2022 INTRODUCTION TO PODCASTING GRADUATES
Good Influence Films supports First Nations, Métis and Inuit young people in amplifying their voices through offering a comprehensive and hands-on 15-week training program in podcasting and digital storytelling. The program is online and open to Indigenous youth residing in Canada, with a priority to youth living in rural and remote areas.
The original curriculum was developed with One Dish One Mic founders Sean Vanderklis and Karl Dockstader, and the training is led by industry professionals, who have hands-on experience in podcasting and broadcasting.
MEET THE 2022 GRADUATES
Zorga Qaunaq is an Inuk originally from Igloolik, Nunavut, but has since lived in Nunatsiavut, Nunavik, and Iqaluit. After working at the college Nunavut Sivuniksavut for a decade, Zorga now works full time as an artist. She is co-owner of Chinu Designs, creating sealskin jewelry. She also works to revitalize traditional Inuit tattooing practices. Zorga hopes to open up the dialogue about Inuit culture and identity with tattoos, and to help strengthen the relationship between Inuit and their history. Her episodes celebrate Inuit diversity and resilience through interviews with other Inuit. She talks to Alice Qannik Glenn, host of the Coffee & Quaq Podcast; Simik Komaksiutiksak, a dancer and circus artist; and Terry Uyarak, a Juno-nominated singer-songwriter and circus artist.
Jewelry Website: Chinudesigns.squarepace.com
Nika Paziuk is a Meìtis podcaster and community member based in Edmonton. She currently works for her community assisting fellow Métis Albertans with education, employment, and training services.This work in her community has sparked her drive to listen and learn more about the complex histories and hardships Indigenous people in Canada face today. On season 3 she tackles the modernization of Meìtis while interviewing Jolene Banning and Kim Wheeler, hosts of Auntie Up! She brings awareness to what a true Indigenous lens means in the media, the power of music with Meìtis fiddler Brianna Lizotte, and the process of reclaiming heritage with fellow cycle breaker Makayla Higham.
Mathieu Germain Goodman is a innu-montangais mashteuiatsh community member born in Roberval and brought up in a quiet town north of Ottawa. Mathieu is candid about his journey to sobriety and what has allowed him to become happy and grounded with the Creator. Mathieu has turned his van into a virtual studio and is traveling across the country learning to live in harmony with natural cycles and with his life rooted in traditional teachings. He interviewed Guillaume Collin and Jack Belhumeur to discuss the inspiring work they do with Wapikoni Mobile, a project that supports Indigenous youth to share their voices and stories through film, music and sound.
Kassidy Bernard, is an L’nu’k (Mi’kmaq) and Scottish two-spirit youth from We’koqma’q, Unama’ki. They co-own Patuo’kn Illustration and Design with their older sister Kaylyn, and hold an elected role as Indigenous Rep for CFS-NS. They aim to create space for L’nu’k to share stories, teachings and lived experiences. Episodes include interviews with Maisyn and Camryn Sock, twin hosts of the podcast burnt toast & pitewey.
To learn more about Kassidy’s design company Patuokn visit: https://patuokn.com/
Yakotshanuni Kathleen Doxtator, an Oneida Nation of the Thames-based podcaster, teacher, creative and entrepreneur. Yakotshanuni means she is happy in the Oneida language and that encompasses and embodies the work that Kathleen does in language revitalization, community wellbeing, politics, and lifelong learning. During season 3 she speaks with cycle breaker and Indigenous Podcaster Kesha Tipewan, and Indigenous Influencer Marley Max about stepping into feminine power, and converses with her cousin Brandon Doxtator, Oneida’s environmental coordinator about current pressing issues plaguing Oneida.
Janis Qavavauq-Bibeau, a Montreal-based Inuk activist, and works as the research coordinator of the Iskweu project, an initiative of the Native women’s shelter of Montreal. She is passionate and dedicated to giving back the voices that historically have discriminatory against Indigenous people. Janis continues to advocate by using podcasting and tiktok to share stories of MMIW which are almost all unknown in the province of Quebec.
Her episodes include conversations with award-winning podcaster and journalist Connie Walker, Nakuset, a Sixties Scoop survivor and Executive Director of Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal and the critical work they are doing with the Iskweu Project.
Hanna Sewell, a registered nurse from Batchewana who works in her home community in child and adolescent mental health. She is interested in sharing the voices, challenges and successes of frontline workers. During season 3 Hanna interviewed Elaine Johnston, Former Chief and Councillor of Serpent River, Registered Nurse and leader in delivering frontline health care.
Danasco Chakasum is an Inninuiskwew from James Bay Ontario, Treaty 9, Mushkegowuk Cree territory. Danasco has indulged in entrepreneuring and innovation.Though she has learned through the teachings of others and her communities, Danasco has taught herself every cultural art she knows. From earrings to moss bags, and cradleboards to parkas, she dedicates herself to give life to her craft. A big part of Danasco’s passion to create is because of something called “fashion activism”, a term she first heard in 2018. Danasco wants to have inspiring conversations with people about this topic, and hopes to cultivate the link between fashion and activism/advocacy.
Danasco spoke with Tia Kenndy about her work as an activist. They discuss her use of social media, volunteering in community, recent national and international opportunities.
Amanda Elizabeth is an Urban Two-Spirit person from the Waterloo region. Amanda hopes to share their story of hardships and triumphs around mental health, homelessness and life as an urban Indigenous person. Amanda created and hosted 3 episodes for season 3. We hear how Indigenous Education affects Marie Bowerings journey back into the culture, and Charity Flemings Journey in Creating an Indigenous Based CBT program, and “Art of Sovereignty” podcast co-hosts Shelby Lisk and Chris Beaver.
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