This is a different kind of podcast. One that looks at why so many Indigenous peoples are living on the streets of Winnipeg.

It takes you out of the studio and into the inner city, where you’ll hear people’s stories in their own words.

They tell APTN News reporter Kathleen Martens about the common factors that led them here: lack of housing in their home communities, interactions with the child welfare system, and intimate partner violence.

They share how trauma, untreated mental and physical health issues led them to poverty and addiction. And how the racism and violence in Winnipeg affects them.

It’s a unique take on who is homeless from those living it every day.

The murders of four homeless women shattered their families, shocked Canadians and forced politicians to take action. The tragedy tested the police and the justice system, while again shining a spotlight on the epidemic of violence against Indigenous women and girls.

Learn more about Our Relatives: https://www.aptnnews.ca/ourrelatives/

Credits: Written and reported by Kathleen Martens, recorded and edited by Jesse Andrushko, produced by Mark Blackburn, theme music by Backyard Rink.

Victim impact statements voiced by Savannah Kelly, Sandra Seidel and Julia Ross.

Hear more APTN News podcasts: https://www.aptnnews.ca/podcasts/

Homeless people have their own Remembrance Day.

Every year the names of those who have died on the street is shared at a special ceremony complete with prayers, songs and smudge.

Learn more about Our Relatives: https://www.aptnnews.ca/ourrelatives/

Credits: Written and reported by Kathleen Martens, recorded and edited by Jesse Andrushko, produced by Mark Blackburn, theme music by Backyard Rink, cover art by Shania Murdock and Alicia Don.

Hear more APTN News podcasts: https://www.aptnnews.ca/podcasts/

What were they thinking? That’s what a homeless couple living behind Winnipeg’s downtown library was wondering after a team of do-gooders sent the police to do a welfare check on, wait for it, their cat.

Learn more about Our Relatives: https://www.aptnnews.ca/ourrelatives/

Credits: Written and reported by Kathleen Martens, recorded and edited by Jesse Andrushko, produced by Mark Blackburn, theme music by Backyard Rink, cover art by Shania Murdock and Alicia Don.

Hear more APTN News podcasts: https://www.aptnnews.ca/podcasts/

Everyone likes to be remembered on their special day – even if they're homeless. So much the better if suburban volunteers bring you a Costco cake and sing Happy Birthday.

Learn more about Our Relatives: https://www.aptnnews.ca/ourrelatives/

Credits: Written and reported by Kathleen Martens, recorded and edited by Jesse Andrushko, produced by Mark Blackburn, theme music by Backyard Rink, cover art by Shania Murdock and Alicia Don.

Hear more APTN News podcasts: https://www.aptnnews.ca/podcasts/

If homeless women had a dollar for every time they felt unsafe they, well, wouldn’t be homeless. But in reality they are preyed on in public and private spaces, including homeless shelters.

Warning: this episode deals with disturbing subject matter. 

Learn more about Our Relatives: https://www.aptnnews.ca/ourrelatives/

Credits: Written and reported by Kathleen Martens, recorded and edited by Jesse Andrushko, produced by Mark Blackburn, theme music by Backyard Rink, cover art by Shania Murdock and Alicia Don.

Hear more APTN News podcasts: https://www.aptnnews.ca/podcasts/

Have you ever heard of Karaoke at a homeless shelter? Neither had the folks at N’Dinawemak but they decided to give it a try. They found it gave clients following a 12-step program the chance to sing without going to a bar, lifted spirits and promoted healing.

Learn more about Our Relatives: https://www.aptnnews.ca/ourrelatives/

Credits: Written and reported by Kathleen Martens, recorded and edited by Jesse Andrushko, produced by Mark Blackburn, theme music by Backyard Rink, cover art by Shania Murdock and Alicia Don.

Hear more APTN News podcasts: https://www.aptnnews.ca/podcasts/