On this episode of Our Storytellers, we sit down with Gitxaala storyteller and filmmaker, Leena Minifie.

Leena grew up between Prince Rupert and Kitimat and describes herself as a curious, energetic child with a deep love for art. From copying dance moves on TV to joining a breakdancing crew at six-years-old, creativity shaped her early life. Leena’s curiosity pushed her to cold-call media companies and create her own opportunities in the media space. In this conversation, Leena reflects on her career journey from music promotion to co-producing/co-directing the documentary The Good Canadian.

She talks about turning the camera back on non-Indigenous people and institutions to examine systemic racism, the resilience it took to co-direct the CBC 5th Estate documentary and producing on Bones of Crows while the discovery of unmarked graves, and her refusal to be boxed in creatively. She also shares how comedy has become part of her search for balance.

Watch the Good Canadian:CBC Gem: https://gem.cbc.ca/the-good-canadianAPTN: https://www.aptn.org/media-centre/shows/the-good-canadian/

Leena’s Links:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leenaminifie/?hl=enStories First: https://www.storiesfirst.ca/

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Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of the residential school system, the discovery of unmarked graves, and systemic racism. Please take care while listening. If you need support, the Hope for Wellness helpline offers immediate help 24/7 at 1-855-242-3310 or online at hopeforwellness.ca.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction

(05:04) Early Life

(13:52) Teenage Years

(17:36) Breaking into Media

(24:52) The Good Canadian

(48:00) Storytelling

(57:22) Ceremony

(01:10:07) Comedy

(01:14:09) Closing

On this episode of Our Storytellers, we sit down with Squamish Nation matriarch, Victoria Michels.

In this conversation, she takes us back to her childhood on the Mission Reserve, sharing memories of her parents, her father, a dedicated longshoreman who provided for his family with quiet strength, and her mother, a residential school survivor whose spirit remained unbroken despite the hardships she endured.

Victoria opens up about her own diverse journey, from breaking barriers as a female longshoreman to advocating for her people as a Native Courtworker and serving with the Squamish Nation Trust. She reflects deeply on the impacts of residential schools, the healing power of ceremony.

This episode is part of our special series supported by the Indigenous Screen Office, highlighting voices connected to the Squamish Nation. 

This podcast is brought to you by the Indigenous Screen Office:

https://iso-bea.ca/

ISO’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indigenousscreen/

X: https://x.com/screen_office

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ISO.BEA/

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Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ourstorytellers

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Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAOD4F24xePk1OcYxInkS1w

Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of Indian residential schools, intergenerational trauma, and colonial impacts. Please take care while listening. If you need support, the Hope for Wellness helpline is available 24/7 at 1-855-242-3310 or online at hopeforwellness.ca.

On this episode of Our Storytellers, we are joined by Squamish artist and carver, John Spence.

John’s story is a powerful testament to the human spirit's capacity for healing and transformation. In this raw and honest conversation, he takes us back to his childhood on the Capilano reserve, sharing memories of playing tree tag in the vine maples and fishing day and night on the river. He reflects on the deep influence of his grandfather, the late Chief Simon Baker, who taught him culture, spirituality, and the importance of kindness.

John also opens up about his journey through intergenerational trauma, anger, and addiction. From making amends for past mistakes (including a memorable story involving a stolen generator and a carved raven) to passing on the carving tradition to his five sons, John’s journey is one of resilience, redemption, and deep love for his family.

This episode is part of our special series supported by the Indigenous Screen Office, highlighting voices connected to the Squamish Nation. We are incredibly grateful to John for his vulnerability, his humour, and for sharing his powerful message of hope.

