Dr. Catherine L. Dutton explores the concept of access through her journey as a sexuality educator entering the dating world for the first time in 2024. During that year she learned not only about relationships, but about how to access her authentic self. Using humor and relatable stories, Dr. Dutton discusses themes around identity and societal norms. (Did you know Netflix and Chill doesn't usually include actually watching Netflix??) This talk will resonate with anyone who has felt like they were starting from scratch or struggling to reconcile their inner self with external expectations.Catherine L. Dutton, PhD is an Associate Professor in the School of Human Sciences at Texas Woman’s University. With a doctorate in Family Studies, her research and presentations focus on innovative teaching practices and advocacy for parenting students. Beyond academia, Catherine speaks on finding your authentic self along with her own story of dating for the first time at 47. She shares insights on discovering one’s true self after a lifetime of prioritizing others’ expectations. Catherine is also an award-winning quilter whose work has appeared in national juried shows. She cherishes her role as a devoted aunt to eleven niblings and delights in the company of her three cats. An avid reader of books “that make others fall asleep,” she brings depth, warmth, and unexpected humor to conversations about life’s most challenging transitions.This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Stories aren’t folklore – they are survival. Learn how Indigenous storytelling traditions offer crucial insights for addressing water scarcity, climate change, and sustainable living practices rooted in thousands of years of earth-centered wisdom. Katłıà (Catherine) Lafferty is a Dene woƒman from Dënéndeh, Northwest Territories, whose northern roots and matrilineal lineage deeply inform her storytelling. She is working in the RELAW program (Revitalizing Indigenous law for land, air and water) at West Coast Environmental Law, a non-profit organization based in British Columbia that uses the law to address environmental issues. An accomplished author, her works include Northern Wildflower, Land-Water-Sky, This House is Not a Home, Firekeeper, and the forthcoming Mother Earth is Our Elder. Katłıà’s writing weaves together personal experience, Indigenous knowledge, and activism. She is a mother, grandmother, and daughter of many mothers, including Mother Earth. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx