On this special episode of Our Storytellers, released on Orange Shirt Day and National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, we are honoured to be joined by Phyllis Webstad.

Phyllis is a member of the Stswecem'c Xgat'tem First Nation (Secwépemc) and a residential school survivor. She is the visionary founder of the Orange Shirt Day movement, a globally recognized author, and the leader of the Orange Shirt Society.

In this conversation, Phyllis shares the full story behind her orange shirt on her first day at St. Joseph's Mission. She speaks about life growing up with her Granny on the reserve, the creation of the phrase "Every Child Matters," and the journey of turning a painful memory into a powerful movement for justice and remembrance. Going deeper than ever before, Phyllis also opens up about the spiritual visions that have guided her work, connecting her mission to her ancestors and the children who never came home.

This episode is a testament to the power of truth-telling and the resilience of survivors. We are immensely grateful to Phyllis for her courage, her leadership, and for trusting us with her story.

To learn more and support the vital work of the Orange Shirt Society, please visit their official website: orangeshirtday.org. On their site, you can donate directly to the Orange Shirt Society, order orange shirts from one of their official retailers.

You can also order Phyllis Webstad’s books here: https://medicinewheelpublishing.com/phyllis-webstad/?srsltid=AfmBOopOsCyNqDgyp5HJ5wp9lcvos1cVeCe1RC-pwoRGFIoydzkbOjSO

Content Warning: This episode contains detailed discussions of Indian Residential Schools, forced removal of children, intergenerational trauma, and ongoing colonial harm. Please take care while listening.

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Timestamps

(00:00) Introduction

(05:08) Growing Up

(16:07) The Story of the Orange Shirt

(38:31) The Birth of Orange Shirt Day

(53:42) Ceremony

(01:19:50) The Future

(01:25:25) Addressing Denialism

(01:38:15) Protecting Every Child Matters

(01:49:02) Books

(01:58:20) Closing

On this episode of Our Storytellers, we’re joined by Kelly Kesler from the Gitxsan Nation.

As a Bill C-31 recipient who reconnected with her status and heritage later in life, her story is one of resilience, rediscovery, and the enduring importance of family.

In our conversation, Kelly shares her experience of growing up in a non-Indigenous neighborhood, unaware of her heritage until she was a teenager. She speaks about the lasting impacts of the residential school system on her grandparents and family and her journey over the last decade to reconnect with her history. Kelly also offers an intimate and personal perspective on caring for our family’s matriarch, Granny Barb Nahanee, sharing beautiful memories of her daily routines, her powerful advocacy work , and the love she had for her family.

Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of Indian Residential Schools, Bill C-31, assimilation, and the ongoing harm of colonial impacts. Please take care while listening.Hope for Wellness Helpline: 1-855-242-3310 https://www.hopeforwellness.ca/

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Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction

(11:21) Navigating Bill C-31 & Blood Quantum

(14:40) The Meaning of Family

(19:25) Caring for & Remembering Granny Barb

(20:26) The History of Kanaka Ranch

(40:17) Ceremony

(43:09) Advice for Past & Future Generations

(55:23) Dedication & Closing

In this episode of Our Storytellers, we sit down with Valerie Newbreast. A matriarch from the George family of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) Nation.

Valerie is a matriarch, mother, grandmother, and knowledge keeper whose life journey spans rural self-sufficiency, international experiences, and a deep reconnection with Indigenous ceremony and spirituality.

She shares stories of her childhood on a small farm on Vancouver Island, her experience in the LDS Indian Student Placement Program, and the painful coercion she faced as a young mother. Valerie reflects on her 25 years living in the United States, raising eight children, and learning from Navajo, Sioux, and Pueblo communities before returning home to reconnect with her Squamish roots.

With wisdom, warmth, and humour, Valerie speaks about ceremony as a way of life, the importance of work ethic and education, and the power of Indigenous women to carry stories and teachings forward. She also highlights the role of land-based learning, genetic recall, and the need for governance rooted in honesty and humility. Her message to youth is clear: ground yourself spiritually, seek your purpose, and participate fully in community and ceremony.

We are deeply grateful to Valerie for sharing her life stories, teachings, and vision for future generations.

