Métis Speaker Series

In this episode of the Métis Speaker Series, we sit down with Catherine Pennington, a proud Métis, mother, and KPMG’s National Lead of Indigenous Advisory Services. As a social worker by trade, and licensed Psychotherapist, Catherine bridges major indigenous infrastructure with community wellness. She shares powerful insights on “culture as medicine” and explains why community connection is a vita...

In this episode of the Métis Speaker Series, we sit down with Ariana Fotinakis and Vanessa Lesperance, the founders of Decolonize and Rize , for a transformative conversation on dismantling the deeply rooted colonial systems in our lives and workplaces. Both being proud Indigenous women who reclaimed their roots as adults, Ariana and Vanessa share how their personal journeys of cultural reconnecti...

In this episode of the Métis Speaker Series, we sit down with award-winning Michif writer katherena vermette for a profound exploration of identity and history. From her roots in Winnipeg’s North End to becoming a leading voice in Canadian literature, katherena discusses her mission to fill the gaps of Métis history through her works like A Girl Called Echo and her latest novel, Real Ones. She emp...

In this episode of the Métis Speaker Series, we sit down with Miguel Vielfaure, the Métis entrepreneur and visionary behind Étchiboy . Miguel has spent two decades blending heritage with humanitarianism by bridging North American Métis culture with South American craftsmanship. We dive into the traditional Métis sash’s fascinating evolution, from its origin as a voyager tool, the era of 19th-centu...

Métis Speaker Series Season 8 is set to launch on June 15! Follow the show to catch every episode as it is released.

In this episode of the Métis Speaker Series, we sit down with Carmen Carriere, Minister of Health and Wellness and Chair of Métis Women BC, and Dean Gladue, Region 3 Director, Minister of Métis Rights, Minister of Sports and Active Living, and Associate Minister of Justice. They share insights from their recent trip to New York City, where they represented Métis Nation British Columbia at the Unit...

In this episode of the Métis Speaker Series, we speak with Jennifer Mallmes about end-of-life care in Canada, with a focus on Métis communities. Jennifer is the co-founder of the End of Life Doula Association of Canada and the creator of the End of Life Doula and Indigenous End of Life Guide programs at Douglas College. She’s now working with Métis Nation BC to develop a program specifically desig...

In this deeply moving episode of the Métis Speaker Series, we sit down with Valerie Harris of Cranbrook, BC, an adoptee raised outside her culture who is reconnecting with her Métis roots. Valerie shares her powerful journey of surviving cancer three times and the spiritual, emotional, and cultural healing that followed. She reflects on grief, trauma, and the epigenetic weight carried across gener...

In this episode of Métis Speaker Series, we’re joined by Courtney Flegg, Métis Health Experience Advocate, and Eva Habib, Senior Manager of Métis Health Equity, both of whom are with Métis Nation BC, for a powerful conversation on Métis health and wellness. Together, they explore the growing efforts to address Indigenous-specific racism and discrimination in B.C.’s health care system, the momentum...

In this episode of Métis Speaker Series, we speak with Phillip Gladue, a respected Métis Elder whose deep roots in traditional ways have shaped a lifetime of cultural education and community leadership. Phillip brings Métis history to life through captivating presentations in the Abbotsford, Maple Ridge, and Langley School Districts, helping preserve stories, language, and heritage for future gene...

In this episode of the Métis Speaker Series, we’re joined by Katina Pollard, Provincial Health & Wellness Senior Manager at Métis Nation BC, and Jodie Dixon, Regional Health Coordinator for Region 7. Together, they highlight the power of community within MNBC and share what it means to stay connected to Métis culture through their everyday work. Katina and Jodie walk us through the wide range...

In this episode of the Métis Speaker Series, we sit down with Lloyd Main, Provincial Harm Reduction Specialist at MNBC. With over 40 years in healthcare, Lloyd shares how his experiences have shaped his approach to supporting individuals on their path to healthier choices. He discusses the tools he uses, like breathalyzers and carbon monoxide monitors, and why funding for rehab programs is critica...

