The Road to Your Name Podcast

This episode was recorded in November 2024.Episode Title: Nadya Kwandibens — Red Works, Indigenous Identity & the Art of Photography Show: The Road to Your Name Host: Lisa 🎧 Listen: https://share.transistor.fm/s/e7d02970Episode Summary: In this episode, host Lisa sits down with Indigenous photographer and visual storyteller Nadya Kwandibens (Aniishinaabe, from the Animakee Wa Zhing #37 First Nation in northwestern Ontario). Nadya discusses her journey from studying film and English literature, to moving into portrait and event photography, to becoming an ambassador for the brand Canon and the Photo Laureate for the City of Toronto. Together they explore how photography becomes a tool of cultural reclamation, language revitalization, community connection and personal growth.In This Episode: • How Nadya’s early education in film production led into photography, and how that first portrait session in regalia sparked a career. • The transition from dark landscapes to bright, vibrant portraits and events: her evolving style of boosting colours like red, yellow and blue, and capturing Indigenous gatherings in full strength. • Memorable assignments: covering marches for the Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls movement, round dances, cultural gatherings, and key moments of community activism. • The story behind Nadya being named Canon Ambassador and how that partnership works (mentorship, gear, brand representation). • Her ongoing portrait series: the “Red Chair Sessions” — using Indigenous names, place-names, languages and land acknowledgements in each portrait; now touring nationally. • Upcoming projects: “Kitchen Table Talks” — a hybrid portrait + documentary series bringing Indigenous women and Two-Spirit people together around conversation, food, family and cultural memory. • Nadya’s role as the Photo­Laureate for the City of Toronto: what the role entails, her vision (including an ambitious sky-visible, copper-inspired installation reflecting Indigenous presence). • Her personal dream: a tiny house by water on her homeland reserve, where simplicity, land connection and creativity converge. • Advice for young Indigenous photographers: “Just get out there and do it. Practice, be mindful of light, meet people, do what makes you happy.”Key Quotes:“Language is our medicine — when you speak it, you heal parts of yourself you didn’t know were hurting.” (Note: This particular quote is adapted from a theme in the conversation.) “Photography is very much about living in the moment.” “This is all Indigenous land. No matter where you go.”Connect with Nadya Kwandibens / Red Works Photography: Website → RedWorks.ca Instagram / Facebook / X → check @redworks (or search “Red Works Photography”) Look for her “Red Chair Sessions” and be on the lookout for her book and documentary to come.About the Show: The Road to Your Name explores conversations with Indigenous voices reclaiming identity, purpose and place. Each episode highlights how culture, story, creativity and land intersect in everyday lives and work. Follow the show for more inspiring stories like this one.

This episode was recorded in November 2024.Yotakahron Jonathan — From the Rez to Seven ContinentsRoad to Your Name | Season 7, Episode 2Episode DescriptionIn this episode, Lisa is joined by Dr. Yotakahron Jonathan, a Mohawk Bear Clan physician from Six Nations of the Grand River. What unfolds is a deeply honest conversation about the long road to becoming a doctor — one marked by determination, racism, heartbreak, and healing. From attending her grandmother’s appointments and noticing something was wrong with how doctors communicated, to becoming one of the very few Indigenous physicians working in rural and remote communities across BC and the Northwest Territories, Yotakahron’s story is one of perseverance and purpose.She opens up about the racism she faced in medical school, including a traumatic incident that led her to take a leave of absence and the cyber-bullying that followed. She talks about how Indigenous community support — even communities not her own — helped her heal. She also shares her role in pushing McMaster University to add Indigenous health content back into the curriculum, and the changes she’s seen since.Beyond medicine, Yotakahron is a traditional doula, a beader, a tiny house builder, and a traveller who has visited 51 countries and all seven continents — including Antarctica with National Geographic.What We Talk AboutHow Yotakahron knew from age four she wanted to be a doctor — and what she noticed in her grandmother’s appointments that shaped her approach to health careChoosing social sciences over health sciences for her undergrad, and why that decision made her a better physicianNot getting into medical school the first time, and what happened the very same day she found outThe racism she faced in medical school, including being singled out as the only visible Native student, the cutting of Indigenous health from the curriculum, and a traumatic public incident involving a residential school survivor panelTaking a leave of absence, healing through ceremony and counseling, and eventually going backTraining in UBC’s Indigenous Family Medicine program — the only one of its kind in CanadaWorking in coastal BC communities including Alert Bay, Bella Bella, and Haida Gwaii, and what it meant to be surrounded by Indigenous community during some of her hardest momentsThe complex question of practicing medicine in your own home communityTraveling to 51 countries and all seven continents — and why Antarctica was the trip that helped her close the chapter on medical schoolBeading as a stress gauge and creative practiceThe Heartberry Podcast — two seasons of conversations about navigating racism in post-secondary educationThe full-circle moment of realizing she had become the kind of Native doctor who inspires the next generationGuestDr. Yotakahron Jonathan — Mohawk Bear Clan, Six Nations of the Grand River. Family physician working in rural and remote Indigenous communities. Research and Project Coordinator for the Interactive Indigenous Research Ethics Repository at UBC’s Office of Research Ethics. Traditional doula, beader, tiny house builder, and world traveler.Resources MentionedHeartberry Podcast — available on major podcast platformsAboriginal Legal Services — aboriginallegal.caSupport the show: click Donate at the top of the ALS homepageFacebook: Road to Your NameRoad to Your Name is produced by Aboriginal Legal Services and hosted by Lisa VanEvery, Mohawk Nation, Wolf Clan. Recorded on Haudenosaunee territory with technical assistance from True Seed Media. Nya:weh for listening.