Content Warning: This episode contains discussions about colonial policies, coerced child removal, and religious assimilation programs. Please take care while listening.

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

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Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction

(06:16) Farm & Family Life

(14:47) LDS Influence & Student Placement

(25:43) Marriage & Life in the U.S.

(38:58) Returning to Canada & Education Journey

(45:12) Storytelling, Language & Ceremony

(01:21:06) Closing Reflections

In this episode of Our Storytellers, we sit down with Linda Calla from the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) Nation.

Linda is a matriarch, community leader, and a strong voice for accountability, governance, and the importance of preserving family and Nation histories.

She shares powerful stories about her grandfather’s role during the 1923 amalgamation, her family’s deep roots in Squamish, and her own journey through education, banking, and Indigenous tourism. Linda also speaks about Bill C-31, enfranchisement, and the challenges of governance today — highlighting the importance of youth involvement, community voice, and listening to our elders.

With warmth and humour, Linda reflects on family stories, community struggles, and the importance of matriarchal leadership in shaping future generations. Her message to the youth is clear: get involved, show up, and make your voices heard.

We are deeply grateful to Linda for joining us on the podcast and for sharing her knowledge, laughter, and stories.

Content Warning: This episode contains discussions about colonial policies including enfranchisement and Bill C-31. Please take care while listening.

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

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

https://iso-bea.ca/

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

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Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction & Host Welcome

(02:23) Introducing Linda Calla

(04:19) Ancestry

(08:20) Stories of the 1923 Amalgamation

(13:30) Growing Up

(23:30) Work in Banking & Indigenous Tourism

(28:30) Reflections on Governance & Amalgamation

(41:06) Elders’ Voices & Community Involvement

(46:18) Pride in Matriarchal Leadership & Family History

(52:46) Family Stories & Connections Across Generations

(1:04:04) Bill C-31 & Enfranchisement

(1:16:00) Confronting Prejudice Within Community

(1:20:02) Message to Youth: Get Involved

(1:26:15) Governance & Accountability Reflections

(1:30:21) Financial Decisions & Land Development Projects

(1:36:00) Election Laws & Governance Structures

(1:41:00) Closing Thoughts

On this episode of Our Storytellers, we’re joined by Iris Newman.

Iris grew up in the village of Eslhá7an, located in the unceded territory of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) Nation. She is a daughter, wife, storyteller, and community member whose life has been shaped by resilience, humour, and a deep connection to family.

In our conversation, Iris shares vivid memories of her childhood in Eslhá7an, attending the local Indian Day School, navigating the challenges of integration into non-Indigenous schools, and the friendships that carried her through. She reflects on her work and entrepreneurial ventures, her 45-year marriage, and the unique adventures that came from selling and trading local art. With warmth and wit, Iris also recounts family stories—of growing up the youngest sibling, learning responsibility early, and the gatherings, music, and humour that shaped her home life.

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 Iris for her generosity in sharing her history, laughter, and lived experiences with us.

Content Warning: This episode includes references to Indian Day Schools, the Sixties Scoop, and intergenerational impacts of colonialism. 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:

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Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction

(02:17) Honouring the Guest

(05:24) Early Life in Eslhá7an

(07:13) School Integration

(09:45) High School Years

(16:36) College & Career Beginnings

In this episode of Our Storytellers, we sit down with Roberta Baker from the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) Nation. Roberta is a Sixties Scoop survivor, knowledge keeper, a matriarch, and respected member of the local community. With warmth, resilience, and a beautiful sense of humour, Roberta shares her powerful story of survival, reconnection, and spiritual strength. She speaks about her experience being taken from her family as a child, her journey back home, her deep connection with her father and her role as a caregiver to local elders. Roberta also opens up about the healing work she’s done, both in ceremony and through spirit, including powerful stories of near-death experiences, ancestral connection, and reclaiming her name and identity. This episode is the first in our special 20-episode series supported by the Indigenous Screen Office, spotlighting stories from people connected to the Squamish Nation. We are so grateful to Roberta for being the first guest in this series and for trusting us to share her story.Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of Indian Residential Schools, the Sixties Scoop, and ongoing colonial harm. 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: https://www.instagram.com/indigenousscreen/X: https://x.com/screen_officeFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ISO.BEA/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/?_rdrTimestamps:(00:00) Introduction(01:40) Early Life(08:00) Reconnecting with Family(15:45) Spiritual Journey(31:30) Caregiving Work with Elders(38:00) Spiritual Experiences(47:20) Healing, Ceremony & Connection to Spirit(54:30) Identity and Purpose(1:00:30) Hopes for Future Generations(1:05:20) Closing

What does it take to leave a job and build an award-winning Indigenous fashion brand from the ground up?

