PODCAST · society
Young & Indigenous
by Young & Indigenous
The Young & Indigenous Podcast amplifies the voices, stories, and experiences of Indigenous people in all walks of life, creating a platform that fosters empowerment and meaningful conversations. Through storytelling, we uplift the spirits of Native youth, strengthen community, and celebrate indigeneity. By honoring the voices of our ancestors, we are reclaiming our narrative and preserving our way of life.
Episodes
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Raven Borsey | Indigenous Anthropology
In this episode, we speak with Raven Borsey, Researcher at Setting Sun Circle, about growing up on the Lummi Reservation, his journey into anthropology, and the importance of Indigenous perspectives in understanding history and place. He shares his experiences navigating education as a tribal...
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Tallie Jones | Goodbye Mindport
In this episode, we speak with Tallie Jones, former Executive Director of Mindport Exhibits, about growing up in Whatcom County, her evolving understanding of Indigenous history, and the role education plays in shaping public awareness. She also reflects on closing a meaningful chapter at…
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Darrell Hillaire | Returning Home
In this new podcast series, we explore what Land Back can look like in practice while challenging the lack of cultural awareness surrounding the history of Whatcom County. Through conversations with community members, we aim to share a fuller and more truthful understanding of this place and the...
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Beverly Cook at BIONEERS
In this powerful episode, co-hosts Santana and Haley sit down with Chief Beverly Cook of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, to discuss the toxic legacy of industrial contamination along the St. Lawrence River. They explore how pollution from General Motors, Reynolds Metals, and Alcoa Aluminum led to...
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Amy Cordalis at BIONEERS | Healing Women Heals Mother Earth
This special crossover episode marks the launch of our Young and Indigenous at Bioneers series and continues the ongoing conversations from Healing Women Heals Mother Earth. Co-hosts Haley and Santana speak with Amy Bowers Cordalis, a Yurok attorney and activist, about the historic removal of the...
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Baratunde Thurston at BIONEERS
In this mic drop of an episode that launches the YAI at BIONEERS series, Raven and Santana sit down with Emmy-nominated host, writer and public speaker Baratunde Thurston. In this conversation they discuss healthy masculinity, storytelling as resistance, and maintaining Indigenous values in the…
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Trailer | YAI at Bioneers
In this special series, the Young and Indigenous podcast team dives into conversations with 16 Indigenous and allied environmental leaders, recorded over three days at the 2025 Bioneers Conference. With a crew of eight young Native changemakers, this marks our most ambitious series yet —…
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The One Where We Talk About Being Women
Wykeklyaa, Haley, and Santana get into what it’s like navigating the world as Indigenous women — from the people who shaped them to the stereotypes they’re still breaking down. We’ve been calling this the women’s episode and honestly… what if every month were Women’s History Month? It’s real talk...
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Resilient From the Start
Tune in as a powerful group of Young and Indigenous women share their raw, real, and deeply personal stories as caregivers. From being sisters, aunties, and cousins to navigating love, loss, and legacy — they open up about the humor and hard truths of caring for those they love most.
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FRANCES CHARLES | Healing Women Heals Mother Earth
Frances Charles is a proud member of the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe. She has served as the chairwoman for over two decades. She is a dedicated advocate for dam removal, salmon restoration, and the protection of Mother Earth and traditional homelands. Listen as we discuss her leadership as...
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KAYELONI SCOTT | Healing Women Heals Mother Earth
Kayeloni Scott is a proud member of Spokane who also descends from Nez Perce. She is the director of the Columbia and Snake River Campaign working to recover salmon populations and a free flowing Snake River. Listen in as we discuss the work she’s involved in, the power of supporting each other…
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VANESSA CASTLE | Healing Women Heals Mother Earth
Vanessa Castle is a proud member of the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe and Tribal Engagement Coordinator at Ridges to Riffles Indigenous Conservation Group. Listen as we discuss the work she’s involved in, the Elwha Dam removal, and how she takes care of her mind, body, and spirit. Healing Women Heals...
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ALYSSA MACY | Healing Women Heals Mother Earth
Tune in with Alyssa Macy, a proud member of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs and CEO of Washington Conservation Action. Listen as we discuss the work she’s involved in, overcoming cancer, and how she takes care of her mind, body, and spirit. Healing Women Heals Mother Earth is a podcast...
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TOKALA TATUM | INDIGENOUS FUTURES
Tokala Tatum is a writer, director, producer, and overall creative descending from the Yakama and Rosebud Sioux Tribes. Tune in to see how he is continuing to push Native American storytelling through different mediums and how his culture and upbringing have influenced his art.
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GOT VOTE?
Do you vote? Setting Sun staff members from different backgrounds all answer one question: Does voting matter? Discussion from both tribal and non-tribal backgrounds, tune in to find out why we vote!
