A Day To Listen

Clint Davis (Inuk) is the CEO of the first-ever Indigenous majority-owned investment dealer in Canada,  dedicating his career to increasing Indigenous participation in capital markets. Clint has been helping quietly build Indigenous economies for over 20 years. As an Inuk man, Clint brings his upbringing with him to everything he does. Hosted by Kiefer Collison.

Robert Doane (Gitxsan) is the senior director of the National Indigenous Strategy through the Indigenous Office at CBC. In the past five years, Robert has met with First Nations, Inuit, and  Métis people across the country to discuss the public broadcaster’s coverage of Indigenous stories, what they get right, what they get wrong, and what more can be done to ensure Indigenous storytelling that is beneficial to all citizens. Hosted by January Rogers.

Niigaan Sinclair (Anishinaabe) is a cultural influencer, author, and professor. He is also the only son of the late Murray Sinclair, the former chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Niigaan reflects on his father’s legacy, their relationship, the state of reconciliation, and his own path ahead. Hosted by January Rogers.

When Waneek Horn-Miller (Kanien’kehà:ka) was only 14 years old, she was stabbed in the chest by a Canadian soldier during the Oka Crisis. Nine years later, she was the co-captain of Canada’s Olympic water polo team. Waneek talks about how she reconciled the betrayal by Canada by representing it on the world stage. Hosted by January Rogers.

When Ronald Ignace (Secwépemc) was a young teen boy, he ran away from residential school. Later, he realized the importance of education and worked to get his high school diploma, then went on to a Master’s degree. Through his passion for his Shuswap language and love of learning, Ron would become the first Commissioner of Indigenous Languages. Hosted by Kiefer Collison.

Carol Anne Hilton (Nuu-chah-nulth) created a hashtag and is now managing a movement. Indigenomics is the visibility and inclusion of Indigenous business and economic growth globally. Carol Anne talks about multi-generational Indigenous wealth creation and how education is shifting focus from teaching and social work to business. Hosted by January Rogers.

When you work in the field of child welfare, it helps to have a real understanding of what families and children are going through. Kayla Frank (Cree) can relate. In a vulnerable and honest conversation, Kayla shares her own journey and vision for how to support families through better systems. Hosted by Kiefer Collison.

When the CEO and President of Indspire was growing up, he didn’t dream of being a CEO or a president of an organization. But his path of education and life-long learning led him to that exact position. Mike DeGagne (Anishinaabe) shares his journey and thoughts about the importance of post-secondary education and how to get there. Hosted by Kiefer Collison.

Kimberly Murray (Kanien'keha) discusses her role as the former Special Interlocutor for Missing Children and Burial Sites, why there are denialists, and how Mohawk children burned down the very first residential institution – the Mohawk Institute. Hosted by January Rogers.

Internal Medicine Specialist Dr. Marcia Anderson (Cree-Anishinaabe) discusses racism and challenges faced by both Indigenous patients and healthcare providers. And what the Indigenous health community is doing to combat this. Hosted by January Rogers.

Christa Big Canoe (Anishinabek) shares why reconciliation is more than a land acknowledgement, how Indigenous lawyers are in demand at an all-time high, and why, as a lawyer, she sees herself as a storyteller. Hosted by Kiefer Collison.

Legendary broadcaster Shelagh Rogers (Métis) looks back at her experience as an Honourary Witness for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and how the simple act of listening to Survivors’ stories changed her life forever. Hosted by Kiefer Collison.

Host Kim Wheeler sits down with Amber-Sekowan Daniels, the creator and showrunner of Crave TV’s new hit comedy Don’t Even. Amber discusses the importance of Indigenous narrative sovereignty and why telling Indigenous stories from an Indigenous perspective matters and why we can have more than one Indigenous comedy series.

Dr. Verne Ross shares his courageous journey through the educational systems and his social work journey with host January Rogers. He also talks about the these he developed titled The Voices and Stories of Two Spirit People with the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education.

Host January Rogers talks with Michael Etherington about reconciliation, what it is, who is involved, and how he put the action in reconciliation through a song he developed with his uncle Vern Cheechoo called Bring the Children Home, in response to the discovery of the first 215 unmarked graves of residential school children who never made it home.

Host Julian Taylor catches up with Olympic swimmer Apollo Hess, who is fresh off the Paris Olympics. In this candid conversation, Apollo shares his struggles in the qualifying trials for the Olympics and how he quelled nerves to compete in the biggest sport event in the world.

