Culture is Healing
by CheckingIn
Culture is healing, a safe space for conversation on Indigenous-led healing and community. This podcast holds space for Indigenous health and wellness leaders to share their cultural teachings and lived experiences. These conversations are for anyone who feels connected to Indigenous approaches to healing. We explore how cultural traditions and community connection support mental, emotional, and spiritual health. This podcast is hosted by CheckingIn, Community Relationship Manager, George Harris Jr. who is a Stz’uminus Nation member.
Episodes
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Help Your People, In Small and Big Ways with Coral Duncan
In this episode, George Harris Jr. sits down with Coral Duncan to explore how culture, community, and connection can support healing in meaningful and lasting ways. Together, they discuss what it looks like to weave traditional knowledge alongside modern approaches, the importance of trust,...
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Come Home to What Heals You with Monique Gray Smith
In this episode of Culture Is Healing, George Harris Jr. sits down with Monique Gray Smith for a heartfelt conversation about the healing power of culture, ceremony, and belonging. Drawing on her own journey of reconnecting with Indigenous traditions, Monique shares how love, gratitude, and...
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#47 - How to Show Up for Others Without Losing Yourself with Dianna Smith
In this episode of Culture Is Healing, George Harris Jr. sits down with Diana Smith for a conversation about supporting people through difficult times. Drawing on her experience working in community, Diana shares her perspective on trust, kindness, and the relationships that help people feel seen...
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#46 - The Hidden Administrative Crisis in Addiction Recovery with Kaya Hansen
In this episode of Culture Is Healing, George sits down with Kaya Hansen to explore the challenges facing substance use and recovery systems, where overworked staff and fragmented services often make healing harder to access. Together, they discuss Indigenous approaches to care, the importance of...
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#45 - Why Every Persons Gifts Matter in Times of Change with Aaron Pete
In this episode of Culture Is Healing, George Harris Jr. sits down with Aaron Pete. They discuss why empowering young people matters now more than ever. Aaron also shares reflections on leadership, sacrifice, and the changing political landscape in Canada, reminding listeners that every person’s...
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#44 - What Indigenous Fashion Week Reveals About Identity and Expression with Aleen Sparrow
In this episode of Culture Is Healing, George Harris Jr. speaks with Musqueam weaver Aleen Sparrow about how culture can be lived as a daily practice of healing, connection, and identity. Aleen reflects on learning to weave at the kitchen table with her mother and aunties, and how those moments...
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#43 - Applying Traditional Knowledge to Modern Mental Health Challenges with Stan Matthew
This week on Culture Is Healing, George Harris Jr sits down with Stan Matthew to share stories shaped by decades of healing, lived experience, and cultural teachings. Stan is a nuučaan̓uł leader and healing practitioner from the David family of ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ First Nation, with over 35 years of...
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#42 - The Medicine Wheel, Yoga, and Everyday Healing with Malina Dawn
We’re back for a new season of Culture is Healing—and we’re starting it off with a powerful conversation with Malina Dawn. In this episode, George and Malina explore what it looks like to live your healing, not just talk about it. Drawing on teachings from the Medicine Wheel and Malina’s...
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Stepping Into Leadership for the Next Generation with Tanille Johnston
For our final episode of Season 4 George sits down with Tanille Johnston. Tanille is the first Indigenous person to ever have their name represented on a federal political party's leadership ballot in Canadian history. This episode explores the role of ceremony, the teachings of elders, and the...
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#40 - Creating Safe Spaces for Young Athletes with Mateo Kostering
George sits down with Mateo Kostering — proud member of the Musgamagw Dzawada’enuxw Nation and the ’Namgis Nation — founder of the Indigenous Athletics Academy, and lifelong athlete whose journey from community tournaments to semi-pro coaching has been guided by discipline, culture, and service....
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#39 - Learning to Speak Up Without Holding Back with Sonya Williams
What does it mean to carry culture into everyday life — not just in ceremony, but in how we speak, lead, parent, and show up for community? In this episode of Culture is Healing, Sonya Williams (Councillor, Education Coordinator, and Education Committee Chair, Sq’éwlets First Nation ) shares...
