Unreserved
by CBC
Named one of Audible's Best Canadian Podcasts of 2025. Join Rosanna Deerchild every Friday for vibrant conversations with our cousins, aunties, elders and heroes. Rosanna guides us on the path to better understanding our shared story. Together, we learn and unlearn, laugh and become gentler in all our relations. Our award-winning show is rooted in radio, where we’ve spent the last decade becoming a trusted space for Indigenous-led conversations. We are based in what is now known as Canada. Rosanna hails from O-Pipon-Na-Piwan Cree Nation at South Indian Lake in northern Manitoba, and now lives and works in Winnipeg (Treaty 1).
Episodes
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Repairing and preparing after wildfire season
c̓ʔak̕ʷm Jennifer Lewis knows she can’t stop a wildfire, “But I sure can support and love.” This summer, as fires raged around them, she brought her nation together to pray, sing, and grieve together. Rosanna speaks to people from Mi’kma’ki to the Okanagan who are recovering from wildfires and...
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All my creepy crawly relations
Even entomologists find some bugs gross, but Kyle Bobiwash says everything has its place! Rosanna speaks to nature lovers who remind us that “All My Relations” includes even the ones we sometimes find a little creepy or gross. Whether they're researching bats, slugs or moustachioed bees, these...
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Why we walk for water
Grandmother Lucy Ducharme wants you to walk with water, and she’s not the only one. More and more Elders and water advocates across turtle island are asking us to rethink our relationships with our waterways by spending some time with them – like Elder Sharon Day who has led over 20 walks across…
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Investing in strong Northern communities through Indigenous-led development
Alethea Arnaquq-Baril’s commitment to authentic storytelling is rooted in her experience as an Inuk woman. From documentaries to the successful series North of North, she’s been sharing stories about the North, from the North for over two decades. Now, she’s leading the development of Iqaluit’s...
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“Treaty defense mode” for the Alberta referendum
Tania Cameron says the question of separatism is tied to treaty, and so she brought her Rock the Indigenous Vote campaign to Alberta to help educate communities and encourage them to have their say at the polls. Rosanna hears how communities are mobilizing in Alberta through the courts and at the...
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Reconciliation through friendships and forests!
“Displaced relatives,” not invasive species – that’s how the Friends of Tryon Creek think about plants and people. Rosanna hears from coordinators Lili Yazzi and Lena Ouse-Hicks on how a mission to restore a native forest is also healing relationships between communities. And – how can I put...
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Unmapped: Portland
Wapato and fish: these were the first foods of the Portland food scene – before Portland was Portland, of course. Indigenous tribes as far as Canada’s Great Plains traveled down the Columbia River to the U.S Pacific Coast to gather, trade and share. Rosanna takes us to Portland, Oregon to hear…
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Why Colten Boushie’s story still matters 10 years after his death
“It encapsulated all of the injustice that has been done to Indigenous people across Canada.” 10 years ago, Colten Boushie’s death sent shockwaves across Canada and unearthed deep tensions rooted in colonization and systemic racism. Rosanna speaks with the Baptiste family about their healing...
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Summer listen: First America
From our friends at Pushkin – this is the untold story of America. This summer the United States celebrated the 250-year anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. When you read the Declaration, you realize it is a list of complaints. The last entry, the climax in our…
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Returning to the land and seeding cultural connection
Have you ever tried gardening by moonlight? Shirli Ewachuk says that thanks to the moon’s connection to water in the ground, the sky, soil and seasons work together to create the juiciest gardens. Shirli tells Rosanna how knowledge like moon planting was passed on by her mother and her aunties —...
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Unreserved LIVE: National Indigenous Peoples Day
As the place where the Assiniboine and Red rivers meet, The Forks marks an important trade route for Indigenous people that pre-dates colonization by thousands of years. This National Indigenous Peoples Day, Unreserved is live from The Forks on Treaty 1 territory! Rosanna captures some of the…
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The return of Woodland style dance
An almost forgotten dance is making a comeback on the powwow trail. This weekend the Great Lakes Woodland style dance is one of many styles you’ll find at the Wáhkóhtowin Powwow on Treaty One territory in Winnipeg. Rosanna hears from Anishinaabe dancer Ryerson Whetung about the hopping style that...
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“Written out of the story of America” – these creatives are writing the Indigenous perspective back in
Did you know the Declaration of Independence contains a racial slur? When Rebecca Nagle learned that “merciless Indian savages” were a main grievance of America’s founders it changed her perspective on history. The Cherokee journalist tells Rosanna how her search for an Indigenous telling of...