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NISH ROMERO | INDIGENOUS FUTURES
Dionisio or “Nish” Romero is a Coast Salish artist, carver, and canoe paddler from the Nooksack Tribe in Bellingham, Washington. After almost 2 years in industry, Nish is a gallery-level carver at just 24 years old. Nish takes after his great grandfather, Spud Cooper, another master carver.…
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OREN LYONS | ORIGINS OF DEMOCRACY
During the Bioneers Conference in March of 2024, YTLP members Roy, Free, Raven, and Cyrus were blessed with the opportunity to sit down with Oren and Rex Lyons. Oren Lyons is the Wolf Clan Faithkeeper of the Onondaga Nation of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. A lacrosse player, father, climate...
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PLANTS | ROBIN WALL KIMMERER | LIVING IN COMMUNITY
Kimmerer is a mother, scientist, decorated professor, and enrolled tribal member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. She is the author of Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants, which has earned Kimmerrer wide acclaim. Her first book, Gathering…
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PLANTS | ALEX HARRIS | OLD GROWTH SOLUTIONS
Alexander is the policy lead for RE Sources’ land use and water protection programs. Alexander completed a graduate program in Environmental Policy at Western Washington University in 2022, where his research focused on how community-driven forest stewardship can help restore the Nooksack...
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CELEBRATING MOTHERHOOD!
Happy Mother’s Day! Join Wykeklyaa and Roy as they sit down with their mothers to talk about the true essence of motherhood. From cherished memories to the joy and challenges, its a heartwarming episode you won’t want to miss!
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PLANTS | NSEA | BALANCE OF THE NATURAL WORLD
NSEA is the Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association. Darrell Grey has been the Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association (NSEA) Project Manager for nearly 30 years leading conservation projects and managing restoration efforts in his time with the organization. James Vanderhoort joined NSEA after...
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PLANTS | SADIE OLSEN | A LIFESTYLE, NOT A CAUSE
We continue our PLANTS series with Sadie Olsen, a proud member of the Lummi Nation. Sadie is also a co-founder of Whiteswan Environmental (WE), an Indigenous led 501(c)(3) whose mission is to support community healing through the natural, cultural and historical restoration to the Salish Sea for...
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PLANTS | MORGAN BROWN | PLANT SOVEREIGNTY
Continuing on from our last episode, Morgan Brown is a Tsimshian mother, auntie, sister, and daughter. Morgan works as the Environmental Education Coordinator and Indigenous Science Educator for the Swinomish Tribe. She considers her students to be some of her biggest teachers. Morgan’s…
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PLANTS | MORGAN BROWN | THE PLANT PHILOSOPHER
Morgan Brown is a Tsimshian mother, auntie, sister, and daughter. She primarily works in the public high school with Indigenous youth. Morgan considers her students to be some of her biggest teachers. Morgan’s inspiration and knowledge fall in the realms of traditional plant medicine, first…
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PLANTS | ANNA COOK | THE STUDENT OF LIFE
Anna Cook is a member of the Swinomish Tribe in the Pacific Northwest of Washington state. Anna grew up in and around the Swinomish community learning about what it means to be Swinomish. Living with her parents and grandparents, Anna learned to live off the land, and to be grateful for…
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PLANTS Trailer #2
Challenge your growth and establish your roots in this all new series: PLANTS! PLANTS is a podcast series dedicated to sharing indigenous plant knowledge and values. Come learn and grow with us on this journey, as we delve further into the world of PLANTS!
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PLANTS Trailer #1
Challenge your growth and establish your roots in this all new series: PLANTS! PLANTS is a podcast series dedicated to sharing indigenous plant knowledge and values. Come learn and grow with us on this journey, as we delve further into the world of PLANTS!
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29 | PUNK, PAINT, AND SASHA LAPOINTE
Young and Indigenous Podcast welcomes local author, musician, and professor, Sasha taqwšəblu LaPointe! Her memoir Red Paint: The Autobiography of a Coast Salish Punk, is the topic of discussion in this great episode as she weaves together themes of trauma, connection to the land and the healing...
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28 | WELCOME CYRUS!
We'd like to welcome the newest member of the YAI team, Cyrus James! Join us as we get to know our newest member of the team in this short episode!
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27 | BEST OF YAI 2023
Thank you for your support this past year, here’s some of our favorite moments from 2023! Thank you to everyone who helped and supported us on this journey, we look forward to another year of sharing indigenous knowledge and values:)
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S2 | Ep. 026 | A YAI Christmas Special
Gather round! In this special Christmas episode, immerse yourself in the spirit of the holidays with a collection of short stories created by the Young and Indigenous team. Join us by the virtual fireplace, from tales of Sasquatch and the Basket Lady to setting a trap for Santa Claus; each story...
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S2 | Ep. 025 | The Love for the Game
Jaiyah Saelua is the first openly trans athlete to compete in a FIFA sanctioned qualifier. Tune in to our discussion about soccer, fa’afafine, working on Next Goal Wins with Taika Waititi, and advocating for transgender rights in the sports world.
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S2 | Ep. 024 | Jason LaClair | My Gift From the Past
Bella gets deep with Jason LaClair, learning about his life creating Coast Salish art and his journey to wellness. Jason’s story is an example of strength, hope, inspiration, and belief that you can climb out of the darkness of addiction. Honoring his ancestors, he healed and transformed his life...