This episode was recorded in November 2024.  Maggie has graduated from the Onkwawenna Kentyohkwa program in May 2026.The Road to Your Name — Season 7, Episode 1"She Has a Good Song": Maggie Yakorennio Powless-Lynes on Learning Kanien'kéhaEpisode DescriptionWhat does it take to reclaim a language two generations after it was taken away? In this episode, host, Lisa, sits down with Maggie Yakorennio Powless-Lynes, a Mohawk Nation, Wolf Clan member from Six Nations of the Grand River, who recently began her first year of the Onkwawenna Kentyohkwa (Our Language Society) adult immersion program in Ohsweken.Maggie holds a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from McMaster University and a Master's in Indigenous Public Health from the University of Toronto — but after years of "maybe next year," she finally ran out of reasons not to learn her language. Two months into the intensive full-time program, she shares what the journey has been like so far: the entrance exam that requires memorizing 40 pronominal prefixes, the terror of the first two weeks, the warmth of teachers who are themselves graduates of the program, and the joy of studying alongside her older brother.A lifelong pianist and bassoonist with the Brantford Community Symphony Orchestra, Maggie also reflects on how being a musician shaped her approach to language learning — the patience, humility, and willingness to "sound terrible for a long time" that both pursuits demand. As she puts it, you can't become a speaker without speaking.Looking ahead, Maggie dreams of bridging two worlds that rarely meet: conducting community research entirely in Kanien'kéha, capturing people's realities in the language they actually think in.Her traditional name, Yakorennio, means "she has a good song." It fits.In This Episode- [02:00] Meet Maggie: from biochemistry and public health back to community- [03:16] Growing up with "little words and phrases" — the residential school generation and the gap it left- [06:05] The entrance exam: 40 prefixes and one root word- [10:00] The first two months of immersion: terrifying, intense, and deeply rewarding- [12:28] Language and identity — "filling up a place in yourself"- [14:16] Gratitude for the speakers who carried the language forward- [16:16] Learning alongside her brother, and a mom who now wants to learn too- [17:52] Maggie the musician: piano, bassoon, and performing with Semiah Smith- [19:15] What music teaches about language: dedication, humility, and the long game- [24:46] Places where the language is waiting: from Everlasting Tree School to adult immersion- [27:10] The dream: doing research entirely in Kanien'kéha- [29:05] "She has a good song" — the meaning behind Yakorennio, her traditional nameAbout Onkwawenna KentyohkwaOnkwawenna Kentyohkwa (Our Language Society) was established in 1999 by Owennatekha Brian Maracle and Onekiyohstha Audrey Maracle with the goal of creating fluent adult speakers of Kanien'kéha. The program offers first-year and second-year full-time immersion at Six Nations in the village of Ohsweken, as well as an online program for those who can't attend in person.Links- Aboriginal Legal Services: www.aboriginallegal.ca- Donate: click "Donate" at the top of the ALS homepage- Find us on Facebook: Road To Your NameCreditsThe Road to Your Name is produced by Aboriginal Legal Services with technical assistance from True Seed Media, and hosted by Lisa VanEvery, coordinator of the Yoha:te ne kahsen:na (The Road to Your Name) program.

