roots, his Black, Irish, and Jewish ancestry, and the impact of WWII on his family and him as he grew up in the aftermath of war, and during the civil rights era.

By contrast, Joy was born on the West Coast, part of the Baby Boomer Generation, less aware of what was happening on the East Coast, and very aware of how the Native American tribes were driven into Reservations, starved, and slaughtered by military actions, as the "West was Won" and entire tribes were genocided. This awareness stems from historical accounts and stories passed down by Native people living in the Northwest, experiences of prior generations in the region. The differences showed up as they discuss the role of Black newspapers and radio in shaping history. Their discussion weaves through cultural differences between the East and West Coasts, the power of storytelling in education, and the impact on wisdom and viewpoints. With warmth and curiosity, they explore local politics as it relates to 2025.

Then focus shifts to Joy's involvement in the law, justice, and jail industry economy in Whatcom County and how it intersects with patterns of thinking about tribal rights and Washington State’s prison history. The episode wraps up with thought-provoking topics for future dialogue, including the impact of British rule on issues we face today, the Boldt Decision and its effect on fisheries, the centuries-old impact of the Doctrine of Discovery, and a deep dive into issues we face today. Throughout, their exchange highlights the surprises of learning from different perspectives and the richness of shared experiences.