This podcast is brought to you by the Indigenous Screen Office:

https://iso-bea.ca/

ISO’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indigenousscreen/

X: https://x.com/screen_office

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ISO.BEA/

Follow Our Socials

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ourstorytellers

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourstorytellers/?hl=en%E2%81%A0

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Our-Storytellers/61551840299922/?_rdr

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAOD4F24xePk1OcYxInkS1w

Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of Indian residential schools, physical and mental abuse, addiction, and incarceration. Please take care while listening. If you need support, the Hope for Wellness helpline offers immediate help 24/7 at 1-855-242-3310 or online at hopeforwellness.ca.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction 

(02:52) Childhood

(07:44) Parents

(14:09) Chief Simon Baker 

(19:39) Memories of Grandmother Emily 

(39:30) Environmental Changes

(52:00) Incarceration

(01:01:35) Ceremony

(01:09:49) Understanding Addiction & Trauma 

(01:49:51) Advice for the Next Generation 

(02:05:19) Closing

On this episode of Our Storytellers, we sit down with Squamish Nation matriarch, Angie Dawson.

In this conversation, she takes us back to her childhood on the Capilano reserve, painting a vivid picture of life in a home with ten family members. Angie opens up about her incredible educational journey, returning to university at age 50 to earn her Graduate Diploma and Master’s degree. She discusses her relentless advocacy for Indigenous-based curriculum and her refusal to accept the status quo in the education system. We also dive into her passion for wool weaving, from her early days learning to creating massive commissioned pieces for the 2010 Winter Olympics and Simon Fraser University.

This is a story about breaking barriers, the drive to get stuff done, and the vital importance of passing knowledge down to the next generation.

This episode is part of our special series supported by the Indigenous Screen Office, highlighting voices connected to the Squamish Nation. We are so grateful to Angie for sharing her journey, her humor, and her unwavering strength with us.

This podcast is brought to you by the Indigenous Screen Office:https://iso-bea.ca/ISO’s Instagram: instagram.com/indigenousscreen X: https://x.com/screen_officeFacebook: facebook.com/iso.bea Follow Our SocialsTiktok: Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ourstorytellersInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourstorytellers/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Our-Storytellers-61551840299922/

Timestamps:(00:00) Introduction

(01:50) Childhood on the Capilano Reserve

(12:15) Family & Parents’ History

(29:20) School Days & Challenges

(32:45) Returning to Education

(47:30) Learning to Weave

(01:03:55) The Wool Woven Quarter Bag

(01:19:15) Weaving Connections in Mexico

(01:24:55) Advice for the Next Generation

(01:37:32) What Ceremony Means Today

(01:43:20) Thoughts on Leadership & Inclusion

(01:48:40) Dedication & Closing

On this episode of Our Storytellers, we sit down with Squamish Nation matriarch Gwen Harry.

Born Gwen Baker from both the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) Nation and the Tla'amin Nation, Gwen has 7 children, 15 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren, 

In this deeply personal conversation, Gwen takes us back to her early childhood on the Capilano reserve, a time she remembers as one of freedom where she could walk into any family home. She shares the story of being taken at just five years old to St. Michael’s Residential School in Alert Bay, traveling by boat with strangers to a life of strict separation. Gwen also opens up about her battle with tuberculosis as a teenager, spending over three years in Coqualeetza Hospital, and how she eventually found her footing working there.

Beyond her survival, this is a story of community building. Gwen discusses the grassroots activism of the "Homemakers Club," where mothers banded together to support their children entering public schools and secure grants for the community. She also shares her candid thoughts on how ceremony has changed over the years and the difference between the freedom her children had versus the structured lives of youth today.

This episode is part of our special series supported by the Indigenous Screen Office, highlighting voices connected to the Squamish Nation. We are incredibly grateful to Gwen for sharing her history, her resilience, and her wisdom with us.

Content Warning: This episode discusses topics related to Indian residential schools, tuberculosis hospitals, colonial policies, and the separation of families. Please take care while listening. If you need support, the Hope for Wellness helpline offers immediate help 24/7 at 1-855-242-3310 or online at hopeforwellness.ca.

This podcast is brought to you by the Indigenous Screen Office:

https://iso-bea.ca/

ISO’s Instagram: instagram,com/indigenousscreen  

X: https://x.com/screen_office

Facebook: facebook.com/iso.bea  

Follow Our Socials

Tiktok: Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ourstorytellers

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

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/p/Our-Storytellers-61551840299922/

On this episode of Our Storytellers, we sit down with Deacon Rennie Nahanee.

