the hidden island

BIPOC USHR is hosting a takeover episode of ‘the hidden island!’ Listen to Sobia Ali-Faisal, Kendi Tarichia (King Kxndi), Amirah Oyesegun and Stephanie Arnold talk about their experiences living on the Island – beginning in the 1980s up until today. They discuss the many barriers and discriminating experiences BIPOC folks living on the often Island face, and what the road to joy has looked like through it all.

BIPOC USHR's website: https://www.bipocushr.org

Features: Sobia Ali-Faisal, Kendi Tarichia (King Kxndi), Amirah Oyesegun and Stephanie Arnold

There’s something about the flickering light of a campfire that brings out the storyteller in everyone. Ghost stories, creation legends, family history – you name it, it’s been talked about. Today’s episode is inspired by those summer storytelling nights. We discuss different folklore found on Epekwitk/Prince Edward Island, including supernatural creatures and spooky forerunners. We’ll also hear about some old home remedies and traditional Acadian wedding customs.

Features guest interviews: Julie Pellissier-Lush, Marian Bruce, Dutch Thompson and Georges Arsenault.

Anne of Green Gables isn’t exactly hidden history here on the Island, we know. It’s a timeless tale loved by many, and millions have visited ‘Anne’s Island’ over the years. But what about the real Green Gables? The story behind one of Canada’s most visited National Parks is a surprising one. It involves the unwilling expropriation of land from local residents, Maud Montgomery’s mixed feelings about the park, and a two-week eviction notice to the original owners of the Green Gables home.

Features guest interviews: Dr. Alan MacEachern and Carolyn Strom Collins.

In episode four, Tamara Steele, Executive Director with the Black Cultural Society of PEI, is hosting a panel with Aaron Sardinha and Debbie Langston. Listen to them chat about Black history on the Island, as well as an education initiative Aaron and Debbie are spearheading: The Black Women’s History Project.

https://bcspei.ca

Features: Tamara Steele, Aaron Sardinha, and Debbie Langston.  

Fiona is joined by Evelyn Bradley as co-host in this episode all about 2SLGBTQIA+ history on the Island. We discuss how and where members of the queer community gathered in the 1970s to the 1990s (think: emails and word of mouth invitations before the internet came into play), and what our history might look like if it wasn’t heteronormative.

Features guest interviews: Dave Stewart and Treena Smith.

Peers Alliance youth programming: https://www.peersalliance.ca

In part two of PEI’s wild and wacky 1970s, we learn about The Kitten Club. It opened in 1970, and it was something like a Playboy Bunny Club that operated in Brudenell. Yes, you read right. We also discuss the Ark – an experimental bio-shelter built at Spry Point and designed to be a world-leader in renewable energy. Finally, we celebrate the founding of the PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation.

Features guest interviews Dr. Ed MacDonald, Catherine Hennessey and Dr. Alan MacEachern.

The 1970s are known for being a groovy decade, but on PEI they brought massive changes. In Part 1, we learn about how the Comprehensive Development Plan is the reason why we have fewer family farms, zero one-room schoolhouses, and an economy more focused on tourism today. We also discuss Junction ’71 – the rock festival that never happened because the PEI government shut it down.

Features guest interviews Dr. Ed MacDonald and Doug MacArthur.

Did you miss us? We're back again for season three! Check out this trailer and join us on September 13, 2022 for the entire season. 

Meet Canada's most prolific woman murderer: Mary "Minnie" McGee. Minnie McGee was born on PEI in 1875, and she lived a quiet life until 1912 when 6 of her children suddenly died of poisoning. Please note this episode contains explicit descriptions of infanticide, so it may not be suitable for all listeners. 

Features guest interview Dr. Sharon Myers.

Who doesn't love a great drinking story? For the final episode we go back to the late 1800s when prohibition was first introduced on PEI. Although prohibition lasted for 70 years on the island, you could still get your booze… if you knew where to go. From rumrunners to moonshine makers to speakeasy bars, we discover just how inventive islanders were in skirting the law for a good drink.

Features guest interviews: Dr. Heidi MacDonald, Reginald "Dutch" Thompson, J. Clint Morrison and Ken Mill.