This episode features Ma-Nee Chacaby, a Two-Spirit Ojibwe-Cree Elder, activist, and author from Ombabika, near Lake Nipigon in northwestern Ontario. A survivor of both colonial and personal trauma, she has dedicated her life to sharing stories of resilience, cultural reclamation, and community healing. Her acclaimed memoir, A Two-Spirit Journey: The Autobiography of a Lesbian Ojibwa-Cree Elder, chronicles her experiences growing up in the bush, surviving residential school and addiction, and embracing her identity as a Two-Spirit woman. Through her advocacy, teachings, and storytelling, Chacaby continues to inspire dialogue on Indigenous rights, gender diversity, and intergenerational healing.

http://amshealthcare.ca/

This episode features Vincent Pawis ('Vince'), an Elder of Shawanaga First Nation. He founded White Buffalo Healing Lodge in 2005 when he served as a Native Inmate Liaison Officer at the Sudbury Jail. Vince was instrumental in founding its Elder Assisted Aboriginal Circle Parole Hearings, a program allowing offenders to be heard in a setting that reflects their values and traditions in their rehabilitation. Counselling work with offenders begins from the point of incarceration to subsequent preparation for parole hearings. Subsequently, White Buffalo's structured programs prepare parolee clients for release with aftercare programs, employment, training, and community integration. At-risk youth also engage in counselling sessions, workshops, healing circles and sweat lodge ceremonies. This commitment to the ongoing health and well-being of White Buffalo's clients has drastically reduced the recidivism rate among parolees. In recognition of his work and benefit to communities at large, Vince was presented with the Minister's Award for Exceptional Achievements in Corrections. He was later appointed to the Order of Ontario, the province's highest honour for his contributions to law and culture and subsequently was awarded the Governor General of Canada Meritorious Service Medal for restoring pride and self-confidence in the community by promoting positive lifestyle changes of its members through connection with cultural heritage.

Watch behind the scenes video of this episode

https://whitebuffaloroad.com/

https://amshealthcare.ca/

This episode features Ron Linklater, Brenda Mason, Randy Sewap, Dieter Sainnawap, and Nelly Mesenegeeshik, who were all participants in an Elders and Healers Gathering hosted by St. Joseph's Care Group in Thunder Bay, Ontario.

Ron Linklater is a respected Knowledge Keeper and educator dedicated to sharing traditional teachings and supporting community wellness. With decades of experience in Indigenous education, Ron brings a grounded, compassionate presence to conversations about healing, cultural identity, and the importance of reconnecting to the land and ceremony.

Brenda Mason is a passionate community healer and advocate for Indigenous wellness and mental health. With a background in grassroots support and cultural work, Brenda brings insight into intergenerational healing, trauma recovery, and the strength of Indigenous kinship and caregiving practices.

Randy Sewap is a Traditional Knowledge Carrier and mentor committed to uplifting Indigenous youth through teachings, land-based learning, and cultural resilience. He draws from ancestral knowledge and lived experience to guide others on their healing journeys and to foster pride in Indigenous identity.

Dieter Sainnawap is a dedicated language advocate and cultural facilitator working to revitalize Indigenous languages and support cross-generational learning. Through his work, Dieter promotes the power of language as a vessel of spirit, history, and healing, connecting people to their roots and to each other.

Nelly Mesenegeeshik is a deeply respected Elder and Keeper of Traditional Knowledge. Her teachings center on the land, the spirit, and the ancestral wisdom passed down through generations. Nelly's presence offers gentle strength and clarity, encouraging reconnection with Indigenous lifeways and the sacredness of community.

This episode features Fred Kelly, a respected Anishinaabe Elder from the Ojibways of Onigaming First Nation in northwestern Ontario. A survivor of the Indian Residential School system, Kelly has dedicated his life to healing, advocacy, and advancing the rights of Indigenous Peoples in Canada. He was a key figure in the negotiation and implementation of the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement, and has worked extensively as a spiritual advisor, mediator, and educator. With decades of experience in leadership, both at the grassroots and national levels, Fred Kelly continues to be a vital voice in truth and reconciliation efforts. His commitment to traditional knowledge, Indigenous sovereignty, and intergenerational healing has inspired communities across Turtle Island.

Disclaimer: This episode contains content that may be distressing to some listeners. It includes discussions of sexual abuse, assault, and the traumatic experiences of survivors of residential schools. We recognize the deep pain these stories carry and encourage you to prioritize your well-being while listening. If you or someone you know is impacted by this content, we urge you to seek support. 

These stories are shared with permission and in the spirit of truth-telling, healing, and honoring the voices of survivors.