This episode was recorded in February of 2024.  Kathy Neil was appointed the first Deputy Commissioner for Indigenous Corrections in May 2023.Episode Summary: In this powerful episode, host Lisa speaks with Kathy Neil, Métis from Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, who has spent nearly three decades working in corrections and now serves as the first Deputy Commissioner for Indigenous Corrections with Correctional Service of Canada (CSC). Kathy shares her journey through the prison system, the stark reality of Indigenous over-representation, and how she is working to reshape corrections through Indigenous-led solutions and cultural healing.In This Episode: • Kathy’s career path: from correctional officer to penitentiary warden to Deputy Commissioner for Indigenous Corrections. • The current state of Indigenous representation in federal corrections: approximately 32% of the population and around 33% admissions. • Key priorities: Raising the voice of Elders and culturally-informed interventions within CSC. • The role of Elders, knowledge-holders, and spiritual advisors in correctional facilities—how their cultural work must be better understood and respected. • Indigenous-stream programming in correctional institutions, including trauma-informed care like horse-therapy, women’s healing lodges, and expanded mother-child programs recognizing extended-family relationships. • The significance of Section 81 of the Corrections and Conditional Release Act: transferring supervision of federally-sentenced Indigenous persons to Indigenous community organizations, and the positive results of Healing Lodges. • Challenges and opportunities in the role: policy updates, community engagement, recruiting Indigenous staff, and influencing outcomes for Indigenous offenders. • Kathy’s motivation: influencing policy, creating choices for Indigenous people in the system, and working toward better outcomes.Key Quotes:“The over-representation of Indigenous people in the justice system is really a reflection of the systemic disparities that all levels of government have to work to fix.”“We need to continue to raise the understanding of those cultural activities and the importance of those activities.”“I really do feel like I’m in a time and space where people are open to new approaches.”Connect with Kathy Neil: (As a senior executive public-servant, direct social media links are not listed; interview conducted by Aboriginal Legal Services)About the Show: The Road to Your Name explores Indigenous voices reclaiming identity, purpose, and community leadership. Each episode delves into how tradition, culture, and systemic change intersect on the journey forward.Follow the show for more conversations like this one.

Episode Title: Serene Porter — Culture, Design & Indigenous Youth at the North American Indigenous Games Show: The Road to Your Name Host: Lisa VanEvery 🎧 Listen: https://share.transistor.fm/s/e961e8f1Episode Summary: This episode was recorded in December 2023.  In this episode, Lisa sits down with Serene Porter—Wolf Clan, Mohawk Nation, at Six Nations of the Grand River—who served as the Director of Culture & Engagement for the 2023 NAIG in Halifax. Serene discusses how she infused Indigenous culture into a major multi-nation event, how her background in graphic design and photography informed the experience, and how her consulting work now supports Indigenous youth, wellness and cultural competency. The conversation explores the power of language, art, safe spaces and community-led design in creating meaningful Indigenous-led experiences.In This Episode: • Serene’s role in planning the 2023 NAIG: from airport arrival to sport venues, cultural villages in Halifax and Dartmouth, to supporting 5,000+ Indigenous youth. • How Indigenous culture was integrated into every aspect of the Games: traditional sports like box lacrosse and canoe/kayak, language signage for Mi’kmaq, translation phonetics, Brave Spaces in athlete accommodations. • The concept of “Brave Spaces” rather than “safe spaces” — enabling youth to feel seen, share, and connect through art, smudging stations, weaving, journaling and quiet space. • Serene’s background in graphic design, photography, and the self-care workshops she facilitates (art materials, nature, mindfulness) and how this work overlaps with her consulting business. • The cultural awareness training Serene developed for over 3,000 NAIG volunteers: covering pre-contact history, Treaty education, allyship, privilege, bias, and actionable reconciliation. • Serene’s current work: consulting for youth-focused Indigenous programs, supporting organizations in Indigenous cultural competency, and her role with the Juno Awards in Halifax as cultural advisor. • Creative life: Serene still plays hockey and golf, is re-engaging in drawing, beading and watercolor art as part of her grounding and cultural expression.Key Quotes:“There are no words to explain what it’s like to have over 5,000 Indigenous youth who look like you… to be taken over a city where we’re not necessarily welcomed or seen.”“Instead of calling them safe spaces for everyone, we thought it needed a different term… you need somewhere to go to or somewhere to talk to—you need to be brave.”“We go through: what our communities were like before contact, how we were thriving… and then what happened through contact, residential schools… and then what we can do now to move differently in a positive way.”Connect with Serene Porter: Instagram/Facebook: [Insert Serene’s handles if available] Consulting & Workshops: [Website pending – “coming soon” as per interview]About the Show: The Road to Your Name shares conversations with Indigenous voices reclaiming identity, purpose and connection. Each episode celebrates the work, creativity and leadership of Indigenous people shaping culture, community and future-pathways. Follow the show for more stories like this one.