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A future of stargazing guided by our ancestors
The story of Tshakapesh and his snaring of the sun is another way of explaining the annular eclipse – it’s one of the Innu stories passed down over thousands of years that is based on precise observations of the night sky. Rosanna speaks with astronomer, Laurie Rousseau-Nepton about the...
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Striking a chord: Why Indigenous communities picked up country music and made it their own
As early as the 1500s, the fiddle reached some of the most remote and northerly Indigenous communities on Turtle Island. Dave McLeod says that’s part of the reason country music has such deep roots in community. This week, Dave stops by to share his Indigenous country record collection and…
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Hearing the symphony in Indigenous story
Sharing Chickasaw culture through orchestral composition is Jerod Impichchaachaaha' Tate's heartwork. He wants his music to empower Indigenous people and create an opportunity for them to feel good about themselves, celebrating culture through epic and powerful symphonic scores. This week Rosanna...
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Mother’s day stories of strength and cultural reconnection
For generations, Innu women gave birth in traditional tents surrounded by family. Thea Penashue tells Rosanna how she wanted her second child to be born in the same way her own mother was decades before. Also on the show – Christine TooToo’s birth plan went right out the window when her baby came…
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Modern method? Reviving the “aquaculture” techniques of our ancestors
Scientists started talking about clam gardens in the 90s – but nations along the west coast built and maintained these beaches for thousands of years before. Rosanna speaks with Skye Augustine about the clam garden restoration that is reconnecting community to this traditional way of harvesting....
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How Indigenous entrepreneurs are creating food security solutions for their communities
Have you ever tried to grow vegetables in the dead of winter? Ben Feagin Jr. had an invention for that. He hopes his greenhouse bubble will help provide Indigenous communities with access to fresh produce all year round. This week Rosanna hears from Indigenous entrepreneurs who are creating food...
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Reframing history by reconnecting relatives through archival photos
In 2010, a researcher placed an ad in the Lakota Times that read, “Looking for information about mystery woman,” with a 19th century black and white photograph. In the centre of the image, a young Indigenous woman stood surrounded by six men in military uniform. The search for information...
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Why A Minor Chorus is a book that builds bridges
Every year Canada Reads chooses one book that everyone should read right now – and it’s a series of great debates that gets us there! In this live recording of Unreserved, Rosanna speaks with Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers and Billy-Ray Belcourt about why Billy-Ray’s A Minor Chorus is THE book for our...
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Two poets - rooted in land, language, and memory
The sight of 191 wild horses pinned in mud is hard to picture and so Jake Skeets turned to poetry. As he learned more about the tragic scene, it became a metaphor for the current climate crisis and its impact on all walks and ways of life. Rosanna speaks with Jake Skeets and Louise Bernice Halfe...
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Keep saying her name: the search for Kadin Savikataaq
They searched for months until the snow came but could not find her. Now, as the weather warms and the ice melts, the community of Arviat renews its search for Kadin Savikataaq. In August 2024, the 20-year-old pilot and experienced hunter disappeared almost without a trace. RCMP say she most…
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Adam Sturgeon on disconnection, reconnection and finding home
“Boozhoo” means hello in Anishinaabemowin. For Adam Sturgeon, that simple greeting, written in a card he received from his Auntie when he was 10-years old, kickstarted a lifelong quest to reclaim his Anishinaabe identity. Adam speaks with Rosanna about his journey of reconnection and finding...
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Sacred Seven: Sabe brings humility, honesty and harmony
Istiyehe, Imoitapi and Sabe are just some of the names Indigenous nations across Turtle Island call Bigfoot or Sasquatch. But who is Sabe really? To some Indigenous people they’re regarded as a relative, others a spiritual guide. Rosanna hears how Sabe teaches us to reflect on our relationship…
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Indigenous Juno Nominees on Culture, Community, and the songs that shape them
What do you get when you blend traditional Mi’kmaq songs with Celtic fiddle music? Mi’kmaltic! Morgan Toney draws inspiration from his Elders, family and community and brings the fusion genre across the country. Now he’s on the road to the Junos. This week Rosanna speaks with three musicians on…
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Susan Aglukark on the before and after of childhood trauma
“We need to spend time on beautiful memories” says Inuk musician and humanitarian about her life growing up in the small fly-in community of Arviat, Nunavut. Susan speaks with guest host, Juanita Taylor about healing from childhood sexual abuse and how it inspires her work with Inuit youth…
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Elders find hope in the next generation of dog mushers
She spent 4 days camped out on the land the last time a litter of puppies were born. That’s the kind of commitment 15 year-old Sophia Johnston has toward her dog team. We hear how she is bringing back the almost-lost tradition of dog sled teams in Rankin Inlet, Nunavut with the help of elders and...
