CBC News has recently reported that a number of women have come forward with allegations of sexual assault against an Ontario medicine man. Although allegations are not the same as charges or convictions, the stories the women have shared are reminiscent of an all-too-familiar scenario: the kind of stories we’ve all heard whispered about certain healers, spiritualists or elders—individuals you ought not be alone with. Needless to say, it’s a perverse inversion of the roles and responsibilities such healers are supposed to embody and exemplify. The real question is how do they persist? How, despite the open secret of such misconduct, is it all too often met with silence? Joining host/producer Rick Harp to try to speak to those questions and more, plus hopefully nudge the conversation forward about what prevention might look like, are roundtable regulars Brock Pitawanakwat (Associate Professor of Indigenous Studies at York University) and Ken Williams (assistant professor with the University of Alberta’s department of drama). // CREDITS: Our opening/closing theme is 'nesting' by birocratic.

MEDIA INDIGENA : Indigenous current affairs

Unhealthy Healers (ep 272)

On our first-ever “rapid round” of shorter conversations on multiple topics (recorded via the social audio app Clubhouse), we discuss: provinces that won't make Orange Shirt Day a holiday; the stripping of a residential school advocate’s name from various Edmonton locations; and what happens on Twitter when an Israel state official tweets in support of Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Day. Joining host/producer Rick Harp on this inaugural audio experiment: Ken Williams (assistant professor with the University of Alberta’s department of drama) and Kim TallBear (professor in the Faculty of Native Studies at the University of Alberta) >> CREDITS: 'Microship' by CavalloPazzo (CC BY-SA 4.0) 

Canada's provincial patchwork of Orange Shirt Days (ep 271)

Carbon coup. When it comes to fighting climate change, have Indigenous activists made much of a difference? Do we really know what their myriad anti-pipeline actions add up to? Turns out, a lot—now with the numbers to back it up. They come from a recent report that’s literally quantified the amount of greenhouse gas emissions either stopped or delayed thanks to Indigenous-led activism. But will this more concrete sense of the impact of Indigenous leadership translate into greater respect and recognition? Joining host/producer Rick Harp at the roundtable this episode are Associate Professor of Indigenous Studies at York University Brock Pitawanakwat, and Rogers Chair in Journalism at the University of King’s College Trina Roache. // CREDITS: Our opening and closing theme is 'nesting' by birocratic.

An anti-carbon coup for Indigenous climate activists (ep 270)

For Canadians, it was a revelation that seemingly came out of nowhere: the confirmation back in May of over 200 unmarked graves at Kamloops, BC, thought to be the remains of young people who decades ago attended one of Canada’s nearly 140 Indian Residential schools. Children who never got to go home to the families from whom they’d been forcibly removed. But if this first came to light late spring, why discuss it now? Because what began as some 200-odd graves has since multiplied to well over 1,000—with more, perhaps many more, expected. Many Canadians professed shock back in May. Has their concern grown in step with the number of confirmed dead? Has it translated into a substantively different approach to the urgent needs of Indigenous kids alive today? Why did it take literal radar to put these crimes on Canadians’ political radar? Joining host/producer Rick Harp to discuss these questions and more are Kim TallBear, professor of Native Studies at the University of Alberta as well as Rogers Chair in Journalism at the University of King’s College Trina Roache. // CREDITS: Our opening and closing theme is 'nesting' by birocratic.

Grave Concerns (ep 269)

On this week’s collected, connected conversations—our final show of the summer—more of our COVID contemplations. Featured voices this podcast include (in order of appearance): • Candis Callison, Associate Professor in the Institute for Critical Indigenous Studies and the School of Journalism, Writing and Media at UBC • Kim TallBear, Professor in the Faculty of Native Studies at the University of Alberta and Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Peoples, Technoscience & Environment • Brock Pitawanakwat, York University Associate Professor of Indigenous Studies • Ken Williams, assistant professor with the University of Alberta's Department of Drama • Broadcaster and scientist David Suzuki // CREDITS: Creative Commons music in this episode includes “Secret Circuit” by Space Rhythm 2, “Wake Up” by Kai Engel, and “Now You Are Here” by Sergey Cheremisinov. Our opening theme is “Soda Machine” by Kabbalistic Village; our closing theme is “Nocturne for Anastasiya" by Vlad Cuiujuclu.

