Sitting by the Fire

We sat together with Elder Claudette Commanda and former Clerk of the Privy Council Michael Wernick to discuss how Indigenous values can inspire leaders at all levels in the federal public service.

What ensued is an inspiring conversation on values such as respect and equality, the principles of the talking circle applied to leadership, the spiritual meaning of humility, lifelong learning, mutual respect between generations, and the leadership of youth.

Both guests had a lot to say on inclusion, one of the pillars of Beyond 2020, a very timely topic since systemic discrimination is at the forefront of many conversations these days.

Whatever role you have in the public service, this conversation is a must-listen.

Guests:

Claudette Commanda, Anishinabe Elder 

Michael Wernick, former Clerk of the Privy Council 

Interviewer: Benoit Trottier, Indigenous Learning, Canada School of Public Service

Music: Stéphane Eduardo Longtin

An accessible transcript of this podcast is available on the Canada School of Public Service website.

In this two-part miniseries, we explore intergenerational trauma and its impacts on Indigenous individuals and communities.

In this episode, we meet federal public servant Yves Pinette, an Innu from Maliotenam. He tells us about his experience, his background and his resilience in the face of the challenges of growing up in an Indigenous community.

This episode is a conversation in French only.

Guest: Yves Pinette

Music: Pauline Ducharme and Stéphane Eduardo Longtin

In this two-part miniseries, we explore intergenerational trauma and its impacts on Indigenous individuals and communities.

In this episode, Dr. Wesley-Esquimaux helps us understand intergenerational trauma by clarifying what happens when untreated trauma-related stress is passed on to multiple generations. She also provides evidence of the impact of intergenerational trauma on the health, well-being and social disparities facing Indigenous Peoples in Canada.

Guest: Dr. Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux, Indigenous Chair on Truth and Reconciliation at Lakehead University, Orillia and Thunder Bay. She is from the Chippewa of Georgina Island First Nation in Lake Simcoe, Ontario.

Music: Pauline Ducharme and Stéphane Eduardo Longtin

November 8 is National Aboriginal Veterans Day. 

In the third part of our miniseries on Indigenous military service, we interview Sarah Leo, an Inuk woman from a small, isolated community of Nunatsiavut, Labrador.

An accessible transcript of this podcast is available on the Canada School of Public Service website.

November 8 is National Aboriginal Veterans Day.

In this second part of our miniseries on Indigenous military service, we talk with Brian Black, President of the Métis Nation of Ontario Veterans Council, about specific issues of Métis veterans, the federal government’s autumn 2019 apology, and the definition of veteran.

An accessible transcript of this podcast is available on the Canada School of Public Service website.

November 8 is National Aboriginal Veterans Day.

In the first part of our miniseries on Indigenous military service, John Moses answers our questions about certain historical factors concerning First Nations members of the Canadian Armed Forces, including wampum belts.

An accessible transcript of this podcast is available on the Canada School of Public Service website.

This episode is a conversation in French only.

Consultation with Indigenous communities is essential, and goes beyond the "legal duty to consult". How should public servants prepare for such consultations?

Valérie Gideon talks to us about her vast experience in consultations and offers us solutions that are respectful of the reality and traditions of indigenous communities.

Guest: Valérie Gideon, Mi'kmaq of the Gesgapegiag community and Senior Assistant Deputy Minister for the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch of the Department of Indigenous Services Canada.

Note: The English transcript of this podcast is available on the Canada School of Public Service website. 

Hello everyone,

The Canada School of Public Service offers all sorts of learning activities related to Indigenous culture and history.

That is because ALL public servants have a role to play in reconciliation.

Through this podcast, we will offer topics that will expand your knowledge of First Nations, the Inuit and Métis. We will hear from Indigenous people from all over Canada.

With them, we will engage in simple, sharing and truthful conversations, like those of friends gathered around the fire.

We will share stories, many stories, in keeping with the oral tradition of Indigenous teachings.

So pull up a log, and follow us on the podcast application of your choice!