Host Julian Taylor speaks with Inuk broadcaster Madeleine Alakkariallak about her grandparents' forced relocation from the high Arctic lands to a land of broken promises in the middle of a blizzard where they had to eat frozen food from a garbage dump. And how later in life, Madeleine would translate English news to Inuktitut for her grandmother which lead to a successful career as a news anchor for both CBC and APTN.

Haida Miles Richardson takes host Kim Wheeler on a journey to the edge of the world – Haida Gwaii. Miles shares how “when the tide goes out, the table it set,” how the Haida maintained their strong cultural ties to the land, and have fought the federal and provincial governments for autonomy over Haida Gwaii.

Host January Rogers is in conversation with Albert McLeod who is best known as the Grandmother of the Two Spirit Movement in Manitoba. Albert identifies as a fabulous animate being and candidly shares observations and developments from within the Two-Spirit movement since its inception in the 1970s through today.

Host Kim Wheeler talks with Tina Keeper about her upbringing in her family, to being a role model at the age of 19 to middle school girls, being the first First Nation female to lead a prime time drama, serving as a Member of Parliament, and producing the number one show on CTV Comedy.

Host Julian Taylor speaks with Aly Bear, who was the first lawyer and youngest woman to ever be elected to the Federation of Saskatchewan Indigenous Nations. Aly shares her story about law school, how she almost quit and how a famous Métis matriarch inspired her to keep going.

Host Julian Taylor speaks with Sage Paul, the artistic and executive director of the Indigenous Fashion Arts Festival in Toronto. Sage, who identifies as urban Denesuline, talks about the importance of traditional and contemporary fashions, and her own beginnings into the fashion world as a young girl. 

Host Kim Wheeler sits down with John R. Sylliboy to discuss the importance of the Mi’kmaq language, land welcomings, and what fluency really means.

Host January Rogers talks with Mohawk scholar Taiaiake Alfred on post-secondary educational institutions and who is driving what it means to be Indigenous in these spaces.

2023 Host Shoshona Kish speaks with Two-Spirit artist and performer Ilona Verley.  Hailing from the Nlaka’pamux Nation, Verley’s vibrant and boundary-pushing presence on the reality TV show “Canada’s Drag Race” garnered widespread attention. With a flair for combining Indigenous culture, pop culture, and stunning fashion, they challenge norms and embrace fluidity in both gender and creativity. Beyond the spotlight, Ilona is a passionate advocate for Two-Spirit visibility, mental health awareness, and Indigenous rights. Through their artistry and advocacy, Ilona Verley continues to reshape narratives, inspiring countless individuals to embrace their authentic selves and celebrate their unique journeys. You can follow along with Ilona Verley here: https://www.instagram.com/ilonaverley/

2023 Host Aysanabee speaks with Mi’gmaq entrepreneur Victoria LaBillois who owns Wejipeg Excavation Inc. and co-owns Wejuseg Construction Inc. She is from Listuguj, Quebec and has served both the First Nation and federal public service, working at the Band, regional, and national levels.  Victoria is currently serving as Vice-Chair of the National Indigenous Economic Development Board. Victoria holds a BA in political science and an MBA both from the University of New Brunswick. She holds a contractor’s license from Régie du bâtiment du Québec. From 2020 to 2022, Victoria represented the National Indigenous Economic Development Board in the development of Canada’s first National Indigenous Economic Strategy. She also served as co-chair for a national Steering Committee with the Canadian Construction Association. She serves as a mentor to Indigenous women at the Coady Institute in Nova Scotia as well as a coach and role model in several leadership and capacity development programs.  Helping to build skills around managing money, Victoria teaches financial literacy to Indigenous youth. Find out more about her work: https://www.wejuseg.com/

2023 Host Shoshona Kish speaks with Cindy Blackstock, a member of the Gitxsan First Nation, and the Executive Director of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society.  She is also a professor at McGill University’s School of Social Work. She has over 30 years of experience working in child welfare and Indigenous children’s rights and has published on topics relating to reconciliation, Indigenous theory, First Nations child welfare, and human rights. A recipient of the SSHRC Gold Medal, Cindy worked with First Nations colleagues on a successful human rights challenge to Canada’s inequitable provision of child and family services and failure to implement Jordan’s Principle. This hard-fought litigation resulted in hundreds of thousands of services being provided to First Nations children, youth, and families. Cindy is frequently sighted in the company of the Caring Society’s reconciliation Ambearrister, Spirit Bear, engaging children in meaningful actions to implement the TRC Calls to Action. Find out more about her work: https://fncaringsociety.com/

