Meet The onôtinikêwak (oh-nooh-tin-kay-wuck) - Meet The Warriors

Join us for an inspiring and passionate conversation in this episode of Meet the Onôtinikêwak (Warriors) as host Michael LaRocque welcomes Geena Jackson.Geena is a powerhouse in Indigenous entrepreneurship, economic reconciliation, and youth empowerment. As the creator of Bears’ Lair, she has helped hundreds of Indigenous entrepreneurs share their stories, build businesses, and walk proudly in both worlds.In this episode, Geena opens up about her journey—from growing up in challenging circumstances, to working for the Squamish Nation for over 13 years, to becoming a national voice for Indigenous business through media, public speaking, and community programs. We dive into the heart behind Bears’ Lair, the vision for Dream Camps, and how language, love, and legacy guide everything she does.Geena Jackson is the founder of Indigenous Initiatives and a fierce advocate for building Indigenous wealth through love, truth, and opportunity. Her work empowers entrepreneurs, inspires youth, and supports communities across Turtle Island.Chapters00:00 Navigating Early Life Challenges10:46 Cultural Identity and Community Connection22:01 The Birth of Bears’ Lair: Empowering Indigenous Entrepreneurs32:02 Youth Empowerment Through Entrepreneurial Education35:52 Finding Balance and Purpose in LifeWhere to Connect with Geena Jackson:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geenajacksonWebsite: https://geenajackson.comBears' Lair Dream Camps: https://www.bearslairdreamcamps.comBears’ Lair: https://bearslairtv.comIf Geena’s story moved you, inspired you, or made you reflect, please like, share, and subscribe to Meet the Onôtinikêwak. Your support helps us amplify Indigenous voices and share powerful stories of leadership, healing, and transformation.

A powerful and deeply personal episode of Meet the Onôtinikêwak as host Michael LaRocque sits down with Willis Janvier—a Dene speaker, podcaster, public speaker, MC, and soon-to-be Indigenous Social Work graduate.

Hailing from Clearwater River Dene Nation and now based in Moose Jaw, Willis shares his raw and inspiring journey—from growing up surrounded by alcohol, working the oil fields, and struggling with addiction, to reclaiming his language, culture, and voice through sobriety and storytelling.

Willis is the creator of Dene Yati, a podcast dedicated to uplifting Dene voices, language, and stories. In this conversation, he opens up about grief, recovery, ADHD, mentorship, and the sacred connection between language and healing. You’ll hear real talk on intergenerational trauma, the loneliness of sobriety, and why he continues to push forward even when it’s hard.

Willis Janvier is a father, storyteller, and language advocate who uses his lived experience to encourage others to speak their truth and reconnect with their roots—one word at a time.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Willis Janvier

02:01 Growing Up in La Loche

06:39 Childhood, Hockey & Family Dynamics

13:11 ADHD, Avoidance, and Learning Challenges

18:53 Early Addiction & Modeling Behavior

25:52 Oilfield Money, Culture Shock & Regret

36:57 Speaking About Recovery & Mental Health

45:33 The Start of the Dene Yati Podcast

54:54 Burnout, Grief, and the Weight of Social Media

59:15 Language as Medicine and Cultural Legacy

1:06:11 What’s Next for Willis

Where to Connect with WillisJanvier:

Facebookfacebook.com/Deneyatipodcast

Instagraminstagram.com/deneyatipodcast

Tiktoktiktok.com/@deneyatipodcast

If Willis’s story moved you, made you reflect, or reminded you of the strength in your own journey, subscribe to Meet the Onôtinikêwak and share this episode with someone who values healing, culture, and truth. Your support helps amplify Indigenous voices and keeps our stories alive.

Join us on a reflective and entertaining journey in this episode of Meet the Onôtinikêwak as host Michael LaRocque welcomes Christopher Masuskapoe, a Cree comedian, content creator, and Canadian Armed Forces veteran. Best known online as MrChristopher, his skits about rez life, relationships, and cultural quirks have struck a chord with audiences across all backgrounds.

From Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation, Christopher opens up about his upbringing, military experience, creative process, and how he balances online notoriety with real life. This conversation dives into humor as medicine, the power of staying grounded, and how content creation became a path to healing.

Christopher Masuskapoe is a proud Cree man, a devoted father, and a gifted storyteller whose work blends comedy, culture, and community. With millions of views across TikTok and Facebook, he uses his platform not just to entertain—but to remind us all that laughter can carry deep meaning.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mr. Christopher

02:52 Growing Up on the Rez

06:01 Military Experience and Lessons Learned

12:08 The Journey into Content Creation

24:06 Finding Humor in Life

30:11 The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health

32:07 Navigating Social Media Pressure

38:39 Cultural Humor and Community Reactions

46:17 The Journey to Public Speaking

54:41 Mentorship and Self-Discovery

Where to Connect:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MR.CHRIST0PHER – look for the blue checkmark.

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mr.christ0pher

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christopher_masuskapoe

Christopher’s story made you laugh, reflect, or feel inspired, subscribe to Meet the Onôtinikêwak and share this episode with someone who needs a reminder that laughter is medicine. Your support helps elevate Indigenous voices and bring more powerful stories to light.

