Métis Speaker Series

In this episode, Ryan St. Germaine and Stuart Dixon discuss Métis entrepreneurship, including the diverse range of Métis-owned businesses and the support available for them. Listeners will gain insights into the unique qualities of Métis businesses, the legacy they carry, and the importance of engaging in the business world to influence economic decisions. Whether you’re a Métis founder or looking...

In this episode, we explore the art of beading through the stories of Métis artist Jennine Krauchi, along with Claire Johnston and David Hienrichs. Jennine is an internationally recognized Métis artist and designer based in Winnipeg, MB. Jennine shares how she grew up with beading, keeping her culture alive, and passing on its history. Claire and David recount their experiences learning from Jenni...

Josh Nilson, co-founder of Eastside Games and BC Tech's 2022 Person of the Year, shares his journey from growing up in a small town in Northern BC to being a leader in the tech industry. He discusses his 25-year tech career, passion for gaming, creation of Eastside Games, and mission to increase Indigenous representation in the industry. He also discusses the importance of mentorship and colla...

In this episode of the Métis Speaker Series, we’re joined by Colette Trudeau, CEO of Métis Nation British Columbia and a former DJ and singer-songwriter. Colette shares her unique journey from touring with a rock band to leading one of the largest Métis organizations in Canada, reflecting how her artistic background shapes her approach to community building and governance. She discusses the import...

In this episode of the Métis Speaker Series, we welcome Gerry St. Germain; a distinguished Métis leader with a remarkable career in military service, business, and politics. Gerry discusses his experiences with identity, discrimination, resilience, and his contributions to preserving Métis history and culture. Gerry discusses everything from his early life along the Assiniboine River to his politi...

In this insightful episode of the Métis Speaker Series, we are joined by Dr. Danièle Behn Smith, the Deputy Provincial Health Officer for Indigenous Health in British Columbia. Dr. Behn Smith shares her journey of blending traditional Indigenous knowledge with Western medical practices, highlighting the importance of cultural safety in healthcare. She delves into her Métis heritage, the challenges...

Métis Speaker Series Season 5 is set to launch on August 12! Follow the show to catch every episode as it is released.

In this episode of the Métis Speaker Series, guest host Lisa Shepard sits down with the Métis artist behind Renegade Rose Artistry, Sheena Gering. This episode follows conversations between Lisa and Sheena on traditional beadwork and the lesser-known art forms of rug hooking and needle felting. Sheena creates stunning traditional beadwork and also works with wool in needle felting. She discusses t...

In this episode of the Métis Speaker Series, we are joined by Kim Gullion Stewart, Métis visual artist, Educator, Consultant, and Independent Art Researcher, born in Athabasca, Alberta. In this session, Kim discusses her passion for visual art and connections to her Métis heritage. Explore what it means to Kim to be a Métis artist, her journey of creating from childhood to now, and why it's im...

On today’s episode of the Métis Speaker Series, we chat with Jordan Waunch, a Vancouver-based Métis artist, producer, actor, and content creator. Jordan has acted and written for film, television, and animated series. Listen in as Jordan shares his passion for writing, Métis storytelling, history and all things that involve collaborative creation. -- Follow Jordan Waunch: Instagram - https://www.i...

On this episode of the Métis Speaker Series, we speak to Billie-Jo Grant, an award-winning educator with over 20 years of classroom experience. Billie-Jo is a proud citizen of the Métis Nation of Alberta. As an adult, Billie-Jo found strength and pride in being Métis once she surrounded herself with others who were excited about representing their heritage. Billie-Jo loves sharing and teaching oth...

In this episode of the Métis Speaker Series, we speak with Casandra Woolever, a Métis fashion designer and owner of Métis Branded . Casandra is truly a creator. The episode follows her passion for the historic Métis Capote, which she makes from recycled and repurposed old wool blankets. We touch on how her business came to be, her love for designing and sewing with a focus on repurposing, her conn...