This episode was recorded in December 2023.  On this episode, we visit with writer Alicia Elliott from Six Nations of the Grand River.  We discuss her first work of fiction, And Then She Fell and some of the topics she addresses in her book such as mental illness, anxiety, motherhood and isolation.  Get a glimpse of the action inside her novel as Alicia reads from, And The She Fell.

This episode was recorded in November 2023.  Host, Lisa, and our guest, George, converse about learning and speaking Kanien'keha (Mohawk language) and the creativity involved in this descriptive language.  George shares about language as it relates to well being.  He talks about language revitalization and what that means for a community.  George tells us, it's okay to start your language journey wherever you're at.  Language is good for the brain!

This episode was recorded in October 2023.  We are joined on the podcast by Lacey Hill, singer-songwriter from the Oneida Nation and the wolf clan.  Lacey shares about creativity and healing through music.  She sings one of her songs she wrote dripping with "Indigenous Soul" that is surely "music to our ears."You can reach Lacey at laceyhillmusic.comShe's also on Facebook and Instagram.

This episode was recorded in July 2023.Episode Title: Samantha Doxtator — Haudenosaunee Star Stories & Indigenous Astronomy Knowledge Show: The Road to Your Name Host: Lisa 🎧 Listen: https://share.transistor.fm/s/084ad62aEpisode Summary: This episode was recorded in July 2023.  In this episode, host, Lisa, sits down with Samantha Doxtator, of the Oneida Nation and Wolf Clan, who specializes in personal-development consulting grounded in Indigenous values, and has recently stepped into the role of steward of the Haudenosaunee star-stories research originally led by her late sister, Sasha. The discussion covers Indigenous astronomy, the deep traditions of star knowledge within Haudenosaunee culture, how this knowledge can heal and uplift Indigenous identities, and how Samantha is continuing the work of intergenerational knowledge transfer.In This Episode: • Samantha shares her background: travelling with life and employability skills workshops across nations, and how Indigenous astronomy gradually became a key focus. • The research journey of Samantha’s sister Sasha, her academic work collecting Haudenosaunee star-story knowledge, her passing in 2021, and how Samantha accepted her legacy and continues it. • The concept of star-world, sky-world, water-world, earth-world interconnections in Haudenosaunee cosmology: Samantha’s near-death experience, vision in a coma, and how it reinforced her role. • A detailed star story: the Big Dipper (as a Bear and three warriors) and how it functions as both calendar and guide for seasons, cultural understanding, and identity. • How meteors/meteor showers are interpreted as gifts from sky-world; the metaphor of star-dust in our veins reminding of our connection—Indigenous science meeting contemporary astronomy. • The importance of reclaiming knowledge: the difference between “lost” and “misplaced” star-stories and the invitation for individuals to share what they know, gather oral tradition, reconnect. • Samantha’s upcoming work: writing a kids’ book, creating a digital recording of her presentation, and continuing to share her workshops in person and online. • How listeners can engage: seeking out stories, stepping into the sky-world connection, and inviting the knowledge back into everyday life.Key Quotes:“When our people pass away … they become a supernova. Just like when a star passes away … the star dust from that supernova is the iron that makes our blood red.”“This isn’t a gift that’s normal. … But I have accepted the gift to continue her work so that it’s not forgotten.”“We were so many things. We were scientists and astronomers and biodiverse farmers. … We invented things. … When you really think about it, we were so many things.”Connect with Samantha Doxtator:Facebook: Samantha DoxtatorInstagram: @samantha.doxtator (aka “lifeofafreelancer”)Email: srdoxtator [at] hotmail.com Samantha offers presentations on Indigenous astronomy and star-stories for schools, community centres and online workshops.About the Show: The Road to Your Name features conversations with Indigenous voices reclaiming identity, purpose and connection. Each episode explores how culture, story, creativity and place come together to shape personal and community futures. Follow the show for more stories like this one.

