The Root & STEM Podcast

On this episode of the Root & STEM podcast, Richard Van Camp, shares all about his ongoing graphic novel series The Spirit of Denendeh. He begins by crediting those who contributed to the creation of the books (00:45). Richard reviews A Blanket of Butterflies, the first volume of The Spirit of Denendeh (03:20), before teasing the newly released second volume, As I Unfold You in Petals (09:59). Richard touches on including cultural themes in his books including Tłı̨chǫ Dene laws (13:16). He then explains some of the plans he has for the future of the series (17:00). Lastly, Richard explains why graphic novels shouldn't be overlooked as educational pieces (18:19).

For more on The Spirit of Denendeh, visit: Portage & Main Press

On this episode of the Root & STEM podcast, Richard Van Camp, shares experiences growing up as an Indigenous person in Fort Smith, Northwest Territories, and how those experiences helped shape him into the successful author he is today. He begins by describing how a nearly fatal emergency led to his obsession for comics and reading (01:04). Richard explains how he identified a flaw in literacy education in his northern hometown as a young child (05:06), before describing how he embodies his Indigenous values in his writing (10:17). Richard remembers an example of poor teaching from his past and how it inspired him to use his literacy skills to better educate future learners (18:07). He explains why Indigenous writing is so rewarding for the creators and why the opposite can be true in the filmmaking industry (30:08). Lastly, Richard offers advice to aspiring authors (34:03), before describing what literary success means to him.

Watch Dene Chief Frank T'Seleie's 1975 speech in protest of the Mackenzie Valley Pipeline: YouTube

On this episode of the Root & STEM podcast, Matriarchal Firekeeper and project coordinator at UAlberta, Amanda Almond, shares her experiences in research and community engagement, including her involvement in creating an interactive augmented reality (AR) learning experience. The We Are All Related AR project teaches local Indigenous knowledge and uses an AR format by visiting dedicated granite sculptures on the University of Alberta campus. She begins by explaining how research on or in Indigenous communities has historically had negative effects on the community (01:34), and describes unique approaches she uses to conduct research in a more ethical manner (02:21). Amanda shares her academic journey and how it led to her involvement in the We Are All Related AR project (03:10), before describing what AR is and how the project utilizes it (05:18). Next, Amanda explains how AR can be used as a storytelling (08:40) and education tool (09:44). Amanda emphasizes the importance of digital literacy and data sovereignty for Indigenous communities (13:25), before wrapping up by introducing an interesting thought about copyright ownership of knowledge shared through media (14:34).

To learn about and experience the AR stories, please visit sweetgrassAR.ca

The We Are All Related AR project was supported by:

Teaching and Learning Enhancement Fund, UAlberta

Graduate Student Internship Program, UAlberta

Métis Settlements Life Skills Journey Program, Community-University Partnership, UAlberta

Killam Accelerator Award, UAlberta

On this episode of the Root & STEM podcast, Anishinaabe author and journalist, Waubgeshig Rice, shares details of his sequel to Moon of the Crusted Snow, his critically acclaimed 2018 novel, and offers insights to Indigenous issues from the perspective of a professional in writing and broadcasting. He begins by offering a brief summary of Moon of the Crusted Snow (00:58), and continues by teasing the sequel, Moon of the Turning Leaves, set to be released in October ‘23 (02:34), a continuation of a series that wasn’t originally planned (04:13). Waub talks about his experience with publishing as an Indigenous person (09:16), before describing how his near 20 years of experience as a journalist assists him as a fiction writer (12:55). Next, Waub speaks on a comparison that has been made between Moon of the Crusted Snow, a story of survival, to the lived experiences of Indigenous Peoples in Canada (17:34). Waub reflects on some early memories which taught him the power of language (28:27),  before wrapping up with what he would consider literary success (31:40).

Waubgeshig's website: waub.ca

On this episode of the Root & STEM podcast, Indigenous computational media artist, computer programmer & professor at Simon Fraser University, Jon Corbett, shares his journey in creating a programming language that reflects the values of his Cree culture. He begins by defining programming using unique comparisons to relatable life experiences (00:53). He then describes how programming is fundamentally colonial (05:16). Jon explains how the Western relationship between time and money has forced computerware to ignore his cultural values (09:45), before describing digital beadwork and the art piece he created with Indigenous values in mind (15:00). Finally, Jon echoes the importance of decolonizing computer spaces while sharing the steps in his journey of creating his culture-reflective coding language called Cree# (24:16), before wrapping up by offering some wisdom to aspiring digital artists and programmers (37:12).

Jon's Website: joncorbett.ca

Watch Four Generations here: YouTube

Former Parliamentary Poet Laureate Louise Bernice Halfe shares her story of poetry and healing on this episode of the Root & STEM Podcast. Louise begins by thinking back to the origins of her love for writing (01:10) and shares where she draws inspiration from (06:30). She explains what works to preserve Cree language (10:23), before offering some honest guidance to those with aspirations of being a poet (12:22). Finally, Louise describes how literacy expands beyond reading and writing and how it can enhance learning (19:48).

In this episode of the Root & STEM podcast, educator, musician and winner of the 2022 Qilaut songwriting contest, Jocelyn Malla explores the importance of music in literacy education, language preservation, and self-healing. She shares the meaning behind her award-winning song Kajjaarijara (00:53) and how her love for creating music started (03:29). Jocelyn describes her reaction to winning the contest and how it has changed her life for the better (04:47), before explaining how music has helped teach and strengthen Inuktitut in youth in her experience as a teacher (08:12). Finally, Jocelyn shares how she uses music in her kindergarten classroom (09:33), before stressing the importance of music as a healing process and way of preserving Inuktitut literacy.

In this episode of the Root & STEM podcast, we hear from Andrew McConnell, the First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education Coordinator for the YRDSB, once again as he shares the importance of Indigenous knowledge and voices in youth learning. He explains how the language we use can affect the validity of Indigenous science (00:27). Andrew describes the importance of incorporating a compulsory high school language credit focused on Indigenous texts (05:25), before sharing his opinion in contrast to critics who don’t believe there is room in the curriculum for Indigenous studies (10:34). Finally, Andrew offers guidance to educators who look to include Indigenous perspectives in their teaching (14:52)

On this episode of the Root & STEM podcast, Andrew McConnell, the First Nations, Métis and Inuit Education Coordinator for the YRDSB, shares the importance of Indigenous knowledge and voices in youth learning. He identifies the areas in which the education of youth and adolescents can be enhanced to include the viewpoints of various Indigenous communities (01:41). Andrew describes why non-Indigenous educators teaching Indigenous ideas fall short (10:18), before explaining how a change in pedagogy can assist in creating a deeper understanding of Indigenous science and ideas in students (15:00).

In this episode of the Root & STEM podcast, Pinnguaq’s digital skills educator, Sherisse Richards, shares how Scratch–a programming language–can help educators teach students about coding, storytelling, and animation. She explains what Scratch is, how it can be used, and why it’s gained global popularity (00:49). She dives into Scratch’s core uses beyond programming education, including digital literacy, language, and logical reasoning (03:00). Sherisse highlights the support and resources offered for Scratch users to ensure a barrier-free learning experience, including ways Scratch can be utilized for those without consistent access to internet or technological devices (06:30). She also shares her own experiences delivering STEAM workshops to different communities (07:45). Finally, Sherisse shares some digital resources created for Scratch educators by Pinnguaq, including the Inuktitut Digital Literacy Game Engine and a Teacher’s Guide (11:04), before imparting some advice for first-time Scratch users (15:33).