• National Residential School Crisis Line Available 24/7 for survivors and their families 📞 1-866-925-4419

• Hope for Wellness Help Line Mental health counseling and crisis intervention for all Indigenous peoples across Canada 📞 1-855-242-3310 💬 Chat online

• Talk4Healing Confidential support for Indigenous women, available in multiple languages 📞 1-855-554-HEAL (4325) 🌐 https://www.talk4healing.com

• Indian Residential School Survivors Society (IRSSS) Services for survivors, including counseling and health support 🌐 https://www.irsss.ca

• Kids Help Phone For youth in need of immediate support, available 24/7 📞 1-800-668-6868 💬 https://kidshelpphone.ca

• Sexual Assault Support Services (by region) Search for local support centers across Canada 🌐 https://endingviolencecanada.org/sexual-assault-centres

This episode features Tony Belcourt, a trailblazing Métis leader and advocate for Indigenous rights in Canada. As the founding president of both the Métis Nation of Ontario and the Native Council of Canada, Tony shares powerful stories of political organizing, cultural resilience, and the long journey toward recognition and justice for Métis people. With wisdom drawn from decades of leadership, he reflects on the importance of identity, community, and the enduring strength of Indigenous nations.

http://amshealthcare.ca/

This episode features Part 2 of 2 with Reena Larabee and Aaron Therriault.

Reena Larabee is a Child and Youth worker and has been working on implementing Culture and Traditional Healing within many settings over the past 15 years. Reena currently manages Nanaandawe'ewin Traditional Healing with a two-eyed seeing approach at St. Joseph's Care Group.

Aaron Therriault is a gifted Traditional Drum Keeper and Knowledge Keeper, Aaron carries a deep connection to his culture, sharing his wisdom and traditions with those around him.

Aaron serves as an Elder for several organizations in Thunder Bay, including the Ogichidaa Onaakonigewin, the Elders Council with N'doo'owe Binesi and St. Joseph's Care Group. Through these roles, Aaron continues to provide guidance, wisdom, and support to his community.

https://sjcg.net/services/Indigenous-Relations/health.aspx

http://amshealthcare.ca/

This episode features Part 1 of 2 with Paul Francis Jr. the Vice President of N'doo'owe Binesi (Healing Thunderbird), the Indigenous Health, Partnerships and Wellness division of St. Joseph's Care Group in Thunder Bay, Ontario.

Paul is a graduate of the Master of Social Work Indigenous Field of Study Program at Wilfrid Laurier University, is a registered social worker and a member in good standing with the OCSWSSW.

Paul is committed to his Anishinaabe spiritual practices and enjoys attending and helping with traditional ceremonies. Paul believes in the power of integrating Indigenous healing practices within the mainstream healthcare system for the benefit of all.

Paul is Odawa (Anishinaabe) and mixed European ancestry, a member from Wiikwemikong Unceded Territory on Manitoulin Island and is a member of the Bear Clan. Paul is a proud father to Tristan, Royal, Harlow, Ailee and Siinese, with his wife Kyla.

https://sjcg.net/services/Indigenous-Relations/health.aspx

http://amshealthcare.ca/

This episode features David Newhouse, an Onondaga from the Six Nations of the Grand River community near Brantford, Ontario. He holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Western Ontario. Since 1993, he has served as a Professor of Indigenous Studies and Chair of the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies at Trent University. He was also the inaugural Principal of Peter Gzowski College at Trent.

David Newhouse shares his profound insights on Indigenous governance, education, and knowledge systems. As a respected scholar and leader in Indigenous studies, he reflects on the intersection of traditional wisdom and the contemporary challenges faced by Indigenous communities. He discusses the importance of storytelling in preserving cultural identity, the role of Indigenous leadership in shaping policy, and the need for reconciliation through education. His experiences offer a powerful perspective on resilience, self-determination, and the pathways toward a more inclusive and just society.

Click here to listen to Darrel be interviewed by Jacalyn M. Duffin, Canadian medical historian and hematologist.

amshealthcare.ca

This episode features Dr. Kathy Absolon, an Anishinaabe kwe and Associate Professor at Wilfrid Laurier University. She is a scholar and leader in Indigenous methodologies, cultural reclamation, and land-based healing. Growing up in the bush, Kathy developed a deep connection to the land and the Creator—experiences that shaped her identity and informed her life's work. Throughout her journey, she has navigated the challenges posed by the education system and the legacy of residential schools within her family, drawing strength from her spiritual relationship with the earth and her commitment to community.

Kathy's profound cultural awakening and healing were catalyzed by Indigenous teachings and gatherings, which inspired her to advocate for the indigenization of education. She emphasizes the importance of holistic practices that honor Indigenous knowledge and ways of being. Through her storytelling and scholarship, Kathy inspires others to bring their whole selves into educational and healing spaces, highlighting the collective responsibility to heal from colonial violence and restore cultural identity.

https://amshealthcare.ca/

This episode features part 2 of 2 with Edna Manitowabi, an esteemed Anishinaabe Elder, Traditional Knowledge Keeper, Educator, and Storyteller from the Wikwemikong Unceded Territory on Manitoulin Island.  A respected leader in Indigenous education, she has dedicated her life to preserving and sharing the teachings of the Anishinaabe people. As a Professor Emerita at Trent University, Edna played a pivotal role in the Indigenous Studies program, inspiring countless students with her wisdom and commitment to cultural revitalization. Her work emphasizes the importance of traditional healing practices, ceremonies, and storytelling as tools for personal and collective transformation. Edna's profound contributions have been recognized through numerous accolades, but her humility and focus remain on passing forward the ancestral knowledge to future generations. Her voice continues to be a guiding light for those seeking to reconnect with Indigenous teachings and reclaim their identities. In this podcast, we are honoured to hear Edna share her invaluable stories and teachings, bridging ancient wisdom with contemporary understanding. amshealthcare.ca