Raising Awareness about FASD with Lynda Banning and Chochi Knott

The Anishinabek Nation Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Program works to increase the general level of awareness and knowledge of community members about FASD, by offering unique culturally based programs and workshops, providing specialized training and resources to build capacity, and political advocacy to broaden the scope of FASD services for First Nations. In this episode, Lynda Banning, Northern Superior FASD Regional Worker, and Chochi Knott, the Southeast/Southwest FASD Regional Worker, describe how FASD is experienced throughout the lifespan; how to access diagnostic services on and off-reserve; and how they help communities reconnect with our Anishinaabe culture and teachings, as a way to heal from intergenerational trauma and take on the shared responsibility of bringing new life into our communities.  Advocacy is important to dispel the stigma around FASD and ensure that all First Nations people and families living with FASD have access to equitable resources they need to be successful and empowered.   This podcast is produced by the Communications Department at the Anishinabek Nation. Music: Minou-Pimatiswen, by Nigel Irwin and Chippewa Travellers, and I’ve Got Feelings, by Justin Delorme. Licenced by Nagamo publishing.  Transcript: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/j6igwi7aewpi4wik/S02E05_FASD_Awareness_Transcript_FINAL_2025-07-31.pdf Links and Resources:  Anishinabek Nation Health Secretariat https://anishinabek.ca/departments/health-secretariat-2/programs-services/ CanFASD - Canada FASD Research Network  https://canfasd.ca/fasd-awareness-month/ Ontario Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) programs and services https://www.ontario.ca/page/fetal-alcohol-spectrum-disorder-fasd-programs-and-services Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Ontario Network of Expertise  https://fasdontario.ca/ Anishinabek Nation FASD Program Eventbrite Page https://www.eventbrite.ca/o/anishinabek-nation-fasd-program-91265285083 Upcoming FASD Awareness Events:  August 27, 2025: Bewiidookaagejig - Southwest Regional FASD Gathering, Chippewa of the Thames  August 28, 2025: Bewiidookaagejig - Southeast Regional FASD Gathering, Great Blue Heron Casino, Port Perry September 6, 2025: 4th Annual Mahiingan Family Road Race - FASD Awareness, North Bay  September 7, 2025: Surrey Place FASD Community Gathering & Move-a-Thon, Toronto  September 10, 2025: Simcoe County FASD Prevention Committee FASD Awareness Day, Barrie City Hall September 11, 2025: Bewiidookaagejig - Northern Superior Regional FASD Gathering, Superior Inn, Thunder Bay October 2, 2025: Bewiidookaagejig - Lake Huron Regional FASD Gathering, Grande Event Centre, North Bay