National Indigenous Peoples Day is this Friday, June 21st. To help you dive deeper, we've curated a list of six of our favourite podcast episodes from our vault that shed light on various aspects of Indigenous life, advocacy, and education in our city.
From the strength of Indigenous knowledge and the importance of language education to the cultural significance of ribbon skirts and innovative social projects, these podcasts offer valuable perspectives on our complex past and the best way forward in Winnipeg and beyond.
Here are six podcast episodes you won't want to miss:
1. Michael Redhead Champagne - The Human Love Letter
Aired: 06/30/2022
Ininew public speaker, writer & community advocate Michael Redhead Champagne joins us for a special Canada Day episode to talk about the strength of indigenous knowledge, the importance of taking action, and his take on The Forks fireworks controversy
2. Rebecca Chartrand: Language Lessons start at Home, Listen and Learn from your Elders
Aired: 03/30/2023
We spoke with Rebecca Chartrand, president/CEO of Indigenous Strategy Alliance and passionate advocate for Indigenous education, about diversity, anti-racism and the trickledown effect of indigenous language education.
Don’t miss this one for an insider look at:
Indigenous language in the Winnipeg school system
The shift from “multiculturalism” to “Diversity, Equity, Inclusion” to “Anti-racism”
What does—and doesn’t—work about “diversity hiring”
3. Allen Sutherland: Understanding Canada's Indigenous Peoples
Aired: 04/16/2021
Knowledge Keeper Allen Sutherland talks to Stuart about the shared history between Indigenous peoples and European settlers, the importance of the past and the strength we have when we stand together.
4. Laura Brandon - Ribbon Skirts: From Controversy to Celebration
Aired: 01/11/2024
From history to personal journeys, Laura Brandon discusses the cultural richness and resilience behind this attire - and how wider acceptance is increasing cultural awareness and moving reconciliation forward.
5. Diane Roussin: Winnipeg Boldness and Indigenous Social Innovation
Aired: 05/16/2024
Winnipeg Boldness uses a social innovation approach to work to improve outcomes for young children in Point Douglas. By centering Indigenous voices at every step—from identifying community challenges to developing and testing solutions—they’re creating a never-before-seen force for change in our city and beyond. Join us as Diane shares her inspiring journey through policy and systems development, her collaboration with Winnipeg’s influential Indigenous matriarchs, and her experiences over the past decade with the Winnipeg Boldness Project.
6. Niigaanwewidam James Sinclair: "I wouldn’t be doing this work if I didn’t have hope."
Aired: 06/29/2023
Join us as we open up a conversation about Canada Day and reconciliation with Anishinaabe writer, editor, and activist Niigaanwewidam James Sinclair. In this special episode, we reflect on freedom, responsibilities, and the continuing conversation around how Winnipeggers (and Canadians) approach Canada Day.