Our Story
The New People was born out of a deep sense that something vital has been forgotten in our past—and must be remembered. In a world increasingly disconnected from Nature, from spirit, and from one another, we are guided by the conviction that the solutions we seek lie not only in science or technology, but in reconnecting with ancient wisdom and a renewed relationship with the living Earth.
Founded by Mitchell Ryan Distin, PhD, The New People weaves together evolutionary science, ecopsychology, and Indigenous teachings to support the emergence of a more conscious, compassionate, and ecologically attuned society.
We are not here to save the world—we are here to help reimagine it.
Who We Are
Mitchell Ryan Distin, PhD, is the founder and visionary behind The New People. A transdisciplinary thinker and educator, his academic and professional journey spans the fields of evolutionary biology, history/philosophy of science, neuroscience, ecopsychology, anthropology, and spiritual ecology. His work is driven by a deep question: What kind of human culture is needed for life on Earth to flourish for the next seven generations?
Mitchell’s scholarly research explores the intersections of science, society, and meaning, and how shifts in collective consciousness ultimately shape cultural evolution. He is particularly interested in how ancient wisdom traditions can inform modern approaches to healing—both personal and planetary. With a background in evolutionary biology and the history/philosophy of biology, he has taught, written, and lectured on topics such as evolvability, multilevel selection theory, the evolution of modern medicine, a “deep” history of philosophy (to include Indigenous systems knowledge), societal/cultural evolution, and the ecological crisis as a deeply existential and spiritual emergency.
The Meaning Behind “The New People”
The name The New People is inspired by the Anishinaabe Seven Fires prophecy, which speaks of a time when humanity will face a crossroads. One path leads to destruction; the other, to renewal through a return to harmony with the Earth and each other. Those who choose the latter path of life are called The New People—a diverse, conscious movement carrying the sacred responsibility of rebalancing the world.
We honor this prophecy with humility and gratitude, recognizing the leadership of Indigenous nations in holding Earth-centered wisdom through generations of adversity.
Our Core Values
Ecopsychology
Healing the deep disconnection between mind and nature by restoring our relationship with the more-than-human world.
Ecospirituality
Recognizing the sacredness of all life and integrating spiritual awareness with ecological responsibility.
Multilevel Selection Theory (MLS)
Survival is distributed across biological levels of organization—genes, individuals, groups, species, ecosystems, and Gaia.
Cultural Humility
Approaching other traditions with respect, openness, and a willingness to listen, learn, and unlearn.
Prosocial Action
Turning values into impact through cooperative, community-rooted work that uplifts collective well-being.
Regenerative Imagination
Envisioning futures that heal, not harm—where creativity serves both people and planet.
Our Board
Darcia Narvaez, PhD
Board Member
Darcia Narvaez is Professor Emerita of Psychology at the University of Notre Dame, and Fellow of the American Psychological Association, American Educational Research Association, Association for Psychological Science, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Born in Minnesota (USA), she grew up living around the world as a bilingual/bicultural Puerto Rican-German American but calls Earth her home. Her earlier careers include professional musician, business owner, classroom music teacher, classroom Spanish teacher, and seminarian, among other endeavors. She uses an interdisciplinary approach to studying evolved morality, child development and human flourishing. Her most recent books include Restoring the Kinship Worldview, and The Evolved Nest: Nature’s Way of Raising Children and Creating Connected Communities. Her book, Neurobiology and the Development of Human Morality: Evolution, Culture and Wisdom won the 2015 William James Book Award from the American Psychological Association and the 2017 Expanded Reason Award. Her recent short films are Breaking the Cycle, The Evolved Nest, and Reimagining Humanity. She hosts the webpage EvolvedNest.org and serves as president of KindredWorld.org.
Dr. Sandra Cottingham-Cline, PhD
Board Member
Dr. Sandra L. Cottingham, MD, PhD, is a retired anatomic and neuropathologist who dedicated 25 years to clinical practice at Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She earned both her medical and doctoral degrees from the Rockefeller Institute in New York. Currently, Dr. Cottingham serves as a research pathologist at Spectrum Health and teaches medical students at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, where she is known for her commitment to mentoring future physicians. Beyond her professional endeavors, Dr. Cottingham is actively involved in her community. She serves on the board of Renew Mobility, a nonprofit organization that provides mobility equipment to individuals in need. In her personal life, she enjoys reading, knitting, crocheting, and caring for her extensive collection of houseplants. She resides in Ada, Michigan, with her husband, Steven Cline, and they cherish time spent with their two adult children, grandson, and two grand dogs.
Rev. Kurt Johnson, PhD
Board Member
Rev. Dr. Kurt Johnson is an evolutionary biologist, entomologist, and interfaith leader known for bridging science and spirituality. A former monastic and ordained in multiple traditions, he co-founded the InterSpiritual Dialogue in Action and co-authored The Coming Interspiritual Age. He is also a leading expert on butterflies, with over 200 scientific publications and the acclaimed book Nabokov’s Blues. Johnson works with numerous interfaith and UN-affiliated organizations, advocating for a more ethical, ecological, and spiritually grounded global society.
Lauren Harris, PhD
Board Member
Dr. Lauren Julius Harris is Professor Emeritus of Psychology at Michigan State University, where he specialized in cognitive and developmental neuropsychology. He earned his PhD in Child Psychology from the University of Minnesota in 1965 and joined MSU's faculty the same year, serving for over five decades.
Dr. Harris is internationally recognized for his research on brain lateralization, particularly the development of handedness and its psychological and neurological correlates. His work has explored asymmetries in perception and motor function across humans and animals, as well as the historical evolution of theories on brain localization. He has authored over 160 publications and served on editorial boards for journals such as Brain and Cognition, Developmental Neuropsychology, and Laterality.
Throughout his career, Dr. Harris received numerous honors, including election as a Fellow of the American Psychological Association and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He was awarded MSU’s Distinguished Faculty Award in 1995. His legacy continues to influence the fields of neuropsychology and developmental science.
Robert Swigart, PhD
Board Member
Dr. Rob Swigart is an author, poet, and archaeologist with a PhD in comparative literature. A former professor at San José State University, he is known for blending storytelling with science and technology. His award-winning book Mixed Harvest explores humanity’s shift from foraging to farming. A pioneer in digital fiction (Portal, 1986), Swigart has also worked with the Institute for the Future and helped found the Electronic Literature Organization.
Daniel Linneman, PhD
Board Member
R. Daniel Linneman is an educator and disability advocate with over two decades of experience in disability support systems. He began his career as a part-time cook in a group home and has since worked in various roles, including frontline staff, administrator, and researcher. Linneman is the author of Idiots: Stories about Mindedness and Mental Retardation, a book that challenges conventional views on intellectual disability by emphasizing the concept of "mindedness" and exploring the humanity of individuals often marginalized by diagnostic labels.