Métis Speaker Series

In this episode of the Métis Speaker Series, we speak to the regional president of the Métis Nation of Alberta, Lawrence Gervais. This discussion looks at the ways we can help amplify Métis' voices and awareness. Lawrence shares his perspective on what the role of leadership should look like within the Métis Nation and how this role can help in the economic advancement of Métis people.

In this episode of our Métis Speaker Series, Charlie Kerr shares his experience working in the entertainment industry as a member of the Métis community. He also shares his personal experience working directly within his own community of Métis people. As a singer, actor, and writer, Charlie has a great deal of experience within the industry. He shares his thoughts on Métis visibility in the entert...

Where does Justene Dion-Glowa find her inspiration for poetry? That’s what we discuss in this episode of the Métis Speaker Series. Justene writes poetry connected to her identity as a Métis person. She shares some of her work from a recent manuscript and dives into her poetic inspiration. Her story is one of personal growth and healing, interpreted through poetry.

In this episode of our Métis Speaker Series, we discuss the child welfare and justice system with Peter Lang, CMA Community President. Peter has had his own unfortunate experience with the system in connection to his late son, Nick. The interview looks at the ways that the Métis Nation can support those who share a story similar to Nick’s. Having been failed by the justice system, Peter shares his...

For this episode in our Métis Speaker Series, we talk about environmental protection with Kaija Heitland, a citizen of the Métis Nation of British Columbia. Kaija teaches traditional land-based arts, where she incorporates art as a method of self-reclamation and community bonding. To better understand the unique relationship that Métis people have with the land, Kaija shares her perspective on way...

In this episode of our Métis Speaker Series, we speak to Darrell Fox, the younger brother of Terry Fox and senior advisor of the Terry Fox Institute. Darrell shares the story behind the discovery of the Fox family's Métis lineage and the impact that this discovery had on the Foundation. During the conversation, Darrell reflects on the role that Mary Ann Gladue, Betty Fox’s mom, played in his a...

For this episode of our Métis Speaker Series, Darian speaks to Wayne Wapeemukwa, a Métis Citizen, filmmaker and philosopher. Throughout his life, Wayne has done extensive research on the various ways the 19th-century dispossession afflicted Métis women and how new, colonially-modern discourses of property, race, and gender turned the "plains into private property." This episode covers the...

To kick off season two, we asked Métis National Council President, Cassidy Caron, a very important question - what has Leadership meant to you? President Caron shares how her current role has changed her own meaning of leadership and the ways youth can find leadership positions. This interview offers an insightful look into the role of the Métis National Council President, as well as the importanc...

Our first episode of Season 2 will be launching on September 6th, with new episodes dropping weekly every Monday.  On this podcast we are creating awareness of, and generating discussions about, Métis issues. We will be exploring learning, healing, and rebuilding within the Métis community - including, but not limited to, discussions about land preservation, Métis roles in our society, and what th...

In this final episode of our Métis Speaker Series, we sit down with Métis Citizen, Lauren Petersen to look at the process of reconciliation through the Métis lens. This chat discusses the question, how do we reconcile with ourselves? Lauren looks at the process of reconciliation with those who have caused us harm. She discusses how building relationships with First Nations is an important piece of...

For this episode of our Métis Speaker Series, we chat with Michif Language Learner, Amy Cross, and Métis Elder and Michif Language Teacher, Marie Schoenthal. The two women share knowledge regarding the diversity of indigenous languages in Métis communities. They speak to the imperfectness of practicing and reclaiming language, and how this practice can contribute to the healing process. From the p...

In this episode of our Métis Speaker Series, we speak to Louis De Jaeger, MNBC Minister of Economic Development and Natural Resources and the 2SLGBTQQIA+ advisory committee chair. Louis shares his experience in how a nation supports the inclusion of Two-Spirited people and Métis traditions around two-spirited people. He goes on to advise how we can work towards greater gender inclusivity. Louis be...

This episode of our Métis Speaker Series focuses on women and gender equity, represented by Métis Citizen and Region 4 Women’s Rep, Jana Schulz. Jana speaks to the topic of fair visibility and what this looks like for people. She also shares healing practices and the forms of support that survivors and families benefit from. Jana talks about what part of her truth was silenced and why it is import...

In this episode of our Métis Speaker Series, we chat about the environment and sustainability with Métis Citizen, Vanessa Prescott. Vanessa shares her story, about where her family comes from and what their relationship was with the land. She shares what she finds most special about Métis land-based practices and how relationships with land have changed over time for Métis people. The series cover...

In this episode of our Métis Speaker Series, we talk about health and wellness with Métis Knowledge Carrier, Lynette La Fontaine. Lynette shares their words for describing healing through culture and how to describe the barriers that are connected to cultural healing. They go on to share medicine wheel teachings and speak to beading as a form of medicine.

In this episode of our Métis Speaker Series, we ask MNBC Minister of Youth Shaughn Davoren how we go about decolonizing leadership. Shaughn shares advice as to how we can amplify Métis culture in leadership roles and help youth understand leadership as a practice rather than an official role. She shares her Métis leader inspirations, specifically Métis women in history.

What are your greatest words of wisdom? In this episode of our Métis Speaker Series, Métis Elder Denise McCuaig talks about overcoming barriers she faced in her healing process. The episode discusses blood memory and how it has gone on to affect an entire generation's healing process. In her words, Denise shares her advice for today's youth and her best ways to assist them in rebuilding ou...

Get ready for the Métis Speaker Series! Brought to you by the Métis Nation of British Columbia and Jelly Marketing. Funding provided by the Civil Forfeiture Offices Indigenous Healing Stream. New episodes released weekly, launching on January 24.