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#38 - Turning Care Into Meaningful Action with Deana Gill
What helps a young person believe in their future? Sometimes it starts with a coach, a ceremony, or one trusted relationship. In this episode, Deana Gill shares how sport, culture, and mentorship are creating real change for Indigenous youth and communities. From her early days in child…
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#37 - Why Vulnerability Builds Stronger Communities with Josh Drummond
Josh shares his story honestly in this one. Josh Drummond (therapist and close friend of George) speaks openly about growing up Indigenous without being raised with his culture. He shares his experiences in child protection work, and the added layers of care, pain, and responsibility that come…
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#36 - Why You’re Not Meant to Do Life Alone with William Taylor
George sits down with his mentor and educator William Taylor! Drawing on teachings from elders, storytelling, and decades of experience in education, William shares the most meaningful teachings he’s received. George and William touch on how cultural ceremonies and mentorship are grounded in love...
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#35 - Becoming A Good Ancestor with Jessica Johnson
George Harris Jr. and Jessica Johnson discuss what culturally grounded education requires of educators beyond good intentions. This episode focuses on how teachers can navigate community protocols with care, support language- and land-based learning, and understand belonging as a responsibility...
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#34 - Including Indigenous Perspectives in Decisions with Leah George-Wilson
George Harris Jr. talks with Leah George-Wilson, four-term Chief of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, about how ceremonies, elders, and ancestral connections guide personal and community well-being. They explore the responsibility we all share to learn Indigenous histories, the power of cultural…
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#33 - Art is a Teaching with Jesse Recalma
George Harris Jr. sits down with Coast Salish artist Jesse Recalma to explore how cultural practices, ceremonies, and artistic expression can support healing. Jesse shares personal stories of learning from his grandfather, passing on Coast Salish teachings through carving, painting, and language...
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Nothing About Us Without Us with Katie Marren
Season 3 of Culture is Healing is closing out with this powerful finale! George Harris Jr. sits down with Katie Marren—a Cree-Métis, English, and Irish educator, mother, and District Principal of Indigenous Education—to explore how culture and education can create healing for Indigenous young…
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#31 - Healing Across Generations with Waubgeshig Rice
This week’s guest is Waubgeshig Rice! George and Waub share teachings about how healing moves between generations. The episode shares guidance on participating in cultural renewal without appropriation and speaks to the responsibility that comes with engaging with culture respectfully.
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#30 - Guidance for Moving Through Trauma with Nola Jeffrey
George Harris Jr. and Nola Jeffrey reflect on the healing ceremonies, cleansing practices, and community teachings that have supported their experiences with trauma. They emphasize the importance of daily self-care—especially for those in helping roles—and offer simple cultural practices anyone…
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#29 - How Youth Thrive Through Cultural Connection with Kelsey Crawford
In this week’s conversation, George Harris Jr. and educator Kelsey Crawford explore how cultural healing, community support, and everyday acts of presence can transform the lives of Indigenous youth. Together, they reflect on the power of elders, regalia, music, and seasonal teachings in helping...
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#28 - Wisdom From The Fire with Rachael Hunt
In this episode of Culture Is Healing, Rachael Hunt and George Harris Jr. talk about what it means to return home — to culture, ceremony, and community. Rachael shares ancestral wisdom and teachings from the Eighth Fire. The conversation is a call to remember that culture isn’t something we...
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#27 - What Our Ancestors Teach Us About Resilience with Jenn Smith
In this episode of Culture is Healing, George Harris Jr. sits down with Jenn Smith of the Tlowitsis Nation, a leader in Indigenous Cultural Safety and reconciliation work. Together, they speak about how self-love can be an act of reclamation and how personal journeys of cultural connection are...
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#26 - Bringing Culture and Language into the Classroom with Colleen Mullin
Education can be a place of deep healing when guided by culture, story, and community. George and his friend Colleen Mullin share a conversation about bringing Indigenous language, teachings, and community connection into education in meaningful ways. George reflects on moments of racism and...
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#25 - Lessons from the Canoe with Gabriel George Sr.
Gabriel George Sr. speaks to canoeing as a teacher — one that carries lessons of discipline, unity, and spirit. He reflects on how revitalizing language has restored strength and pride to his community. He points to the guidance of elders, who remind us that healing also means breaking harmful...