2023 Host Aysanabee has a conversation with Alan Greyeyes, the Festival Director for the sākihiwē festival who has been providing artist and project management services in the music industry for nearly 20 years. He also volunteers with the Polaris Music Prize board of directors; the RBC Convention Centre board of directors; and the Indigenous committees at the National Music Centre and the Winnipeg Folk Festival. In 2023, Alan received the Making a Difference award from the Winnipeg Arts Council and in 2020 he earned the Arts Award of Distinction from the Manitoba Arts Council. Alan is a member of Peguis First Nation. Find out more about Alan's festival: https://www.sakihiwe.ca/

2023 Host Aysanabee speaks with Sandra Laronde, is a visionary artist, director, choreographer, and leader renowned for her transformative contributions to the world of Indigenous performing arts. A proud member of the Teme-Augama Anishinaabe (People of the Deep Water), her creative journey is deeply rooted in her heritage. As the founder and artistic director of Red Sky Performance, Laronde has propelled Indigenous storytelling to global stages through innovative productions that blend contemporary dance, music, theatre, and visual arts. Her commitment to arts and cultural resurgence has earned numerous awards, recognizing her as a leader in Indigenous artistic expression. Laronde’s profound ability to merge tradition with innovation continues to inspire and redefine the boundaries of Indigenous performance, fostering cultural understanding and empowerment on an international scale. Learn more about Sandra: https://www.redskyperformance.com/

2023 Host Shoshona Kish speaks to Jean Teillet about the legacy of the Riel family, her Indigenous rights work surrounding Indigenous identity fraud and the complications around Métis identity.  Teillet is an author, women’s rights advocate, and Indigenous rights lawyer. In October of 2022 she wrote a report on Indigenous Identity Fraud. She has appeared at the Supreme Court of Canada twelve times in Indigenous rights cases. Ms. Teillet’s popular history, The North-West is Our Mother: The Story of Louis Riel’s People, the Métis Nation was one of the Globe & Mail’s top 100 books of 2019 and won the Carol Shield’s and Manitoba Day awards. She is the author of Métis Law in Canada and has written for academic journals, the Globe & Mail, and Macleans. A frequent public speaker throughout Canada and internationally, Jean has been awarded the highest honour of her people, the Order of the Métis Nation. The Indigenous Bar Association has awarded Jean its highest honour, Indigenous Peoples Counsel. She has three honorary doctorates (University of Guelph, Windsor University, and Law Society of Ontario). In recognition of decades of work with midwives, Jean has been made an honorary lifetime member of the Association of Ontario Midwives. She is a member of the Manitoba Métis Federation and is the great-grandniece of Louis Riel. https://pstlaw.ca/jean-teillet/ https://twitter.com/jeanteillet

2023 Host Aysanabee speaks to former NHL player Jordin Tootoo about his community work and his experience as the first Inuk player to be drafted by the league. Over his 13-year career, he played for the Nashville Predators, Detroit Red Wings, New Jersey Devils, and Chicago Blackhawks, banking 161 points, including 65 goals, in 723 career games. A true leader both on and off the ice, Tootoo has since become a vocal mental health advocate dedicated to giving back to his communities. He speaks to the power of creating a culture of inspired inclusivity and explores what real teamwork looks like, both at home and work. You can pre-order Jordin's new book Mind Over Matter which comes out October 17th.

2023 Host Shoshona Kish speaks with Dr. Amy Cardinal Christianson, an Indigenous Fire Specialist with the National Fire Management Division at Parks Canada. She is Métis from Treaty 8 territory, currently living in Treaty 6.  Her research explores Indigenous fire stewardship, Indigenous wildland firefighters, wildfire evacuations, and Indigenous research methodology. Amy also co-hosts the Good Fire podcast, which looks at Indigenous fire use around the world. She recently co-authored the book “First Nations Wildfire Evacuations: A Guide for Communities and External Agencies” with Tara K. McGee and “Blazing the Trail: Celebrating Indigenous Fire Stewardship” with Indigenous colleagues.  She is a board member for the International Association of Wildland Fire and a member of the International Research Advisory Panel for Natural Hazards Research Australia. Find more of her work: UBC Press | First Nations Wildfire Evacuations – A Guide for Communities and External Agencies, By Tara K. McGee, Amy Cardinal Christianson and First Nations Wildfire Evacuation Partnership Good Fire Podcast-YourForest (yourforestpodcast.com)