On this episode of the Métis Speaker Series, we are joined by Julie Nolin, a producer and reporter for Global BC who is proudly Métis and Cree. Julie spent nearly a decade with CTV News as a multi-skilled journalist. In addition to now working with Global BC, Julie has taught journalism, media, and television at the British Columbia Institute of Technology. Learn about Julie’s connection to being...

In this episode of the Métis Speaker Series, we are joined by Leah Dorion, an interdisciplinary Métis visual artist from Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. She is a teacher, painter, filmmaker, and published writer with a BED, BA, and MA. Leah is a self-taught visual artist and credits her creative family for encouraging her to take up traditional Métis art. Explore what it means to be Métis to Leah, he...

In this episode of the Métis Speaker Series, we speak with Christi Belcourt. Christi is a Métis visual artist and author living and working in Canada. The episode follows the discussion of her artwork and its roots in Métis quillwork, beadwork, and embroidery. Christi’s art has opened many doors, from community to language to discovering new artists who combine traditional and modern techniques. L...

Métis Speaker Series Season 4 is set to launch on June 12! Follow the show to catch every episode as it is released.

In this episode of the Métis Speaker Series, we speak to Arlette Alcock, a Métis Folk Musician, Songwriter and Social Activist. As a member of the Cree Saulteaux Métis Nation, Arlette is a descendant of the Little Bear Cree First Nations and the Pine Creek Saulteaux. In the episode, she shares her experiences being raised by her mother, a residential school survivor, and the intergenerational trau...

In this episode of the Métis Speaker Series, we speak to Pixie Wells, the acting President of the Fraser Valley Métis Association as well as the 2SLGBTGGIA+peoples rep and health/housing director. Pixie uses her position to strengthen the Women and 2SLGBTQQIA+peoples voice of the Métis Nation. In the episode, she shares the importance of land and language acknowledgements, including the ways chart...

In this episode of the Métis Speaker Series, we speak to Joy Bremner, leader of the Mid Island Métis Nation on Vancouver Island. Joy discusses the rewards and challenges of being a supporting pillar within a chartered community. She shares the importance of creating a cultural Métis community, including the work that it takes to build one. Joy believes that small healing steps can lead to bigger t...

In this episode of the Métis Speaker Series, we speak to June Graham about her family history within the residential school system and the repercussions it has had. June believes there has been a lack of Métis-specific perspective and discussion about the residential school experience story, including a lack of compensation and reconciliation. She discusses her experiences growing up in a family o...

In this episode of the Métis Speaker Series, we speak to Gary Têtu, a flute maker, musician, lodge keeper, chimney sweep, tradesman and more. Gary speaks to both his own experiences in a residential school, as well as his father's experiences, including how these events have shaped his adult life. Gary shares how these experiences have led him to become a Mental Health and Recovery Support wor...

In this episode of the Métis Speaker Series, we speak with Arlene Vrtar-Huot. Arlene is a former LPN, Social Worker and I/ED for a National Addictions Society in AB. She has delivered many Family Systems workshops. As a result, she has helped with residential school healing since 1991. She worked at Kelowna Metis Services in various capacities including Sashing ceremonies, Metis adoption and heali...

In this episode of the Métis Speaker Series, we speak to Métis Elder and storyteller, Tom McCallum. Born and raised in Île-à-la-Crosse, Saskatchewan, Tom shares his journey of spiritual discovery, including his time spent at a boarding (residential) school as a young boy. The episode discusses the meanings, and significance behind ceremonies and symbols in Métis culture. Tom shares what reconcilia...

In this episode of the Métis Speaker Series, Linda McCullough recounts her previous life experiences attending a residential school in Cree Lake, Saskatchewan. Attending the Timber Bay School from the age of seven, Linda recalls being taken from her family suddenly and without warning. The episode follows her life at the school, including the various forms of abuse and trauma that occurred as a re...

Join us for Season 3 of the Métis Speaker series Podcast, presented by Telus! The first episode launches on February 27 on all major podcast streaming platforms.