Empathetic Witness

What to Say When It Matters Most: Holding Space for Effective Communication

In this episode, communication expert Wendy explores how everyday language shapes our communication experience —and how we can communicate with greater empathy, clarity, and responsibility.

We begin with Wendy’s journey into this work, examining how her background in communication led her to focus on conversations around depression. From there, the discussion expands into how language—within families, workplaces, and media—can either deepen stigma or create space for understanding and healing.

Wendy identifies common myths and harmful phrases that, even when well- intentioned, can invalidate or isolate someone who is struggling. She offers practical, immediate communication strategies for responding when someone says, “I’m depressed,” emphasizing presence, validation, and non-judgment.

A key focus of the episode is the balance between empathetic listening and guiding someone toward professional support—without sounding dismissive or overly directive. Wendy also addresses workplace dynamics, offering clear guidance for managers and colleagues navigating support, privacy, and liability concerns.

The conversation extends to media ethics, exploring how podcasters, journalists, and content creators can responsibly share stories about depression while protecting vulnerable individuals.

Listeners will leave with simple, ready-to-use phrases to support someone in distress, along with a final takeaway: one powerful daily practice to reduce stigma and help people feel truly heard.

Key Themes:

-The power of language in shaping mental health experiences

-Moving from harmful myths to supportive communication

-Practical tools for real-time conversations

-Bridging empathy with professional care

-Workplace and media responsibility

-Reducing stigma through everyday habits

Trauma, Awakening, and Indigenous Healing

In this episode, I meet with Dr. Rubi Sakesknip and we quickly fall into a profound conversation about trauma, healing, and awakening. Dr. R.Sakeskanip— an author, therapist, grandmother, and survivor of her own early wounds — shares understanding from decades of personal and professional experience. Their dialogue lays the foundation for Part Two of this series, which will focus on practical Indigenous healing tools.

Understanding Trauma

What is trauma? She describes trauma as deeply hidden wounds woven into the fabric of our being. It often begins in childhood, in moments when pain is unheard, unseen, or dismissed. It is what we decide in that moment we tell ourselves I'm unlovable, people are mean they gossip and they hurt others.

• Where does trauma live? Trauma embeds itself in the mind–body spirit connection, shaping the central nervous system. It shows up in:

-triggers

-avoidance

-addictions

-tension patterns

-emotional reactivity

-body language we’re not even aware of

• How do we recognize it? Through our reactions. Through what we avoid.

How we speak. Through moments when our bodies respond before our minds can catch up.

The Awakening Process

She identifies three pathways to awakening — the moment when we begin to see trauma rather thanbe trauma:

1. Traditional therapy with an awakened, self-aware Therapist

A therapist who has done their own inner work can guide someone into safe, grounded awareness.

2. A life-changing crisis or experience

Something that shakes you to the core — grief, illness, betrayal, loss — can open the door to transformation.

3. Self-tracking and witnessing your triggers

Journaling, noting patterns, and naming emotions help a person separate self from symptom.

DR. R.SAKESKANIP’S HEALING JOURNEY

Her 1984 breakthrough, followed years later by a resurfacing of deeper trauma

The power of long-term journaling to map emotional patterns

Realization that trauma behaviours are not our true identity

Healing dialogues with family members that brought relief and clarity

Her name tied to her identity and healing.

Part Two — Coming Soon

Angelina and Dr. R. Sakesnip will continue the conversation by exploring:

• Indigenous healing modalities

Traditional practices, land-based teachings, and spiritual tools for nervous-system repair.

• How triggers can become gifts

Using emotional reactions as doorways into deeper self-awareness.

• Recognizing trauma symptoms

Understanding what to watch for in yourself or loved ones.

I’m honored to welcome my longtime friend, Debbie Moses, as today’s guest on Empathic Witness. Debbie is currently running for the position of Ward One Councilor in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, Fort McMurray, Alberta.

I’ve known Debbie for many years. We first worked together in the 1990s in Edmonton at the Indian Association of Alberta (IAA), where her passion for advocacy and community leadership was already clear. Debbie is a proud Indigenous woman whose caring nature and determination have always guided her work.

That commitment, paired with her compassion and dedication to lifting others, has defined her journey. She continues to stand for Indigenous voices, for community well-being, and for positive change in Wood Buffalo.

In this conversation, we’ll explore her path, her vision for her community, and the values of resilience, care, and responsibility that guide her leadership.