2023 Host Aysanabee has a conversation with fellow musician Jeremy Dutcher about his commitment to Indigenous language revitalization through his art. Jeremy Dutcher is a Two-Spirit song carrier, composer, activist, ethnomusicologist, and member of Neqotkuk (Tobique First Nation) in Eastern Canada. He gained international acclaim for his album Wolastoqiyik Lintuwakonawa, which earned him the 2018 Polaris Music Prize and Indigenous Music Album of the Year at the 2019 JUNO Awards. His musical style blends the songs of his community with neoclassical, jazz, and pop influences, and has led him to collaborate with such iconic artists as Buffy Sainte-Marie and Yo-Yo Ma. Dutcher’s work has taken him to the world’s great concert halls, NPR’s Tiny Desk, and the judges’ table of Canada’s Drag Race. Find out more about Jeremy: https://jeremydutcher.com/

2023 Host Shoshona Kish has a beautiful conversation with her mother, Banakonda Bell about the knowledge she holds as an elder. Banakonda Kennedy-Kish (Bell), Bear Clan, is a Traditional Practitioner and Elder-in-Residence at Laurier University’s Lyle S. Hallman Masters of Social Work program, in the Indigenous Field of Studies. She co-authored Case Critical: Social Services and Social Justice in Canada (2017, Between the Lines Publishers) and a chapter of Social Work Ethics: Progressive, Practical and Relational Approaches (2017, Oxford University Press). Banakonda has served Indigenous communities for over forty years.

2023 Host Aysanabee speaks to Jared Visitor, the great-nephew of Chanie Wenjack (the 12-year-old boy whose death in 1966 sparked national attention and led to the first inquest into the treatment of children at residential schools). Jared is a university student working towards becoming a teacher in remote northern communities. He has been helping to fight forest fires for ten years all over Canada. Jared loves to speak to youth about his experiences and learning in the subject of trauma and psychology. He volunteers regularly with youth and enjoys singing and playing guitar. He works for the Anthropology department at Lakehead University and is currently training for a half marathon. 

2023 Host Shoshona Kish speaks to international Indigenous superstar Buffy Sainte-Marie about her career, her childhood, and the history of Indigenous peoples in Canada. As both a cultural and musical icon, she has left an enduring impact over her six-decade career. Her powerful voice and songwriting have inspired generations of musicians, activists and educators. Breaking free from past norms and industry constraints, she debuted with the groundbreaking album “It’s My Way!” in 1964. As a self-taught musician from childhood, Buffy’s inventive guitar tunings shaped her unique sound and influenced future artists. With degrees in Oriental Philosophy and Education, she gained recognition in New York’s Greenwich Village coffee houses before soaring to international fame. An innovator in digital art and electronic music in the late 1960s and 1970s, Buffy holds fifteen honorary degrees, including a Ph.D. in Fine Art. Through her vast catalogue of songs, like “Universal Soldier”, and her advocacy for education and Indigenous rights continue to inspire resilience amid challenges, securing her status as a songwriter great. Find out more information about Buffy Sainte-Marie and her incredible work on her website: https://buffysainte-marie.com/

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Dr. Duke Redbird, Elder, Poet, Human Rights Activist, Educator, and Artist. With a legacy stretching back to the 1960s, he is a pillar of First Nations literature in Canada, and has practiced a number of art disciplines including poetry, painting, theatre, and film. He was a trailblazer throughout the 60's & 70's giving voice to Indigenous people at major institutions and folk festivals across the country. From 1994-2009, he was an arts & entertainment reporter for CITY TV in Toronto.  

Laurie Hermiston is an Anishinaabe Kwe from Batchewana First Nation in Northern Ontario. She is strong advocate, community practitioner and partnership specialist with over 20 years of experience working in the Indigenous community on local, provincial and national levels. She has organized many community engagement projects, advisory circles and symposiums in Ontario, and presented to countless audiences on Indigenous issues.  

 Johna is Anishinaabekwe belonging to Wasauksing First Nation by Georgian Bay. Mom to five, partner, daughter, sister, auntie, cuzzin and Indigenous Educator for language and cultural revitalization. She works with the Near North District School board teaching Anishinaabemowin and Indigenous Studies.  

