We meet two Indigenous artists bringing the legacy of tragedy and the gift of comedy to the stage.

The Quebec Bridge Disaster is a well-known example of how not to build a bridge. On August 29, 1907 - 33 Mohawk steelworkers died when the structure collapsed. But what’s lesser known is the impact it had on the Mohawk community of Kahnawake. Barbara Kaneratonni Diabo says everyone was touched by “The Disaster.” They either lost a cousin, a son, a father, or a grandfather. Tragedy rippled further when the children of the steelworkers were then taken away to Industrial School. The Mohawk dancer and choreographer, shares this piece of Kahnawake history through dance, in SkyDancers.

When comedian Janelle Niles felt like the only Indigenous comic on the stage, she made her own stage and Got Land! was born. Janelle is a Black, Mi’kmaq comedian and creator of the stand-up comedy variety show featuring First Nation, Inuit and Metis entertainers.

Lessons in Comedy and Tragedy

Unreserved is the radio space for Indigenous voices – our cousins, our aunties, our elders, our heroes. Rosanna Deerchild guides us on the path to better understand our shared story. Together, we learn and unlearn, laugh and become gentler in all our relations.

Society & Culture

Personal Journals

History

Philosophy

Places & Travel

A moss bag is a traditional way of carrying our babies, sometimes called a baby’s second teacher. The first is their mom. Our women hold important knowledge and this week Rosanna speaks with three warriors who are reclaiming traditional parenting ways. 
 From caring for mothers through trauma using tipi teachings to using story to inspire parents to raise little warriors and passing on Inuvialuit culture. These Indigenous women are holding up those who hold up our worlds - Happy mothers day. 

Honouring our mothers and the generations of knowledge they carry

No more pencils, no more books - we’re taking a break from the classroom to learn about the land, each other and our cultures. This week Rosanna speaks with Indigenous educators about decolonizing the classroom. From curriculum bundles that help Indigenous and non-Indigenous teachers incorporate traditional knowledge in their classrooms to communities looking to re-write curriculum completely, Indigenous approaches are changing the way we teach and learn.

Decolonizing the classroom

Canada’s beloved game has a well-known dark side: a racist, sexist, toxic culture. But Indigenous lovers of the game are using the power of hockey for positive change, making the ice a space for healing, inclusion, and a ton of fun. This episode shares their stories, from elite players to amateur hockey organizers to fans, and explores how and why they use hockey to change lives. And along the way, celebrate that Indigenous people rock at hockey!

Hockey – as healing, history and hope

Join us in studio where Inuit throat singers share songs and the stories behind their rhythmic patterns and sounds. This week Rosanna speaks with four Inuit throat singers who are reclaiming this almost lost tradition. For nearly a century, Christian missionaries in the north banned the practice as part of government and church efforts to assimilate Inuit. This is a show about survival and reclamation.

Reclaiming Inuit Throat Singing

This week we’re taking you to Niagara Falls for the second installment of our occasional series Unmapped. Rosanna is unmapping Niagara Falls, aka Onguiaahra – from the Haudenosaunee contributions to the War of 1812 to the Tuscarora women keeping their culture and traditions alive through beading, there is much more to know beyond the iconic waterfall. 

Lessons in Comedy and Tragedy

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