She is not afraid of hard work—after long days of meetings, she would stay up late typing the minutes and have them ready for us the very next morning. Debbie, do you remember when we had a workshop at Nakoda lodge, it just opened.

Major Concerns

1. Economic Stability: A significant concern among residents is the local economy. Candidates are expected to discuss strategies to enhance economic growth and stability, particularly in light of recent fluctuations in the job market.

2. Housing Shortages: There are ongoing issues with housing availability and affordability. The housing market is struggling to keep up with demand, and this remains a critical topic for residents looking for sustainable living conditions.

3. Community Safety: Safety in the community is a pressing issue, including concerns about crime rates and the need for more proactive measures. Candidates should consider presenting plans for enhanced community safety and support for vulnerable groups.

4. Public Engagement: There is a call for better engagement between the council and residents. Voter turnout and participation in local governance are vital, and candidates should propose ways to improve communication and involvement.

5. Environmental Concerns: Environmental issues, including wildfire management and sustainable development practices, are becoming increasingly relevant. Candidates may want to address how they plan to tackle these challenges.

6. Infrastructure Development: As the community grows, there are concerns about infrastructure, including roads, public transportation, and other essential services. Addressing these issues will be essential for candidates.

7. Youth and Family Services: Providing adequate services for families and youth is important, including recreational facilities and educational opportunities. Candidates should highlight their plans for improving these services.

This week, I sit down with Maria Rose Sikyea, a Dene artisan and advocate for Indigenous midwifery. Maria Rose speaks with honesty and courage about her journey through addiction, the challenges of rebuilding confidence, and the deep meaning of her traditional face tattoo. She shares how the strength of her mother and grandmother guided her path, and how culture and family continue to shape her healing.

Links to connect with Maria Rose:

https://www.caribouwomancreations.com/https://www.instagram.com/caribouwomancreations?igsh=OWtoaHo3anA1YW5u

 Listen now on Empathic Witness — a space for stories of resilience, healing, and cultural pride

#EmpathicWitness #Podcast #IndigenousVoices #Dene #HealingJourney #Resilience

Angelina Pratt, host of the podcast Empathetic Witness, begins the fourth season with a focus on supernatural and unexplained phenomena. This interest, particularly in ghost stories, stems from her childhood experiences listening to tales shared by her older sister, Dora.

In this season, Angelina will interview individuals who have experienced inexplicable events or who carry compelling stories they've heard from others. Her first guest is Walter Janvier, a traditionalist and former Chief, who shares intriguing stories passed down by elders.

Roy Mulder, a self-proclaimed fish sympathizer uses strong visual imagery of the ocean combined with active involvement in marine conservation to create the change that needs to happen. Learning scuba diving through the Canadian Armed Forces 37 years ago set him on his current path to devote his life to the creation of marine conservation areas in Canada.  He is a strong believer in community and has been active in numerous organizations and programming. 

Roy believes that we need to create a better connection between the scientific community and the public, so that people are aware of the state of the oceans.

Links:

 Roy’s YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/c/roymulder

Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/rsmulder

Here are a few links of organizations Roy is apart of and supports

https://www.cmepsociety.org/  

He’s President of this organization

https://www.facebook.com/cmepsociety

Roy is a former Director and supporter of this youth leadership through the arts of this organization.

https://www.youthleadarts.com/

https://www.facebook.com/youthleadarts1

A former Director and supporter of this organization as well.

https://www.facebook.com/ARTCInc/ 

Enjoy the episode friends! And please don’t forget to share with your network if you think they’ll enjoy the podcast

Councillor Zimmerman showing up as extraordinaire member of her community. 

Sarah is an experienced Senior Communications and Public Relations executive with a demonstrated history of working in non-profit, small business, corporate and public sectors. A strategic public relations practitioner with 17 years experience in strategic communications, public relations, media relations, management, and community engagement and crisis communications. A passionate volunteer and community engager, Sarah dedicates a lot of her time to local arts, entertainment, sport and culture organizations. An engaging public speaker, Sarah connects with audiences through vivid storytelling and compelling content.

Show Notes:

Councillor Sarah Zimmerman Sarah is an elected Terrace, BC City councillor & the former Executive Director of Coast Mountain College.

1. Introduction and land acknowledgement 

2. Terrace Councillor’ priorities 

3. Climate issues

4. Housing issues

5. Youth issues

6. Elder issues 

7. Accessibility issues

8. Legacy

A Indigenous Politician’s Love Story

Georges Henry Erasmus, OC is a Canadian politician. He was the national chief of the Assembly of First Nations(AFN) from 1985 to 1991. Georges Erasmus was born in a Dene community in the Northwest Territories to a family of 12 children. George Erasmus is continuing his work as negotiator for the Dehcho First Nations in NWT.