Peatr Thomas is a multidisciplinary Ininew and Anishinaabe self-taught full-time visual artist from the Pimicikamak and Miskooseepi territories located near the heart of Turtle Island. A Youth Facilitator of many years he is sharing passed down knowledge, traditional teachings, culture and the healing process in creating visual forms of art.  

Filmmaker Ahnahktsipiitaa is Blackfoot and Dutch, originally hailing from The Piikani Nation. During his upbringing he resided alongside his mother in Lethbridge and many other dusty Southern Alberta towns. Currently, Ahnahktsipiitaa is the Operations Manager for the Indigenous Matriarchs 4 AR/VR media lab (IM4-Lab). Ahnahktsipiitaa sits on Telefilm Indigenous Working Group, among others. Community centred, he aims to elevate the voices and stories of Indigenous peoples, whether creating spaces for youth works in the Talking Stick’s Festivals REEL Reservation: Indigenous Cinematic Indigenous Sovereignty Series or through his company Blackfoot Nation Films.  

With their new sound that elegantly weaves the melodies using vocals, guitar and electronic elements. they create both intimate and anthemic music that would fit in a folk club, a dance club and anywhere in between. G.R. Gritt is a Two-Spirit, Transgender, Francophone, Anishinaabe and Métis artist.

Terri Cardinal (she, her) who’s Cree name is wapekihêw iskwew, is from Saddle Lake Cree Nation in Treaty 6 Territory. Professionally, Terri is currently on leave from MacEwan University, where she is the director of Indigenous Initiatives. She is working on a project with Blue Quills University as the Indian Residential School Coordinator for the next year. She completed her clinical MSW specializing in trauma with the University of Calgary and is currently pursuing her PhD in Social Work with the University of Calgary. Terri research and passion focuses on ceremony is healing, Indigenous social work, identity and Indigenous land-based learning.  

Becky Han who grew up in Arctic Bay, Nunavut now resides on Treaty 6 territory where she works from home. Believing that music is a crucial educational tool, she composes most of her songs in Inuktitut. Being active on social media, Han also uses her platform to share her learnings about the Inuit culture.

Stewart Gonzales, who carries the traditional name Semplúyan, is a proud Two-Spirited Elder and member of the Squamish Nation with family connections to the Musqueam Nation. He was born and raised in North Vancouver and is a residential school survivor. After attending St. Paul’s Indian Day School from 1966 to 1968, Semplúyan then attended Sechelt Residential School from 1968 to 1971. Through personal narrative, Semplúyan will share his experiences as a residential school survivor and his journey of healing to help us understand reconciliation and our shared history. He has dedicated much time to working with and empowering Indigenous youth through sharing culture and language from his Squamish Nation community. He is also a role model to other two-spirited men and those in recovery. Semplúyan was elected as a General Councillor for the Squamish Nation during the September 2021 election.

Waubgeshig Rice is an author and journalist from Wasauksing First Nation. He has written three fiction titles, and his short stories and essays have been published in numerous anthologies. His most recent novel, Moon of the Crusted Snow, was published in 2018 and became a national bestseller. His next novel, Moon of the Turning Leaves, will be published in 2023.  

Salia Joseph is from the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and Snuneymuxw First Nation’s on her father’s side and is British and Jewish on her mothers. Salia is a graduate from the First Nations and Indigenous studies program from the University of British Columbia. Salia is a Squamish language learner and is the executive director of The Sníchim Foundation which is a Sḵwx̱wú7mes language and culture non-profit

Dr. Duke Redbird, Elder, Poet, Human Rights Activist, Educator, and Artist. With a legacy stretching back to the 1960s, he is a pillar of First Nations literature in Canada, and has practiced a number of art disciplines including poetry, painting, theatre, and film. He was a trailblazer throughout the 60's & 70's giving voice to Indigenous people at major institutions and folk festivals across the country. From 1994-2009, he was an arts & entertainment reporter for CITY TV in Toronto.

Laurie Hermiston is an Anishinaabe Kwe from Batchewana First Nation in Northern Ontario. She is strong advocate, community practitioner and partnership specialist with over 20 years of experience working in the Indigenous community on local, provincial and national levels. She has organized many community engagement projects, advisory circles and symposiums in Ontario, and presented to countless audiences on Indigenous issues.