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#24 - Using Creativity to Move Through Trauma and Recovery with Benjamin Lewis
“Art and music helped me survive.” This week, George shares a raw conversation with Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw’s Benjamin Lewis. Ben opens up about his recovery from addiction, sharing the story that led him to hosting his own 12-step meetings. He also talks about how turning back to culture and...
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#23 - Why Patience is the Heart of Storytelling with Tchadas Leo
This week’s episode with Tchadas Leo is packed with teachings to help us reach our fullest potential. He talks about how smudging became a foundation in his reconnection to culture, and how patience can transform everything — the way we live, the way we create, and the way we heal. Tchadas also...
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#22 - Every Performance Is A Connection To Our Roots with Cal Swustus Jr.
This week’s guest is family—George’s brother-in-law, Cal Swustus Jr., from Cowichan Tribes. Cal shares how he navigates walking in two worlds - Indigenous and Western. Listeners will hear teachings on rites of passage, the guidance of Elders, and how storytelling and performance are great tools…
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#21 - Signs From Loved Ones with Richard Van Camp
Richard Van Camp and George Harris Jr. share a conversation about the signs we receive from those who have passed on. They speak to how oral storytelling, cultural practices, and creative projects carry us through loss. Richard reflects on his experiences as a Tłı̨chǫ storyteller and author, and...
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Season 2 Finale: Learning to Listen, Learning to Ask — with BC Bob
In the final episode of Season 2, host George Harris Jr. sits down with storyteller and TV host Bob Kronbauer—better known as BC Bob—for a conversation rooted in stories—about learning, and unlearning. They share about how salmon, harvesting and food have brought people together in their lives…
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#19 - Family as the First Teacher with Iona Harris
This week’s episode of Culture is Healing feels a little closer to home — because George’s guest is his sister, Iona Harris. They share memories from their upbringing in Stz’uminus First Nation. They share how, in their home, culture has always been a way of life, and family a built-in support...
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#18 - Family Is What Makes You Rich with Qwuy’um’aat Elliott
What grounds you when life gets hard? For Qwuy’um’aat (Eyvette Elliott), it’s culture and family. In this episode, Qwuy’um’aat offers reflections shaped by her experience as an Indigenous mother. Her snuw’uy’ulh (teachings) speak to how you can live in alignment with your values, carry wisdom...
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Connecting Outwards, Looking Inwards with Ariana Fotinakis and Vanessa Lesperance
This conversation goes beyond the idea that culture heals — it asks how we live that truth in our everyday lives. Vanessa Lesperance is a Métis woman originally from Treaty 1 territory, and Ariana Fotinakis is Anishinaabe. Both speak candidly about what it means to reclaim culture when you…
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#16 - How Elders and Children Keep Language Alive with Victoria Fraser
Carrying the names and languages of our ancestors — especially when we didn’t grow up with them — is a powerful kind of healing. In this episode, Victoria Fraser (Siqaltunaat) shares what it means to walk with language — as a learner, teacher, and descendant. She reflects on the grief and beauty…
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#15 - Language Is More Than Just Words with Kalila George-Wilson
What does it mean to carry your culture forward while still learning it yourself? Kalila George-Wilson of Tsleil-waututh Nation joins George to talk about the teachings that live in everyday moments. From the kitchen table to the classroom, Kalila shares how ceremony, nature, and ancestral…
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#14 - Learning to Take Up Space with Care with Carrie Lamb
What does it mean to reclaim identity after generations of disruption? In this episode, George is joined by detani hoshis tsekwi ( Carrie Lamb), an Indigenous HR leader and co-founder of Sacred Workplaces, for a personal conversation about the long road back to cultural connection. Carrie opens…
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#13 - Cold Water as Ceremony with Thomas George Jr.
George sits down with Smulthun (Thomas George Jr.), a cultural practitioner from Halalt First Nation with deep roots across the Coast Salish world. Known for his work in men’s wellness, sweat lodge ceremonies, and youth support, Smulthun reflects on how cold water baths, traditional medicine, and...