My interview with Georges was both long overdue and insightful, discussing our shared Dene heritage, the importance of language in preserving Dene culture, and the evolution of leadership within Indigenous communities. And on his 50 years in leadership. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/204133626-h-t-a-enough

We also discussed the historical context of the Royal Commission (RCAP) on Aboriginal Peoples report, the impact of residential schools, and lastly, we touched on the challenges and progress of reconciliation in Canada, and my journey of creating a non-profit foundation, seventhgift.ca and our personal reflections on Georges' book. and our personal reflections on Georges' book.

• George Erasmus will send me the name of the Indigenous author's book he recently read about a father-son journey.

• Canadian government to implement recommendations from the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples report.

• Canadian government to reinstate the Aboriginal Healing Foundation.

1. Dene Heritage, Language, and Leadership

We discussed our shared Dene heritage and the importance of our mothers. I believe Dene mothers are a powerful and stabilizing force in our life. We also discussed the significance of language in preserving our culture. 

Our conversation then shifted to the topic of Indigenous leadership.

2. Indigenous Leadership and Rights Evolution

We discussed the evolution of leadership within Indigenous communities. George explained that the shift in leadership from older to younger generations in the 1960s and 1970s was a response to the liberation and newfound rights that came with the end of colonialism. He also mentioned the struggles faced by indigenous nations in Canada, including the challenge of treaty rights and the push for recognition and governance. I agreed with George's perspective and expressed uncertainty about what would motivate the youth of today to stand up for their rights. George concluded by stating that he believes the struggles of Indigenous communities will continue.

3. RCAP Report's Impact and Reconciliation

We discussed the historical context of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples (RCAP) report and its lack of implementation. George expressed his disappointment in the report's reception, particularly under the leadership of . Jean Chrétien, highlighting the report's importance and the need for government action. We also touched on the impact of residential schools on Indigenous peoples, the creation of the Healing Foundation, and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission as steps towards healing. We agreed that the burden of reconciliation is shared between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, and that acknowledging the past is the first step towards healing.

4.Residential School Payments and Concerns

We discussed the payment of $350 million to survivors of residential schools in Canada. George shared his experience at a meeting where survivors expressed anger and confusion about the use of the funds. Maggie Hodgson was a Director. They were concerned that the money might be used to repay damages instead of creating healing programs.

George discusses the Aboriginal Healing Foundation's efforts to fund community-driven healing programs for residential school survivors using settlement money, noting genuine healing was starting to occur before funding ran out after 17 years, far short of the time needed to address the multi-generational trauma.

5. Challenges and Progress in Reconciliation

We discussed the challenges and progress of reconciliation in Canada, particularly in relation to the implementation of treaties and the role of the Aboriginal Healing Foundation. George emphasized the importance of patience and the need for continued efforts towards self-determination and self-governance. He also shared his personal experiences and the lessons he has learned throughout his life. I agreed with George's advice, emphasizing the importance of perseverance, and not giving up on the struggle for reconciliation.

My interest in partnering with Pound Makers Lodge, a treatment center. GIFT continues to develop courses and train counselors in First Nations communities based on the foundations created 50 years ago with the Nechi institute.

 Links:

https://seventhgift.ca/

https://publications.gc.ca/Pilot/LoPBdP/EB/prb9924-e.htm

https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1524494530110/1557511412801

https://poundmakerslodge.ca/

https://nechi.com/

Please listen to my conversation with PHD candidate Idoia Cardinal

• Reconciliation

• Basque culture

• Indian residential school

• Douglas cardinal architect

• Dr. Betty Bastien

Thanks for listening!

https://press.ucalgary.ca/books/9781552381090/

https://www.daniels.utoronto.ca/news/wed-jun-15-2022-12am/douglas-cardinal-receives-honorary-doctorate-during-2022-convocation

Please listen to my conversation with PHD candidate Idoia Cardinal

• Reconciliation

• Basque culture

• Indian residential school

• Douglas cardinal architect

• Dr. Betty Bastien

Thanks for listening!

https://press.ucalgary.ca/books/9781552381090/

https://www.daniels.utoronto.ca/news/wed-jun-15-2022-12am/douglas-cardinal-receives-honorary-doctorate-during-2022-convocation