This episode was recorded in July 2023.  Dr. Allan Downey, Dalkelh, Nak'azdl, Whut'en earned his PhD in history in 2014 from Wilfrid Laurier University.  He shares the story of how he came to write his book, The Creator's Game:  Lacrosse, Identity and Indigenous Nationhood he wrote in 2018.  It began as part of his studies in his Masters and PhD program.  Allan also shares about his work writing about Mohawk Ironworkers.  He goes on to discuss resurgence history and intellectual sovereignty.  You can find Allan at allandowney.com and view his work on ironworkers at indigenousironworkers.com

Show Notes – Road to Your Name PodcastEpisode: Tyler Hill on Lacrosse, Culture, and the Creator’s GameThis episode was recorded in May of 2023.  In this episode of The Road to Your Name Podcast, host Lisa welcomes lifelong lacrosse player Tyler Hill of the Mohawk Nation. Tyler shares his journey with lacrosse — from playing catch with his dad as a child to competing at the senior level — and reflects on how the game is deeply tied to Haudenosaunee culture, spirituality, and identity.Together, Lisa and Tyler discuss:Tyler’s early memories of the game and the significance of his first wooden stickLessons from other sports that shaped his style of playThe cultural and spiritual roots of lacrosse as the Creator’s GameChallenges facing modern lacrosse, including the culture of alcohol around the sportThe importance of leading by example, maintaining a good mind, and playing with respectTyler’s passion for mentoring youth and incorporating life lessons into coachingHis business 4 by Hill, stringing lacrosse sticks and growing the gameHis children’s book Worm Burner, which weaves lacrosse, nature, and positive values into a story for kidsFuture projects like lacrosse camps, a board game (Rip It), and a short filmTyler closes with an inspiring message: no matter where you are in life, you always have the power to make the right choice and help lift others up.

This episode was recorded in April 2023.   In this episode, Lisa speaks with Jon Elliot, a Mohawk filmmaker from the Six Nations of the Grand River whose work spans narrative film, documentary, commercials and mentoring Indigenous youth. Jon shares his passion for filmmaking that started with watching behind-the-scenes features as a kid and evolves into a career focused on community, authenticity and Indigenous crew representation.In This Episode: • Jon’s early inspiration: spending movie nights with his grandmother, watching films like Jurassic Park and the extended special-features of The Lord of the Rings—the “first film school”. • His path: studying film production (BFA) at York University, learning editing, camera work, cinematography, then directing. • What makes Indigenous storytelling different: community, authenticity, humour, heart, deeper meaning. • The importance of involving Indigenous crew members at every level, especially on his latest short film set on Six Nations with 65-70% Indigenous crew. • His current projects: a narrative short about runaways from the Woodland Cultural Centre’s former Mohawk Institute Residential School, commercials for major brands (e.g., Tim Hortons, Nike) through an Indigenous-run agency. • Advice for newcomers: start as a Production Assistant, dip your toes into departments, find what you like, build from there. • Job realities: filmmaking is freelance, you’ll need to be your own secretary, accountant, social-media person; but the industry has grown and offers real opportunities.Key Quotes:“People make these things … it was the moment where I realised, oh, people make films.”“What makes Indigenous filmmaking unique is that there’s always a lesson … it’s about community.”“Ingigenous crew are now filling every type of role … we’re bringing our people into these spaces.”Connect with Jon: Website → jonbelliott.com Instagram → @jon.b.elliottAbout the Show: The Road to Your Name shares conversations with Indigenous voices reclaiming identity, purpose and connection. Each episode explores how tradition, story and art intersect to build community and future pathways.Follow the show for more stories like this one.