Rennie has served as a Deacon at St. Paul’s Catholic Church for many years, but his story is one of incredible transformation and diverse experiences.

Rennie shares memories of his childhood, from raising farm animals and picking berries in the States to the "rock and roll" years of his youth playing guitar in his band, White Feather. He reflects on the lessons learned from his parents, his time working in landscaping, and the deep calling that eventually led him to the church. With humor and wisdom, Rennie discusses his philosophy on service, the importance of helping elders without expecting recognition, and his unique perspective on spirituality and the "two wolves" that live inside us all.

This episode is part of our special series supported by the Indigenous Screen Office, highlighting voices connected to the Squamish Nation. We are so grateful to Rennie for his service, his stories, and for sharing his time with us.

Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of Indian residential schools, colonial harm, and other sensitive topics. Please take care while listening.

Hope for Wellness Helpline: 1-855-242-3310 https://www.hopeforwellness.ca/Enjoyed this conversation? Please like, comment, and subscribe for more powerful Indigenous stories. Let us know what resonated with you in the comments below.This podcast is brought to you by the Indigenous Screen Office:https://iso-bea.ca/ISO’s Instagram: / indigenousscreen X: https://x.com/screen_officeFacebook: / iso.bea Follow Our SocialsTiktok: Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ourstorytellersInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourstorytellers/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Our-S...

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction

(04:50) Childhood on the Reserve & Farm Life

(13:00) Fishing with Dad & Learning to Hunt

(18:16) Remembering Mom & Dad

(25:54) Teenage Years & Playing in "White Feather"

(32:06) Working in Landscaping

(45:14) Becoming a Deacon

(56:04) Favorite Bible Stories & Spirituality

(01:02:50) Shaker Church & Cultural Traditions

(01:32:06) What Ceremony Means Now

(01:41:21) Advice for the Next Generation

(01:49:10) Closing

In December 1941, nearly 2,000 young Canadian soldiers were sent to defend Hong Kong. Outnumbered, outgunned, and cut off, they fought for 17 days before being forced to surrender.

For the survivors, the battle didn’t end there. They spent over four years in prisoner-of-war camps in Hong Kong and Japan, facing starvation, forced labour, and brutal treatment.

Now, with the last of these veterans gone, their stories live on through their families.

In this special episode from Our Storytellers, made in partnership with the Hong Kong Veterans Commemorative Association and the Métis Veterans Legacy Program, we sit down with the families of the Winnipeg Grenadiers and the Royal Rifles to share the stories of the men who came home. This is a story about sacrifice, remembrance, and the ongoing fight to recognize all who served, including Indigenous veterans who fought for a country that didn’t always fight for them.

Content Warning: This film includes detailed accounts of war, POW camps, starvation, death, and discussions of intergenerational trauma and the Sixties Scoop. Please watch with care.

Thank you to the Hong Kong Veterans Memorial AssociationWebsite: https://www.hkvca.ca/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HongKongVetsYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLlphT8L9sQnLFLAlL4kabg

Métis Veterans Legacy ProgramWebsite: https://metisveterans.ca/

Follow Our SocialsTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ourstorytellersInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourstorytellers/?hl=en%E2%81%A0Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Our-Storytellers/61551840299922/?_rdrYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAOD4F24xePk1OcYxInkS1w

Timestamps:

(00:00) Start

(04:00) Gary Interview

(20:30) Judy Interview

(33:20) Sergeant Gander - Bear Interview

(41:08) Rob Interview

(1:20:00) Barbara Interview

(1:41:00) The Drury Show

(1:43:00) Anne Interview

(1:58:00) Dianna Interview

(2:13:00) Prayer

On this episode of Our Storytellers, we’re joined by Squamish Nation matriarch, Eileen "Chooch" Joe.

Chooch is a proud member of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) Nation with family roots connecting her to Tsleil-Waututh.

Eileen shares the hilarious and touching story of how she got her famous nickname. She reflects on growing up off-reserve in Lynn Valley and the powerful teachings she received from her mother and grandmothers. The conversation explores the interconnectedness of all the local families and the vital role of food and ceremony in keeping our teachings alive.

