Métis Speaker Series

In this episode of our Métis Speaker Series, we speak to Darrell Fox, the younger brother of Terry Fox and senior advisor of the Terry Fox Institute. Darrell shares the story behind the discovery of the Fox family's Métis lineage and the impact that this discovery had on the Foundation. During the conversation, Darrell reflects on the role that Mary Ann Gladue, Betty Fox’s mom, played in his and Terry’s upbringing. He discusses how the Métis core values correlate to the values Terry embraced during his Marathon of Hope.

For this episode of our Métis Speaker Series, Darian speaks to Wayne Wapeemukwa, a Métis Citizen, filmmaker and philosopher. Throughout his life, Wayne has done extensive research on the various ways the 19th-century dispossession afflicted Métis women and how new, colonially-modern discourses of property, race, and gender turned the "plains into private property." This episode covers the extent of his research, the complex learnings, and the outcomes for the Canadian Métis community. 

To kick off season two, we asked Métis National Council President, Cassidy Caron, a very important question - what has Leadership meant to you? President Caron shares how her current role has changed her own meaning of leadership and the ways youth can find leadership positions. This interview offers an insightful look into the role of the Métis National Council President, as well as the importance of strategic alliances and partnerships for the Métis people.

Our first episode of Season 2 will be launching on September 6th, with new episodes dropping weekly every Monday. 

On this podcast we are creating awareness of, and generating discussions about, Métis issues. We will be exploring learning, healing, and rebuilding within the Métis community - including, but not limited to, discussions about land preservation, Métis roles in our society, and what the future of Métis looks like in Canada. 

Listen to the Métis Speaker Series starting September 6th on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to your podcasts. 

To learn more about the podcast, and signup to the Métis Nation of BC newsletter to stay up to date on Métis news, visit metispodcastseries.ca

In this final episode of our Métis Speaker Series, we sit down with Métis Citizen, Lauren Petersen to look at the process of reconciliation through the Métis lens. This chat discusses the question, how do we reconcile with ourselves? Lauren looks at the process of reconciliation with those who have caused us harm. She discusses how building relationships with First Nations is an important piece of Reconciliation.

For this episode of our Métis Speaker Series, we chat with Michif Language Learner, Amy Cross, and Métis Elder and Michif Language Teacher, Marie Schoenthal. The two women share knowledge regarding the diversity of indigenous languages in Métis communities. They speak to the imperfectness of practicing and reclaiming language, and how this practice can contribute to the healing process. From the perspective of an elder and a learner, these women provide a unique understanding of language and their own michif learnings. Michif learnings are inspirational sayings and words of gratitude that speak to you.

In this episode of our Métis Speaker Series, we speak to Louis De Jaeger, MNBC Minister of Economic Development and Natural Resources and the 2SLGBTQQIA+ advisory committee chair. Louis shares his experience in how a nation supports the inclusion of Two-Spirited people and Métis traditions around two-spirited people. He goes on to advise how we can work towards greater gender inclusivity. Louis believes in the positive impacts of implementing the rainbow crosswalk in your community.

This episode of our Métis Speaker Series focuses on women and gender equity, represented by Métis Citizen and Region 4 Women’s Rep, Jana Schulz. Jana speaks to the topic of fair visibility and what this looks like for people. She also shares healing practices and the forms of support that survivors and families benefit from. Jana talks about what part of her truth was silenced and why it is important to honour the things that society doesn’t want to acknowledge.

In this episode of our Métis Speaker Series, we chat about the environment and sustainability with Métis Citizen, Vanessa Prescott. Vanessa shares her story, about where her family comes from and what their relationship was with the land. She shares what she finds most special about Métis land-based practices and how relationships with land have changed over time for Métis people. The series covers how we can begin to repair and build better relationships with First Nation land stewards in BC.

In this episode of our Métis Speaker Series, we talk about health and wellness with Métis Knowledge Carrier, Lynette La Fontaine. Lynette shares their words for describing healing through culture and how to describe the barriers that are connected to cultural healing. They go on to share medicine wheel teachings and speak to beading as a form of medicine.