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S2 | Ep. 023 | YAi's Giving
Join us for an authentic conversation on Thanksgiving with Noelani Auguston. We’ll discuss history, personal stories, and embracing cultural diversity in this holiday reflection.
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S2 | Ep. 022 | YAI Talks Love Languages
The YAI Team sat down to take a Love Language Quiz and discuss our love languages. Tune in to find out how we show ourselves and others love:) To take the quiz we did, click here! https://5lovelanguages.com/quizzes/love-language
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S2 | Ep. 021 | Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebrates and honors our history and culture. It represents a recognition of our resilience, heritage, and the ongoing struggles we continue to face. It’s a day to raise awareness about the rich diversity and enduring traditions of Indigenous cultures while also...
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S2 | Ep. 020 | Elwha Friends on Canoe Journey
The YAI team got to sit down with a couple of our friends from The Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe to talk about their experiences, hear their stories, and learn what Canoe Journey means to them.
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S2. | Ep. 019 | Journeys & Tats
A week after getting done with Tribal Canoe Journey Paddle to Muckleshoot, the YAI team sits down to reflect on our time, our favorite Canoe Journey stories, and, oh, did we mention Free got new tattoos? Shout out to the West Shore Canoe Family!
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S2 | Ep.018 | Wykeklyaa
Oonugwito (greetings), today’s episode starts a new introduction series for our YAI team members starting with Wykeklyaa Curleybear, a kwinayl (Quinault) Tribal member. We learn who she is and where she comes from, and how she got to where she is today.
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S2 | Ep. 017 | Preserving Our Culture Through Language
Tina Joe is a language teacher here in Lummi. She speaks to Bella about the importance of language, culture, and passing it down to the next generation. We learn more about language as it ties to ceremony, and how it connects us to our ancestors.
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S2 | Ep. 016 | Welcome Free!
You may have heard this voice before. Welcome our newest YAI team member, Free!
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S2 | Ep. 015 | Painting Pictures (feat. Lil Jim)
Descending from Nooksack and Lummi heritage, musical artist Lil Jim talks to Roy about fitness, mental health, and weaving together culture and music. Listen in to hear how influencing indigenous youth kept him in the music game, what defines native hip hop, and what is in store for the HGS…
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S2 | Ep. 014 | Social Media and Mental Health
Social media. The good, the bad, and the ugly.
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S2 | Ep. 013 | The Houses in Our Heads
Meditation can be used as a way to heal trauma. Join us as we follow CSSP team member Amanda Frank in a guided meditation where we explore the houses in our heads. Bekabon, Amanda Frank, from Minto, Alaska is has dedicated her life to healing through storytelling as a writer and professional…
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S2 | Ep. 012 | YAI Gets Real About Mental Health
How are you doing? When you say you’re ok, are you really ok? In this episode we check in with each other; this starts our latest series centered around youth and mental health. At Children of the Setting Sun we start our week off with check-ins, where we speak from our hearts to ensure that we...
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S2 | Ep 011 | Welcoming New Peeps
You may have heard these voices in a few episodes. Welcome new team members, Wykeklyaa and Roy!
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S2 | Ep. 010 | Sk'ali Ch'elh-Tenaut and the Sacred Sea
In the Lummi language, the term for killer whale is qwe’lhol mechen, meaning “our relatives below the waves”. Once called “Lolita”, then “Tokitae”, and now “Sk’ali Ch’elh-tenaut”, The Sacred Sea organization is working to bring our relative back home to the Salish Sea. She was taken from her home...
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S2 | Ep.009 | Celebrating Indigenous Women
What does it mean to be a woman? What does it mean to be a Tribal woman? Selena or Hailey? Join us as we discuss identity and inspirations with the YAI team. Featuring voices of our female mentors Frances Charles and Amy Cordalis. Thank you to Apple Podcasts for featuring Young and Indigenous...
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S2 | Ep.008 | The Cedar Laurels of Rena Priest
“Our stories have to be told. If you have it in yourself at all anywhere to be a writer, do it. Because the world needs your voice, needs your story. You never know who is going to encounter it and whose life it’s going to change.” This inspiring interview with Rena Priest flows through the…
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S2 | Ep.007 | On Acting and Laughing with Benairen Kane
“Doubt isn't always a bad thing but it becomes a bad thing when you let it override what you are capable of.”-- Hidatsa Tribal Member Benairen Kane and Bella have a conversation about acting, his identity growing up as an urban Native outside his reservation, and the importance of humor to get…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The Young & Indigenous Podcast amplifies the voices, stories, and experiences of Indigenous people in all walks of life, creating a platform that fosters empowerment and meaningful conversations.
Through storytelling, we uplift the spirits of Native youth, strengthen community, and celebrate indigeneity. By honoring the voices of our ancestors, we are reclaiming our narrative and preserving our way of life.
HOSTED BY
Young & Indigenous
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