In this episode, Justin Jacob Louis — father, designer, artist, and entrepreneur from Samson Cree Nation — shares his journey of courage and perseverance. (Ahkameyimok).

As the founder of SECTION 35, Justin blends the past and present to create powerful designs that celebrate Indigenous identity and storytelling.

From growing up on Treaty 6 Territory to launching one of the most celebrated Indigenous streetwear brands, Justin’s story is full of lessons on entrepreneurship, community, and overcoming challenges. Today, he continues to push boundaries as he builds his new menswear brand, JUSTIN JACOB LOUIS, expanding his creative vision even further.

Join us to learn, reflect, and be inspired.

Please comment, and follow to the Our Storytellers Spotify channel to hear more Indigenous stories across Turtle Island.

Follow and support SECTION 35 and JUSTIN JACOB LOUIS:

https://www.sectionthirtyfive.com/?srsltid=AfmBOootDAxyrofDosQ4DMnm3NvhBlMBGDs7opCgovEey2FI9ClM69XH

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Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction

(7:30) Early Life

(26:00) SECTION35

(1:18:00) Justin Jacob Louis

(1:30:00) Questions

In this episode of Our Storytellers, we sit down with Memegwaans.

Memegwaans is Nehiyaw and Anishinaabe. Memgwaans is from Sagamok Anishinawbek on her mother’s side and Montreal Lake Cree Nation on her father’s side, growing up in Saskatchewan.Memegwaans is a leader, a storyteller, a model, a daughter, and recently completed law school as well. (CONGRATS)Enjoyed this conversation? Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more inspiring Indigenous stories! Let us know your favorite part in the comments.Timestamps(00:00) Introduction(00:02) Mem's Story(00:05) Early Life & Family(00:20) Modeling Journey(00:35) Career Transition(00:55) Academic & Personal Growth(01:08:20) Culture & Storytelling(01:41:10) Ceremony & ClosingLinks and ResourcesMemegwaans Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/memegwaans/Mem’s Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@memegwaansSupernaturals Modelling Booking Link: https://www.supernaturalsmodelling.com/booking?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaaQcJqFAe5ZQjDmd9ZjUNc1FeQzLh_B5vgkZYi3LZbxi59Z-kmVohVB4Mk_aem_ClLJk-Uj7KTgDCEsZR8qxQHere is Memegwaans’ father’s book, The Power of Story by Harold Johnson:https://www.audible.ca/pd/The-Power-of-Story-Audiobook/B0BX12K1DG?source_code=GDGGB115060321003ROur SocialsFollow us on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ourstorytellersFollow the Gram: https://www.instagram.com/ourstorytellers/?hl=en%E2%81%A0Send us a Friend Request on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Our-Storytellers/61551840299922/?_rdrSubscribe to our Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAOD4F24xePk1OcYxInkS1w

On today’s episode of Our Storytellers, we’re joined by my brother, Niklaus Brueckert, Kehew Napew. Nick is mixed descent: he’s Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and a member of the Nehanee family, from his mother’s side and German on his father’s side.

Nick is a leader, a son, an uncle and a storyteller. 

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Chapters

(00:00) Intro

(6:00) Life Story

On today’s episode of Our Storytellers, we’re joined by Rebecca Watt from Pehdzeh Kí First Nation, located in what today is called the North West Territories.

Rebecca is the leader and co-founder of Aunties Insights, an Indigenous organization that provides education and consulting surrounding youth prevention and harm reduction.

Aunties Insights Links:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aunties.insights/Email: [email protected]

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Chapters

(00:00) Introduction

(30:00) Cancer Story

(50:00) Prayer + Ceremony

(1:00:00) Aunties Insights