National Day of Truth and Reconciliation
To commemorate the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation we bring you a curated list of 7 podcast episodes from our series, which provide unique insights into the impacts and legacy of the residential school system. This collection of episodes covers a wide range of stories.
MMIWG2ST+ activist Janis Qavavauq-Bibeau and Nakuset, from Native Women’s Shelter of Montréal discuss the harms of youth protection, homelessness and other harsh realities facing Indigenous peoples. The conversation turns to the dreams and simple solutions that are being actualized, what government should prioritize, and an invitation to work together for what is possible.
Marie Bowering, a mixed-Mohawk woman and dedicated youth worker from the Niagara region, discusses the benefits and drawbacks that come with reclaiming identity through Indigenous Based Education. Her story and journey of well-briety takes place over 25 years; from chosing sobriety and connecting with the Niagara Regional Friendship Centre, to accessing Indigenous education and becoming a mentor to many of the Indigenous youth in her community. Hosted by Amanda-Elizabeth.
In this episode hosted by Kathleen Doxtator, we meet the cycle-breaker and host of Rising Thriving and Vibing Podcast, Kesha Tipewan. Kesha joins us from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan where the conversation holds space for sharing the highs and lows of her healing journey, language learning, and making the life-changing choices to live an anti-toxic and alcohol-free lifestyle.
Episode 1 – “Keeping Stories Safe”
In this first episode, Knowledge-Keeper Elaine Fleming, of Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe member shares the Anishinaabe creation story and why it is important to Indigenous identity. Colonization disrupted the lives and the sharing of stories in many nations. Host and podcast creator Tamika-Jo Andy learns from Elaine how their stories were traditionally passed down and what is being done to keep them safe.
Episode 2 – “Identity and the Gifts of Ojibwemowin”
In this episode of the Gigashki’ewizimin (“We do things because of our power”), host Tamika-Jo Andy speaks with Nyleta Belgarde, a Turtle Mountain member and language-keeper talk about their language journeys, the gifts and relationship of language to Anishinaabe Identity, and important tips on how to revitalize Ojibwemowin.
Gigashki’ewizimin was created and hosted by Tamika-Jo Andy, of Big Grassy River First Nation now living in Dakota and Ojiway Territory, Bemidji, Minnesota. It was created as part of the Good Influence Advanced Digital Storytelling and Podcast training program supporting emerging creatives and storytellers with story mentoring by Jolene Banning, of Makwa Creative. For the next episode of Gigashki’ewizimin follow @gigashkiewizimin_podcast on instagram and follow host Tamika-Jo @tamikajotho, also on instagram. If you enjoyed what you heard please rate the episode which helps it get recommended to others!
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