This episode was recorded in May of 2023.  In this episode, host Lisa speaks with Cody Looking Horse, a youth from Six Nations of the Grand River with Hóȟóta, Nūŋ́uŋ, and Lakota roots. Cody shares his powerful story of reclaiming Indigenous language, healing through ceremony, and finding purpose in youth work and activism.From his experiences in the Dakota 38 Memorial Ride to his involvement in an Indigenous-led circle court, Cody’s journey reveals the power of cultural connection and community healing. Today, he works as a youth facilitator and digital storyteller, helping Indigenous youth find their voice online and offline.

Episode Title: Kaity & Montana Adams — Ink, Identity, and Indigenous Entrepreneurship. (This episode was recorded in April 2023)Show: The Road to Your Name Host: Lisa VanEvery Guests: Kaity Adams & Montana Adams, owners of Adams Family Ink and Boutique(This podcast was recorded on location at Tuscarora Road.  Their business has since moved to the Log Cabin at 986 Hwy. 54 on Six Nations) 🎧 Listen: [Add your Transistor link here once live]Episode Summary: In this on-location episode, host Lisa visits The Adams Family Ink and Boutique on Tuscarora Road at Six Nations of the Grand River to talk with owners Kaity Adams and Montana Adams. Together they share their story of building a community-based tattoo studio and Indigenous boutique, blending art, culture, and entrepreneurship.Kaity and Montana discuss how tattooing connects to Indigenous identity, safety standards in the industry, and how they’re helping community members express pride in who they are. The couple also highlight how traditional tattoo practices and modern business approaches come together to create a welcoming, culturally informed space for all.In This Episode: • Opening The Adams Family Ink and Boutique in 2021 and growing through community markets and social media • Montana’s path to becoming a tattoo artist and his black-and-gray illustrative style • Kaity’s exploration of hand-poke Indigenous tattooing and cultural significance • The rebirth of Indigenous tattoo traditions as acts of reclamation and confidence • Tattoo ethics — originality, artist integrity, and cultural respect • Business structure, pricing, and the realities of self-employment in the tattoo industry • Health and safety protocols, consent forms, and client comfort • Balancing motherhood, family, and running a small business on reserve • Boutique offerings — Indigenous-made products, beadwork, home décor, and plans for an in-house apparel lineKey Quotes:“We’re revitalizing and reclaiming our identity. It may seem small to some people, but it’s huge to feel that safe and proud again.”“Tattooing isn’t just art — it’s a way to wear your voice on your skin.”“Our business model is simple: do everything with a good mind and in a good way.”Connect with The Adams Family Ink and Boutique: 📍 Six Nations of the Grand River, located at 986 Hwy. 54 (at the Log Cabin), Ohsweken, Ontario Instagram → @adamsfamilyinkandboutiqueInstagram:  @montysillustrations(add if applicable) Facebook → Adams Family Ink and BoutiqueAbout the Show: The Road to Your Name shares conversations with Indigenous voices reclaiming identity, purpose, and community. Each episode features stories of resilience, entrepreneurship, and cultural revitalization on Haudenosaunee territory.Follow the show for more Indigenous stories told in a good way.

On this episode, we visit with singer, songwriter, ElizaBeth Hill who shares with us her experience working in music and more recently, in creating soundscapes to reflect with the environment, nature and connections with the land.

On this episode, we visit via the Internet with Dr. Kenneth Deer who shares with us his experience in starting a community newspaper in the early 1990s.  He talks about his work which takes him to Geneva every year and what it's like travelling on a Rotinohsion:ni (Haudenosaunee) passport.  Kenneth also shares with us how he helped facilitate the return of sacred items from the museum in Geneva.NOTE:  Kenneth talks about Deskaheh which is a Cayuga Chief title of the Hotinohsion:ni Confederacy.

Visiting with Mohawk musician, Murray Porter who is from Six Nations of the Grand River Territory and lives in the west coast.  About to embark on writing a new album, Murray shares with us his love of music and plays us a couple of his songs.

Elaine Bomberry joins us on this episode of the Road To Your Name podcast.  Elaine is Anishinabe and Cayuga from Six Nations of the Grand River.  She is a freelance Indigenous Arts activist/promoter/manager working mostly in the area of music, television and radio where she has worked for over three and a half decades.  The most recent recipient of the Brian Chater Builder Award given by Music Managers Forum Canada, Elaine shares with us where her work takes her today as she continues to significantly impact the building of the Canadian music industry.

