*Episode Disclaimer* This episode mentions suicide and discusses a journey to sobriety; the content may be triggering for some and listener discretion is advised.

In this episode of the Matriarch Movement podcast, host Shayla Oulette Stonechild engages in a heartfelt conversation with Braden Kadlun, an Inuk content creator and advocate for Indigenous culture. They discuss Braden's journey of healing and sobriety, the importance of matriarchs in Indigenous communities, and the role of social media in amplifying Inuit voices. Braden shares insights on his experiences growing up in different regions, the challenges he faced, and his aspirations for the future of Inuit culture. He also talks about his book on sobriety and offers advice for those looking to learn more about Inuit culture and content creation.

Chapters

(00:00) Introduction to Braden's Journey

(06:04) Healing Through Rehabilitation and Cultural Affirmation

(11:58) The Impact of Social Media on Storytelling

(17:51) Writing a Book on Sobriety

(23:56) Inuit Futurism and Community Aspirations

More About Braden Kadlun:

Whether he’s in front of the camera, spending time in his community, or speaking to an audience, Braden Kadlun strives to bring the power of storytelling to life – and to celebrate Inuit culture. Growing up between Nunavut, Nova Scotia, and the Northwest Territories, Braden always remained immersed in his culture even as he encountered mental health and substance use challenges.

In 2022 Braden decided to take an active role in this conversation on social media. He has since immersed himself in content creation by sharing language, traditional food, and his sobriety journey. In fall 2024, he published his first book, A Guide to Sobriety: 10 Gentle Reminders, where he shares how specific practices helped transform his own life, encouraging readers to explore what may work for them—whether from his experience or their own.

Now a sought-after keynote speaker at various venues across Canada, Braden never misses an opportunity to share insights about the realities of Northern living, sobriety, healing, and Inuit culture.  

Braden’s recent endeavors include winning the 2024 Indspire Inuit Youth of the Year award, facilitating workshops in community alongside his mother, Hovak Johnston, which highlight their respective healing journeys. He also co-produced and hosted Local Lives, a 2023 television series through StoryHive which provided an Indigenous lens on the experiences of Indigenous small business owners, Knowledge Keepers, artists, and activists in Treaty 6 and 7 Territories.

Always learning, Braden is dedicated to creating positive change wherever he goes!

Follow Braden on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/bradenkadlun/ ⁠

Find out more about Braden and his work:⁠ https://linktr.ee/kadlun⁠ 

Other creators and links Braden mentioned in this episode:

Learn about Inuit Culture: ⁠https://www.itk.ca/⁠

Susan Aglukark Inuit Foundation: ⁠https://arcticrose.org/⁠

⁠https://gem.cbc.ca/north-of-north⁠

⁠https://www.instagram.com/shinanova/⁠ 

https://www.instagram.com/willow.allen/⁠ 

Thanks for checking out this episode of the Matriarch Movement podcast! If you enjoyed the conversation, please leave a comment and thumbs-up on YouTube, or leave a five star review on your favourite podcast app!

Find Shayla Oulette Stonechild on Instagram:

⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/shayla0h/⁠⁠

Find more about Matriarch Movement at ⁠⁠https://matriarchmovement.ca/⁠

This podcast is produced by Women in Media Network

⁠⁠https://www.womeninmedia.network/show/matriarch-movement/

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