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Connecting community across generations and beyond borders through sport
In Haida Gwaii, Basketball is more than a game – and the Skidegate Saints reign supreme. Their team is a source of pride for players and fans alike. Front row tickets even pass down through family wills. Guest host, Falen Johnson hears how their games are a cornerstone of community and make space...
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Remembering Ian Ross: How humour and an "everyman" approach changed storytelling on stage
Ojibwe-Métis playwright Ian Ross brought the stage to the rez and put the rez on the stage in his Governor award-winning play FareWel. He harnessed the power of storytelling through his many plays and fiercely encouraged Indigenous creatives to do the same by sharing their own stories. Rosanna...
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Greenlandic Inuit and their fight for independence
Inuit activists call for an independent Greenland – that means freedom from Denmark and the United States. Amidst the latest threats by the US to acquire Greenland, Inuit are speaking out and calling for good relations as an independent player on the world stage. Rosanna hears from Inuit across…
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Teachers and learners who are saving Indigenous languages
A winter count is history in pictures. But a 200 year-old notebook written in the Lakota language shows just how important the written word can also be. Around the globe communities are recognizing the invaluable role language plays in holding and sharing our people’s stories. Many languages are…
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The Art and Heart of Collaboration
It’s a sacred gift to tell the stories that we carry – that’s one of the lessons Tanya Talaga shares with emerging writers. Rosanna speaks with the award-winning author and other creatives about how they lift each other up by creating safe spaces, supporting each other’s art and offering...
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Wisdom from Indigenous authors guiding us into the new year
Reconnecting with language, family and culture is a journey without a map. It's one Melissa Powless Day has been walking through and sharing about in her poetry as she seeks reconnection and belonging. We also reflect on lessons and wisdom shared from Indigenous authors Rosanna has spoken with to...
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Lessons in Giving
Who are the cookie people in your life? They bring light and calm in moments of chaos and darkness, and their gifts – whether they’re delicious treats, kind words, or time – hold lessons for us all. Rosanna digs into the season of giving and hears that some of the best gifts are those that come...
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Sacred Seven: Beaver is nurturing, giving, wise
Beaver mimicry is helping scientists on Blackfoot territory keep water on the land and put an end to decades of drought. It’s one of many ways Indigenous people look to our beaver kin for lessons on restoring balance to ecosystems. Rosanna hears how traditional knowledge and stories about beaver...
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Welcoming Home the Salmon
Forget the birthday candles, some celebrations call for dynamite! Salmon are returning to river systems all along the Pacific coast where they are the lifeblood of communities. Along the Klamath River, one salmon warrior fulfilled a lifelong dream to blow up one of the dams that had blocked…
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Healing, self-discovery and love with Eenou trans pop artist Siibii
Siibii means river in Cree – a body of water with no fixed form. That description resonates with the pop singer/songwriter now known as Siibiii. Rosanna sits down for an intimate conversation to hear how Siibii’s questions around gender, sexuality and neurodiversity have helped them to heal and...
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Unapologetically Indigenous
From Kookums on campus to artists with new names, Rosanna explores what it means to know your story, be grounded in yourself and share all the love (even if it takes a little rage to get you there).
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Indigenous designers sew stories with every snip and stitch
The dress will never be worn by anyone but the names that adorn it. Hundreds of names of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls line a haute couture gown at the Winnipeg Art Gallery. That’s where Rosanna captured the stories of many designers at a special event.
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Lost Stories and Found Voices: Honouring Indigenous Soldiers
An old cigar box full of memories helps Maidy Keir learn about her uncle Welby who died in World War II. Now some of these treasures are on display in the Netherlands in an exhibit honouring the Indigenous soldiers who helped liberate the country eighty years ago. Rosanna hears stories that…
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A podcast and a film share twisted truths
Legendary Anishinaabe artist Norval Morrisseau is at the centre of what might be the biggest case of art fraud in the world. On the new podcast Forged, Siksika artist Adrian Stimson dives into the dark and layered story behind it. Rosanna gets the real scoop on what he learned about the fakes....
About this show
Named one of Audible's Best Canadian Podcasts of 2025. Join Rosanna Deerchild every Friday for vibrant conversations with our cousins, aunties, elders and heroes. Rosanna guides us on the path to better understanding our shared story. Together, we learn and unlearn, laugh and become gentler in all our relations.
Our award-winning show is rooted in radio, where we’ve spent the last decade becoming a trusted space for Indigenous-led conversations.
We are based in what is now known as Canada. Rosanna hails from O-Pipon-Na-Piwan Cree Nation at South Indian Lake in northern Manitoba, and now lives and works in Winnipeg (Treaty 1).
Hosted by
CBC