Join us on a profound journey in this episode of "Meet the Onôtinikêwak" as host Michael LaRocque welcomes Pam Palmater, a distinguished Mi'kmaq activist, author, and speaker. From the heart of El River Bar First Nation, Pam shares her compelling insights on the pressing issues facing Indigenous communities across Canada. This conversation not only delves into her personal and professional life but also explores her critical views on law enforcement practices and her passionate advocacy for Indigenous rights.

In this conversation, Drew Hayden Taylor, a celebrated author and storyteller, shares insights from his journey into writing and discusses his unique approach to storytelling. He talks about his latest novel, Cold, which reimagines the Windigo character in a contemporary urban setting. Drew also touches on his work in television and plays and discusses the complexities of his mixed-race identity. 

He emphasizes the importance of reading and being a good reader to become a good writer, the need for multiple drafts in the writing process, and the value of leading an interesting life to inspire creativity. Drew also discusses his experiences with being questioned about his Indigenous identity and the challenges of navigating cultural expectations.

Takeaways

Quotes

Links

Drews Website - https://www.drewhaydentaylor.com/

Latest Book “Cold” - https://bit.ly/4a8wMWD

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction and Background

02:08 - Becoming a Writer and Having Control Over the World

09:17 - The Fun and Scariness of Writing

25:05 - The Importance of Rewriting

28:31 - Living an Interesting Life to Inspire Creativity

38:26 - Navigating Questions about Indigenous Identity

Dakota House, founder of Going Miles and actor in North of Sixty, discusses his journey of overcoming challenges and empowering Indigenous communities. He emphasizes the importance of awareness, community, and persistence in pursuing success.

Dakota shares insights on mentorship, personal growth, and the negative influences of social media on young people. He also talks about his acting career and the significance of the TV show North of Sixty in representing Indigenous life. Dakota's organization, Going Miles, aims to motivate, inspire, lead, empower, and succeed with Indigenous youth through workshops and entertainment.

In this conversation, host Michael LaRocque also discusses the importance of learning from past mistakes and experiences, the going MILES program's impact on Indigenous communities, the dangers of alcohol, and the need to break free from societal distractions. Dakota emphasizes the power of mentors and role models, the importance of physical activity and self-defence, and the need to be aware of media manipulation. Dakota also shares his upcoming projects and offers advice for aspiring actors.

Quotes

"This computer day and age, this social media day and age got a lot tougher because all of the things that they're subjected to and everything that they see."

"When our ego starts controlling us, you're out of control."

"Alcohol comes from the Arabic word Akul, which means eater of souls."

"You have to learn it. You have to live it as well."

"The program in place, you know, it's like people think that no one can understand them."

"Alcohol is the leading cause of some of the most violent deaths, broken homes, child apprehension, some of the most heinous crimes that you could imagine."

Links

Going MILES

Dakota's Instagram

Welcome to our latest episode of Meet The Onôtinikêwak where we have the honour of featuring a guest who embodies the resilience, wisdom, and spirit of Indigenous leadership.

Ruby Littlechild, a dynamic Plains Cree woman from Maskwacis, Alberta, shares her compelling life story. Ruby delves into the complexities of growing up between urban life and reservation traditions, the profound impact of residential schools on her family, and the ensuing intergenerational trauma. 

She highlights the critical role of fathers in Indigenous communities, the transformative power of education, and the pressing need for truth and reconciliation. Ruby's insights into lateral violence, the importance of ceremony and spirituality in Indigenous culture, and her inspiring efforts to create corporate change offer invaluable lessons. This episode is a call to action, especially for Indigenous youth, to dream big and strive for a brighter future.

Key Takeaways:

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction to Ruby Littlechild's Inspiring Journey

03:17 - Unveiling the Shadows: The Legacy of Residential Schools

08:01 - Pillars of Strength: The Crucial Role of Fathers

09:27 - Education as a Beacon: Overcoming Challenges

17:29 - Confronting Inner Battles: Lateral Violence and Oppression

22:28 - The Road to Healing: Truth and Reconciliation

27:17 - Trailblazing in Business: Indigenous Perspectives in Corporate Settings

35:28 - A Tale of Two Worlds: Identity and Belonging

40:17 - Spiritual Roots: The Power of Ceremony in Indigenous Life

45:49 - A Message to the Youth: Aspire and Achieve

48:16 - Wrapping Up: Insights, Reflections, and Contact Info

Links for Ruby:

Ruby’s Email - [email protected]

Ruby’s Linkedin Profile - linkedin.com/in/ruby-littlechild-mba-m-ed-b-a-b69053174

Connect with Us:

If Ruby's story inspired you, share this episode with your community and don’t forget to subscribe for the latest episodes. We'd love to hear your thoughts – reach out to us at [email protected]

Welcome to another riveting episode of the Meet The Onôtinikêwak (Warriors) Podcast, hosted by Michael LaRocque. In this episode, we're honored to sit down with Kori Czuy—a keystone in the world of Indigenous education and science. Kori, who holds a PhD in Indigenous mathematics, is the Manager of Indigenous Science Connections at the Spark Science Center in Calgary. She has dedicated her life to bridging the divide between Indigenous knowledge and global science, largely focusing on the amalgamation of mathematics and Indigenous culture.