This episode is part of our special series supported by the Indigenous Screen Office, highlighting voices connected to the Squamish Nation. 

Content Warning: This episode includes mentions of Indian residential schools, assimilation, ongoing harm, colonial impacts, and much more. Please take care while listening. If you need support, the Hope for Wellness helpline is available 24/7 at 1-855-242-3310 or online at hopeforwellness.ca.

This podcast is brought to you by the Indigenous Screen Office:https://iso-bea.ca/

ISO’s Instagram: instagram,com/indigenousscreen  

Facebook: facebook.com/iso.bea  

Follow Our Socials

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ourstorytellers

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

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/p/Our-Storytellers-61551840299922/

On this episode of Our Storytellers, we sit down with Shannon Henderson.Shannon is the Chief Operating Officer of the Orange Shirt Society, working alongside Phyllis Webstad to support survivors and educate Canadians about the history and legacy of residential schools. More personally, Shannon shares her own powerful journey of reconnection: finding her place within the community after growing up disconnected.

She details the 10-year path of learning, listening, and engaging that led her to embrace her identity, receive her regalia, and step into her role as a matriarch and advocate. Shannon also shares touching family stories, particularly about her grandfather's legacy in the Native Brotherhood and baseball , her experiences becoming a caregiver at a young age , and the profound moments of connection she finds through her work and ceremony.This episode is part of our special series supported by the Indigenous Screen Office, highlighting voices connected to the Squamish Nation.Content Warning: This episode discusses topics related to Indigenous identity, disconnection from culture potentially linked to colonial impacts, and mentions the context of residential schools through Shannon's work. Please take care while listening.

Hope for Wellness Helpline: 1-855-242-3310 https://www.hopeforwellness.ca/

Enjoyed this conversation? Please like, comment, and subscribe for more powerful Indigenous stories. Let us know what resonated with you in the comments below.

This podcast is brought to you by the Indigenous Screen Office: https://iso-bea.ca/

ISO’s Instagram:   / indigenousscreen 

X: https://x.com/screen_office

Facebook:    / iso.bea  

Follow Our Socials

Tiktok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@ourstorytellers

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Our-S...

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction 

(12:35) Growing Up and Life Story

(25:07) Reconnecting

(43:16) Ceremony 

(01:20:19) Orange Shirt Society

(01:34:38) Closing

On this episode of Our Storytellers, we’re joined by Squamish Nation matriarch, Jo-Ann Nahanee.

Jo-Ann is a member of the Nahanee family of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) Nation and also carries a connection to the Lytton Nation on her mother’s side. She is a residential school survivor, a mother, a grandmother, and a storyteller.

In a conversation that feels like a ceremony in itself, Jo-Ann shares her story of courage and resilience with incredible honesty. She speaks about the lifelong impacts of her experience at residential school and the path she has walked to reclaim her voice. 

This episode is part of our special series supported by the Indigenous Screen Office, highlighting stories from matriarchs connected to the Squamish Nation. It was a true privilege to sit with Jo-Ann and witness her share her truth, and we are so grateful for her trust and vulnerability.

Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of Indian residential schools, assimilation, ongoing colonial harm, and other traumatic subject matter. Please take care while listening. If you need support, the Hope for Wellness helpline is available 24/7 at 1-855-242-3310. Hope for Wellness Helpline: 1-855-242-3310 https://www.hopeforwellness.ca/

Enjoyed this conversation? Please like, comment, and subscribe for more powerful Indigenous stories. Let us know what resonated with you in the comments below.

This podcast is brought to you by the Indigenous Screen Office:https://iso-bea.ca/

ISO’s Instagram:   / indigenousscreen 

X: https://x.com/screen_office

Facebook:    / iso.bea  

Follow Our Socials

Tiktok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@ourstorytellers

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Our-S...

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction

(11:04) Childhood

(23:41) Residential School

(58:33) Adulthood

(01:52:42) Learning to Be a Grandmother

(01:55:04) What Ceremony Means Now

(01:59:17) Advice for the Next Generation

(02:01:47) Closing