In this episode of the Métis Speaker Series, we speak with Talia Pfefferle, Director of the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Cancer Strategy at the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer, and Susie Hooper, Associate Minister of Health and Wellness for Métis Nation British Columbia. Talia and Susie discuss the importance of Métis representation and cultural safety in cancer care, along with their work...

In this episode of the Métis Speaker Series, we sit down with Julie Nolin, a proud Métis & Cree journalist, educator, and mother, for a powerful conversation about her ongoing journey with breast cancer. Julie shares how her cultural identity, creative outlets, and community connections have shaped her healing, while reflecting on her 35-year career in journalism. She also speaks candidly abou...

Métis Speaker Series Season 7 is set to launch on June 16! Follow the show to catch every episode as it is released.

In this episode of the Métis Speaker Series, we speak with the incredible Madelaine McCallum, a dancer, speaker, and survivor. From growing up in northern Saskatchewan to hitchhiking at 12 in search of a new life, Madelaine shares her powerful journey of resilience, healing, and rediscovering her Métis roots through jigging. She opens up about overcoming adversity, finding community, and how dance...

In this emotional episode of the Métis Speaker Series, we speak with Richard Marion, a Métis man who is blind and reflects on his unique five-year journey battling colon cancer. He shares the physical and emotional challenges he faced, the impact on his family, and how navigating the healthcare system as a disabled Indigenous person presented additional barriers to care. Richard also explores how...

In this episode of the Métis Speaker Series, we speak with Jan Ovans, a member of the Cowichan Valley Métis Association, to explore her journey and the complexities of Métis identity. Jan shares stories of her family’s history in Alberta and the challenges they faced, reflecting on racism. She also discusses resilience and the importance of early cancer detection and accessible healthcare. Jan&#39...

In this episode of the Métis Speaker Series, we speak with Madelaine McCracken, a Red River Métis scholar and educator. Madelaine discusses her work as a 4th-year PhD candidate and part-time professor at the University of Ottawa, focusing on Métis perspectives within Truth and Reconciliation Education. She shares her journey of honouring her Métis roots, the importance of representing Indigenous v...

In this episode of the Métis Speaker Series, we speak with newly elected Métis Nation BC President, Walter Mineault. Walter shares his personal journey, his deep roots in the Métis community, and his vision for unifying Métis people across BC and Canada. He reflects on the importance of leadership, the next generation, and how fostering community connections can create a stronger future. Tune in f...

In this episode, we speak with Connor Guillet, Project Manager, and Michelle Berg, Provincial Cohort Manager, for the Ministry of Skills Training, Employment and Post Secondary Education (STEPS). Together, they discuss their shared commitment to helping provide access to education for Métis community. They discuss the STEPS program, which offers a range of support programs for Métis trainees, job...

In this episode, we speak with Jean Teillet, a Métis visual artist, author, and activist. Jean discusses the importance of telling Métis stories and the growth of the Métis community in Canada. She reflects on the challenges of defining Métis identity and advocates for the use of "Michif Nation" to clarify distinctions within the community. Jean also shares about her current artistic proje...

In this episode of the Métis Speaker Series, we speak with Maria Campbell, the celebrated author of Halfbreed . Maria reflects on the importance of community and cultural events like Batoche, and shares her efforts to revive Métis traditions through gatherings such as the Half-Breed Balls. She also offers a preview of her upcoming podcast, Tea at Gabriel's Crossing, where she engages with prom...

Métis Speaker Series Season 6 is set to launch on April 7! Follow the show to catch every episode as it is released.

In this episode, we welcome Lisa Shepherd; a celebrated artist, highly respected cultural ambassador, and knowledge carrier for the Métis Nation. Along with Robin Sather, a professional LEGO® artisan and builder since 2004. They discuss how their art celebrates Métis ancestry and share their experiences from the 2024 Chilliwack Mural Festival. They also explore the healing power of creativity, emp...