Teachings In The Air

“I heard them sing with hand drums, and I watched them. I could see them identify totally as Indigenous. Just by being in contact with culture.” – Gerry Oldman

This week’s episode of Teachings in the Air is titled “Free Yourself” as Gerry shares the space with his guests Lori Pruce (Director of Indigenous Programs & Relationships) and James Knighton (Indigenous Programs & Relationships Analyst) of BC Corrections. This episode is a deep look into our history in this country in regard to corrections and what is being done to help the overrepresented Indigenous community in the prison system of Canada. Gerry shares personal stories and history with Lori & James about the corrections institutions and the work going into helping and reaching the community, no matter where they are.

Season 5 of Teachings in the Air is about #StrongMindBodySpiritHeart

“We were Very healthy, so let’s go home to that…being healthy”

This week’s episode of Teachings in the Air is titled “Strong Spirits Living in a Diabetes World”

Gerry Oldman shares the space with members of the Board of Directors & Staff of the National Indigenous Diabetes Association (NIDA). We had the honor of hosting NIDA board members Margaretta James, Mary Beaucage, and Mike Alexander for a personal story sharing of living with Diabetes and what inspires, helps, and encourages them in their daily lives as board members of NIDA, and also living every day with diabetes themselves. Gerry has spent a long time discussing prominent issues in the community, and he is very thankful to have guests who are at the front of informing about Diabetes and sharing their own stories.

“I just invite you to look around your medicines and pick them up and Use them” – Gerry Oldman

Welcome back to Season 5 of Teachings In The Air #StrongMindBodySpiritHeart

Today’s episode is titled 24/7. Gerry shares some personal moments about difficult times. Gerry spends time reminding himself of the gifts he has when feeling burdensome. Trying to keep fighting when it feels like everything is stacked against you, he hopes to share encouragement with you. Sharing a discussion of being down and how he found his own ways to overcome through having elders and others available to talk to in down times, movement and exercise helping the body and mind, teachings he has found which he still uses to this day!

“What I have is my experience…and that’s what I’m going to share with you” – Gerry Oldman

This week’s episode of Teachings in the Air is a special. Gerry Oldman was called on by the faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of British Columbia (UBC) to do a presentation on substance abuse disorder. Gerry shares a firsthand experience with substance abuse, stories, teachings, and fallbacks that are all involved with the long healing journey. This presentation was for UBC, and Gerry shares some careful and sincere words because he was Answering the Call.

“Let it come to an end, don’t carry that negativity, put it down.” – Gerry Oldman

Season 5 continues the theme of Strong #MindBodySpiritHeart.

Today's episode is titled “Tsilkst” which normally means 5, or the end. This episode is a personal journey of Gerry and how he helped strengthen his mind. Putting down things that weigh on our whole being like negativity, the past, and learning to let go, Free Yourself! Gerry shares teachings he’s picked up from different people along his path, and continued to carry with him. He also reassures us that freeing yourself and your mind is not easy, it took many years and much effort, but reinforces that is so worth it.

“The power of our energy and spirit is so incredible, vast, and wonderful” – Jeremy Ratt

This week’s episode of Teachings in the Air, Gerry shares space with special guest Jeremy Ratt, host of the CBC podcast PIECES. A podcast dedicated to the journey of self discovery, understanding his roots, and identity. The episode of TIA titled “Breaking the Identity Trap” and is a conversation about Indigenous identity, and all the different pieces that form our own personal identities. Sharing a space where they discuss their personal journeys to finding identity, created identities, and the marks left behind from a bad history of projected messages put onto the community.

In this episode, Gerry discusses anti-Indigenous racism, it's impacts, and strategies for moving through a world steeped with it's share of racist people. Gerry shares his thoughts on pathways towards healing for Indigenous peoples and racists alike.

“So, what’s our destination? It’s a bright future” - Gerry Oldman

Content Note: Teachings In The Air periodically introduces content that may impact the wellbeing of individuals who have experienced corresponding traumas in their own lives. Such individuals are encouraged to have necessary supports (such as Elders, counsellors, your doctor or therapist or a trusted friend or relative) accessible in the event that one's mental health is impacted. Such content is not engaged with lightly; however, our aim is to openly acknowledge and accurately illustrate the oftentimes abnormal history of Indigenous peoples. Because as Gerry says "You can't say goodbye to your problems until you say hello to them.”

#StrongHeartMindBodySpirit

Episode 5 of Teachings in the Air Season 5 is titled “Shut Up and Paddle.”

Shut Up and Paddle is a common saying on a Canoe Journey, pushing canoe paddlers to keep paddling and not lose focus or give up, and to keep working together. This long-awaited personal episode from host Gerry Oldman shares some of his own stories and experiences explaining the mentality behind the turn-of-phrase "shut up and paddle." Gerry shares very honestly, and at times, difficult stories and experiences about perseverance and not remaining enveloped in negativity. Invaluable and beautiful teachings have been passed through many generations to help keep us true to these Indigenous ways. Gerry shares a message of encouragement to continue on: don’t give up on yourselves or each other.

“The word Health is referring to Mind, Body, and Spirit..but to achieve that, first accept my body.” – Gerry Oldman

Join us today on Teachings in the Air for another Movement is Medicine episode. Gerry Oldman hosts his guest Elijah Buffalo from the Metawewin podcast. Elijah tunes in from Paris, France to discuss health, movement, and development with Gerry. Sharing personal stories of their growth in exercising and well-being involving their sports of choice including running and cycling. Discussions about combatting issues that plague all communities such as diabetes, heart disease, and breathing problems. The conversations surrounding these issues include first accepting your body, and then honouring your body. As Gerry has shared before, he truly believes Movement is Medicine!

“When you respect a tool, it performs for you!” - Gerry Oldman

This episode of Teachings in the Air is titled “Under the Influence” where Gerry shares space with the Trauma of Money and Decolonizing Money teams. Gerry Oldman hosts his guests Chantel Chapman and Vicky auf der Mauer in a conversation about their platform and steps for demystifying complications of money and finances.

Find our more at our website!

https://www.teachingsintheair.ca/podcasts/season-5/under-the-influence