Episode 6: Community Centered Healing Practices with Barb Martin

“Don’t ever feel that this is insurmountable—it isn’t. Let’s play the long game, because our ancestors played the long game.” — Barb MartinIn this episode of Rekindling the Fire, host Rachel Robinson sits down with Barb Martin—a Mi’kmaq leader and lifelong advocate—to explore healing, leadership, and what it means to carry the work forward across generations. Drawing on more than 40 years of experience, Barb shares how Indigenous approaches to wellness—grounded in culture, land, language, and relationships—can reshape both community care and broader systems. Together, they unpack cultural safety, Two-Eyed Seeing, and the importance of strength-based, community-led approaches. This conversation invites listeners to reflect on connection, courage, and our shared responsibility to support future generations.In this Episode:“Playing the long game” in wellness and systems changeThe role of Elders and intergenerational knowledgeTwo-Eyed Seeing: balancing Indigenous and Western approachesWhy cultural safety is defined by those receiving careThe importance of land, language, and community connectionStrength-based approaches to healing and resilienceBarb Martin is a Mi’kmaq leader from Eskasoni First Nation with over four decades of experience in Indigenous wellness, advocacy, and systems change. Her work bridges Indigenous knowledge and Western practices, grounded in relationships, respect, and community care.Fast Four ReflectionsHope: YouthHome: On the land, in ceremonyMeaning: Her work and spiritualityGift: Grounded strengthCreditsRekindling the Fire is produced for the First Peoples Wellness Circleby David McGuffin and Graham McGuffin (ExploreProductions.ca)Music by Nagamo Publishing.For more on the work of the First Peoples Wellness Circle please visit www.fpwc.caListener Care NoticeThis episode discusses colonial impacts and intergenerational trauma. Please take care while listening and access support if needed.Support ResourcesNational Indian Residential School Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419Hope for Wellness Helpline: 1-855-242-3310Talk Suicide Canada: 1-833-456-45669-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call or text 988