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#12 - The Sacred Power Of What We Eat with Jared Qwustenuxun Williams
In this episode of Culture is Healing, we sit down with Indigenous food sovereignty advocate, chef and storyteller Qwustenuxun. Rooted in Salish culture and drawing from over a decade of experience cooking for Elders in his home community of Quw’utsun, Qwustenuxun shares powerful reflections on…
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#11 - You Don’t Have To Be Perfect To Belong with Len Pierre
For our first episode of season 2, George is joined by Len Pierre - Puleeqweluck, a Coast Salish educator, consultant, and knowledge sharer from Katzie First Nation. Len is an award-winning entrepreneur, professor, TEDx Speaker, and social change-maker whose work focuses on decolonization,...
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#10 - Everyday Practices to Stay Rooted in Culture with Montana Fox
As the final episode of Season 1, this conversation brings us back to the heart of what Culture Is Healing is all about. Montana Fox, an Anishinaabe writer, bead weaver, and Community Engagement Manager at CheckingIn, joins us for a conversation on identity, belonging, and culture. Together with...
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#9 - What Community Taught Me That School Never Did with Cameron Park
This week on Culture is Healing, George Harris Jr. sits down with Cameron Park, an educator who is a settler who spent over 20 years learning from the Stz’uminus First Nation community. From language and ceremony to grief and generosity, Cameron reflects on the teachings that shaped him—lessons…
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#8 - Raising the Next Generation with Teachings with Atawni Hall
George is joined by Atawni Hall of Sq’ewlets First Nation—a mother of five and Program Coordinator for q’eyéx. Atawni speaks openly about her path to sobriety, and how movement, ceremony, and language have supported her healing. She reflects on breaking harmful cycles, raising her children with...
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#7 - Ancestral Resilience, Carried Forward with Ryan Boyer
This week’s episode is rooted in resilience. George Harris Jr. and Ryan Boyer reflect on their personal paths of reconnecting to identity, community, and ancestral teachings. Ryan, a counsellor of mixed Celtic, Norse, Slavic, and Cherokee ancestry, shares perspectives shaped by his work in First...
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#6 - Reclaiming Who We Are: Métis Identities with Katy Carson
In this episode of Culture is Healing, host George Harris Jr. sits down with Katy Carson who shares her path of reclaiming Indigenous identity and connection to her community. They share memories of the ceremonies that shaped them. Katy reflects on her experience of embracing her Métis heritage…
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Culture Is A Daily Practice with Aaron Moore
In this episode of Culture is Healing, host George Harris Jr. is joined by Aaron Moore who is a dedicated social worker with familial connections to Cowichan Tribes, Stz'uminus First Nation, & Penelakut Tribes. Together, they reflect on the role of culture in healing—not just as a concept, but as…
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From Uninvited to Welcomed: A Guest on Indigenous Lands with Kim Trottier
This week, we’re joined by friend of the podcast Kim Trottier, who reflects on the teachings she’s gathered as a settler living and working in First Nations community spaces. Together, Kim and George explore the deep meaning that comes from understanding one’s ancestry, the central role children...
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A Future Rooted in Culture with Daniella Harris-David
What does it take to pass culture down across generations? In this episode, George Harris Jr. and Daniella Harris-David share personal stories about family, resilience, and the role of community in shaping identity. From the power of language to the challenges of staying connected, they offer...
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Culture Saved My Life with Collin Reid
How does culture shape our mental health and sense of belonging? George Harris Jr. and Collin Reid share personal stories about reconnecting with cultural practices and how they helped them through challenges caused by colonization. They share how traditions, elder teachings, and collective…
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Beginning the Healing: Our First Episode
In this first episode of the Culture is Healing podcast, hosts George Harris Jr. and Sean Burke open up about their personal healing paths and the deep impact culture had on their transformations. The conversation dives into the role of community support, the opportunities that come with choosing...
About this show
Culture is healing, a safe space for conversation on Indigenous-led healing and community. This podcast holds space for Indigenous health and wellness leaders to share their cultural teachings and lived experiences. These conversations are for anyone who feels connected to Indigenous approaches to healing. We explore how cultural traditions and community connection support mental, emotional, and spiritual health. This podcast is hosted by CheckingIn, Community Relationship Manager, George Harris Jr. who is a Stz’uminus Nation member.
Hosted by
CheckingIn