Phil Davis wears many hats in his community.  He's a co-founder of the jam band, Ol' Child who also enjoys sharing Traditional Haudenosaunee songs and Pow Wow songs.  He's worked in the justice system and friendship centre environment and lends his voice to Indigenous social issues.  On this episode, we share a visit with Phil Davis.

On this episode, entrepreneur, Cheyanne Doxtador shares with us how she was inspired to create Yo Yo Weh Babies, how the babies got their name and what her journey has been like in creating these unique cultural dolls for children and adults alike across Turtle Island and beyond.

Brandon Lazore is an artist from the Onondaga nation and the Snipe clan.  On this episode, Brandon shares with us how he started as an artist and how he continues to develop his artistic self.  He shares with us that being an artist is just a way of life for him.  You can  see more of Brandon's work at artworkbybrandonlazore.com

Rohsennase Dalton LaBarge will graduate from medical school at the University of Rochester in the spring of 2023.  Rohsennase then begins his career as an Emergency Medicine resident doctor.  At the time of the recording, he didn't know where he would be practicing medicine but now knows it will be at the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC).  Rohsennase also shares his interest in learning about and making wampum belts.  Join us as we visit with Rohsennase Dalton LaBarge.

On this episode, we visit with Carla Robinson and talk about everything from her experience in mainstream media to Indigenous storytelling and projects she is doing now as President of her own media company, Wassum Productions.

Indigenous Knowledge Keeper, Aronhiaies Herne shares with us his cultural knowledge on parenthood and the later stage of life.  We learn more about Hotinohsion:ni cultural teachings and the importance of sharing what we know through the process of visiting. 

Rick Powless is a Red Seal Chef from the Oneida nation and the bear clan.  On this episode, he shares with us his knowledge of Indigenous cuisine and different foods he's discovered on his travels from other nations.

Keris Hope Hill is from Six Nations of the Grand River and has just starred in her first feature film, Rosie.  On this episode, Keris talks about being in a film, what her favourite movies are and her love of cooking.  We also learn what her next project will be.

Cher Obediah is of Mohawk and Anishinaabe ancestry and is the author of the recently released book, Shame to Shine:  The Wreckage & Rise From Domestic Violence.  This book is storytelling at its finest as Cher recounts her journey through domestic violence in three chapters filled with 60 pieces of visually captivating poetry.

Mohawk Indigenous Knowledge Holder, Aronhiaies Herne from the community of Akwesasne shares with us his knowledge about marriage from the teachings in the Hotinohsion:ni culture.

Today’s guests are founders of the software company, Revital Software, sisters Kahentawaks and Wennekerakon Tiewishaw from the community of Kanesatake.  With their combined talents, they work to create digital software resources to help revitalize our Kanien'keha (Mohawk) language and culture.

Today’s guest is Layla Staats.  Layla is a land activist, singer, and filmmaker from Six Nations of the Grand River.  On this episode she shares with us stories from her travels to other Indigenous communities while making her film about water, presumably called, "Boil Alert" which will be released in January 2023.

Today’s guest is Aronhiaies Herne, Mohawk Indigenous Knowledge Keeper from the community of Ahkwesahsne who shares with us cultural teachings about birth from the Hotinohsion:ni perspective.

Today’s guest is Artie Martin from the bear clan and Mohawk Nation of Six Nations of the Grand River.  Artie is a multi-gifted artist, graphic design artist who is using his gifts to further awareness of the Hotinohsion:ni culture.  He shares with us how he accomplishes this.

We welcome to the podcast, actor, musician, writer, director, Gary Farmer.  With over 100 film and television credits, Gary has a long and distinguished career in the arts and is currently a part of the cast of Reservation Dogs, playing the role of "Uncle Brownie."

Dr. Beverly Jacobs is a lawyer and Indigenous scholar from Six Nations of the Grand River Territory.  She is from the Mohawk nation and the bear clan.  On this episode, she shares about her work with the Survivors' Secretariat, a Survivor-led, trauma-informed community organization uncovering, documenting and sharing the truth about the Mohawk Institute.