In our conversation, we delve into Kori's fascinating work at the Science Center. She shares the nuances of overseeing Indigenous science exhibits and educational programming and her mission to make STEM fields more accessible for Indigenous youth.

The essence of Indigenous wisdom, spanned over thousands of years, and its manifold connections to astronomical phenomena are beautifully highlighted as we discuss the Blackfoot sky story. We explore the science behind this mesmerizing tale, how the wolves in the story represent Sagittarius, a star that is the black hole at the center of our galaxy.

Listen as Kori shares about her compelling journey, from her upbringing in Canmore with Cree Métis and Ukrainian Polish roots, to acquiring her PhD and the challenges she faced along the way in getting Indigenous perspectives and ethics recognized. She speaks passionately about the important elders Casey and Hal, and many other influential individuals from diverse Indigenous communities who have guided and supported her.

More than just equations and theorems, we discuss "math's truth" – how it's framed and consumed and the problematic nature of it being perceived as neutral and detached from culture. Engrossing examples of complicated math problems and the commodification of knowledge stolen from Indigenous communities will pique your interest.

This episode brims with vital discussions on the importance of subjective cultural ways of knowing math and science, the significance of not pursuing this work alone, and the power of communities being compared to a braided sweetgrass strand. Passionate about opening doors for Indigenous youth in STEM, Michael finds a shared mission with Kori and probes into the future of Indigenous education and her ongoing projects.

Listen, learn, and be part of the journey as we navigate the rich depths of Indigenous knowledge and science. Catch us here on the Meet The Onôtinikêwak (Warriors) Podcast.

Kori Czuy's profile page at Spark Science Centre, Calgary - https://www.sparkscience.ca/ways-of-doing

Kori Czuy's podcast, Ancestral Science - https://www.relationalsciencecircle.com/ancestralscience

In this episode of the Meet The Onôtinikêwak (Warriors) Podcast, host Michael LaRocque sits down with Vice Chief Aly Bear to discuss key issues surrounding Indigenous communities, education, and the importance of understanding and respect between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. Join us as we explore Vice Chief Aly Bear's insights and experiences, shedding light on intergenerational trauma, the struggle for equal opportunities, and the path to healing.

The Importance of Education and Understanding

The Significance of Ceremonies and Unity

Challenges Faced by Indigenous Communities

Revitalizing Traditional Education Systems

Residential Schools and Intergenerational Trauma

Mentorship and Leadership

Challenges in Education during the Pandemic

The Role of Leadership and Grassroots Level Change

Access to Education and Funding

Unequal Opportunities and Infrastructure Issues

Observing Orange Shirt Day and Ensuring Upliftment

Join us in this episode as Vice Chief Aly Bear sheds light on the struggles faced by Indigenous communities, the importance of education, mentorship, and unity in overcoming obstacles, and the ongoing journey toward healing and empowerment. Let's work together towards a more inclusive and equitable society.

Orange Shirt Day - https://orangeshirtday.org/

Truth and Reconciliation - https://nctr.ca/

Federation of Sovereign Indian Nations - https://www.fsin.ca/

In this episode, Jon Mirasty, a true leader and role model, opens up about his experiences as a First Nations individual and his journey toward becoming a respected leader in his community.

He discusses his passion for working with youth and the importance of teaching them work ethic and the value of hard work, even at a young age. From taking troubled kids to the ranch to engaging in outdoor activities, Jon believes in creating pathways for young individuals to succeed.

Not only does Jon share his insights into leadership and community involvement, but he also gives us an exclusive glimpse into his involvement on the popular hockey show Shoresy. He discusses Jared Keeso, a well-known hockey fan, actor & show creator and how he worked together with everyone to make the show more realistic by bringing in real hockey players with their knowledge and experience.

He’s thrilled to announce that the new season of the show will be available starting on September 29th on Crave TV in Canada and Hulu in America.

Jon also candidly talks about the challenges he has faced throughout his career, including transitioning from professional hockey to senior hockey, dealing with criticism, and overcoming personal obstacles. His resilience and determination are truly inspiring.

Moreover, Jon shares his perspective on cultural pride and the importance of respecting and understanding different cultures. He reflects on his journey as he reconnects with his heritage and incorporates land-based education, such as hunting and fishing, into his work with youth. His dedication and love for his community resonate deeply.

Lastly, we catch a glimpse of Jon's personal life as he talks about playing alongside his son, Tristan, on the same hockey line. He shares the protective instincts that arise when his son is involved in rough situations on the ice, highlighting the unique bond they share.

Enjoy this insightful episode of the Meet The Onôtinikêwak (Warriors) Podcast, featuring Jon Mirasty.

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jon.mirasty

Shoresy - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shoresy

#1 Rated Hockey Fight - Jon Mirasty vs. Jeremy Yablonski - https://bit.ly/4510JFu