This episode features the experiences of three Haudenosaunee women as they share with us their story on preparing to visit and visiting the Vatican to speak to the Pope about the tragedy of residential school and the Doctrine of Discovery.  First to speak on the podcast is Mohawk Bear Clanmother, Louise Herne (Mama Bear).  Second to speak is Mohawk bear clan woman, Katsitsionni Fox.  Third to speak is Kaluhyanuwes Michelle Schenandoah from the Oneida nation and the wolf clan.  Media consultant, Vincent Schilling and myself chime in at times to contribute to the conversation.

Carolyn King is the creator of the Moccasin Identifier program that is surely becoming a movement across Canada.  She is a member of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation community and shares with us her passion about the Moccasin Identifier and its potential to educate each of us one step at a time.

Harold R. Johnson is the author of several books including Peace and Good Order:  The Case for Indigenous Justice in Canada (2019).  He has written both fiction and non-fiction.  On this episode he talks about his perspective of the justice system formed from a career working within it.  Since this recording, Harold has gone on his journey to the Skyworld.  Harold R. Johnson 1957-2022.  This episode was recorded with him in December 2021.

Marie Henein is a criminal lawyer and author of the book, Nothing But The Truth, a memoir.  Marie shares her perspective on the justice system and her role as a criminal defence lawyer.

Jan Kahehti:io Longboat is an Indigenous Knowledge Helper from Six Nations of the Grand River.  Today she shares with us some of the story of the Hotinohsion:ni Creation Story and how from this teaching we come to know the moon as our Grandmother.  Kahehti:io also talks about all the different moon cycles there are during the year.

Semiah Smith is a multidisciplinary Indigenous artist from the Mohawk Nation of Six Nations of the Grand River.  Today, Semiah is concentrating on songwriting and her musical career and has released two singles which can be found on Apple Music and Spotify.  On this episode, Semiah discusses her songwriting and singing career.

Mohawk Indigenous Knowledge Keeper, Aronhiaies Herne shares his knowledge of the spirituality of lacrosse from the Hotinohsion:ni perspective.  Within Hotinohsion:ni culture, lacrosse is known as The Creator's Game.  Aronhiaies tells us why.

Wendy Hill joins our podcast to discuss the concepts of war and peace and explore the teachings that the Peacemaker brought to the original five nations that now form the Haudenosaunee Confederacy.  She is the author of two books titled, Understanding Life and Peaceful Relationships.

Dr. Rick Monture is an author and scholar from Six Nations of the Grand River.  He is from the Mohawk nation and the Turtle clan.  On this episode, Rick shares his knowledge of Six Nations history and the Haudenosaunee perspective on land.  He is the author of the book, We Share Our Matters:  Two Centuries of Writing and Resistance at Six Nations of the Grand River.

Nicole Hill-Dolson is a lawyer from Oneida of the Thames and is from the Bear clan.  She shares with us her perspective as an Indigenous lawyer in the justice system and how her grandmother motivated her to gain an education and return to Oneida of the Thames to help her community.

Cloe VanEvery, an Indigenous youth, joins us in the studio and we have a conversation about residential school.  How do today's Indigenous youth cope with the truths they are hearing about their ancestors?  Disclosure:  Cloe is my granddaughter and we reside together.

Kelly Boutsalis is originally from Six Nations of the Grand River.  She is a journalist writing about a wide range of topics in articles that can be found on her website, www.kellyboutsalis.com. During our conversation, she talks about some of the experiences she has had being a journalist in today's industry and offers advice to youth who may want to enter journalism as a career.

On this episode, we talk with Minister of Indigenous Services, Marc Miller.  Topics include the pandemic and the 215 deaths of children recently found on the grounds of the former residential school in Kamloops, B.C.  Since this recording, Six Nations of the Grand River Elected Council has called on the federal government for assistance (including ground-penetrating radar technology) in searching the grounds of the former residential school, the Mohawk Institute (Mush Hole).

Six Nations Police Services Chief of Police, Darren Montour is our guest on this episode.  Chief Montour shares information about the history of the police service, his career as a part of the Six Nations Police and how culture plays a role in policing on this territory.

Our guest, Hickory Edwards, shares with us about the Haudenosaunee Canoe Journey that he is organizing to take place in July.  The canoe journey takes place along the ancient waterways of the Haudenosaunee peoples which includes Seneca Lake, Cayuga Lake, Onondaga Lake, Oneida Lake and wraps up on the Mohawk River.

On this episode, Jennifer Mt.Pleasant shares with us about her research on missing and murdered Indigenous men.