Coronavirus Conversations: Part 2 (ep 268)

On this week’s collected, connected conversations (the eighth in our summer series): part one of our pandemic ponderings. A disease that’s thrown many into disarray, COVID-19 has come up often on this podcast. And for good reason: disproportionately afflicted with health care gaps, Indigenous peoples' vulnerability made them the subject of dire predictions from the outset of this pandemic. Featured voices this podcast include (in order of appearance): • Dr. Jason Pennington, Assistant Professor of Medicine, University of Toronto; Scarborough General Hospital staff surgeon; joint strategic lead in Indigenous Health, U of T Faculty of Medicine • Dr. Lisa Richardson, clinician-educator, University of Toronto division of general internal medicine; joint strategic lead in Indigenous Health, U of T Faculty of Medicine • Mary Jane McCallum, Professor of History at University of Winnipeg • Brock Pitawanakwat, York University Associate Professor of Indigenous Studies • Ken Williams, assistant professor with the University of Alberta's Department of Drama • Candis Callison, Associate Professor in the Institute for Critical Indigenous Studies and the School of Journalism, Writing and Media at UBC • Kim TallBear, Professor in the Faculty of Native Studies at the University of Alberta and Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Peoples, Technoscience & Environment // CREDITS: Creative Commons music in this episode includes “Hot Soup On Cold Days” and “Rest” by PC III, and “Reservoir Sunset (Full Synth Mix)” by Axletree. Our opening theme is “Soda Machine” by Kabbalistic Village; our closing theme is “Nocturne for Anastasiya" by Vlad Cuiujuclu.

Coronavirus Conversations: Part 1 (ep 267)

On this week’s collected, connected conversations (the seventh in our summer series): the back half of our education investigation. And this episode, it’s all uni, all the time, where talk of 'Indigenization' is all the rage. Featured voices this podcast include (in order of appearance): • Kim TallBear, associate professor in the Faculty of Native Studies at the University of Alberta and Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Peoples, Technoscience & Environment • Ken Williams, assistant professor with the University of Alberta's Department of Drama • Brock Pitawanakwat, York University Associate Professor of Indigenous Studies // CREDITS: Creative Commons music in this episode include “CRUZIN” by Benedek, “Dasein” by Nihilore, and “Scorch” by Nctrnm. Our opening theme is “Soda Machine” by Kabbalistic Village; our closing theme is “Nocturne for Anastasiya" by Vlad Cuiujuclu.

Education Exploration: Part 2 (ep 266)

On this week’s collected, connected conversations (the sixth in our summer series): back to school. Well, not quite yet. But it is around the corner, so we thought we’d help you prep with an education-related retrospective. And with so much material to cover, we’ve set aside two dates on our course calendar. Featured voices this podcast include (in order of appearance): • Brock Pitawanakwat, York University Associate Professor of Indigenous Studies • Ken Williams, assistant professor with the University of Alberta's Department of Drama • Kim TallBear, associate professor in the Faculty of Native Studies at the University of Alberta and Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Peoples, Technoscience & Environment // CREDITS: Creative Commons music in this episode includes “The Insider,” by Time to Move and Motivate, “Weapon” by Nctrnm, and “Devil Man” by Drake Stafford. Our opening theme is “Soda Machine” by Kabbalistic Village; our closing theme is “Nocturne for Anastasiya" by Vlad Cuiujuclu.

Education Exploration: Part 1 (ep 265)

Moose, elk, bison, lobster, salmon: they're just some of the non-human relatives that Indigenous peoples have relied upon for centuries. A reliance that, in turn, made self-reliance possible for those peoples. That is, until it wasn’t—thanks to the kinds of colonial interference and impediments we discuss here in our fifth episode of the summer series, building on our last episode's look at fights over rights to hunt and harvest. Featured voices this podcast include: • Candis Callison, Associate Professor in the Institute for Critical Indigenous Studies and the School of Journalism, Writing and Media at UBC • Kim TallBear, associate professor in the Faculty of Native Studies at the University of Alberta and Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Peoples, Technoscience & Environment This episode is dedicated to the loving memory of Kwetasel'wet (Vera Wood). // CREDITS: This episode was edited and produced by Stephanie Wood and Rick Harp. Creative Commons music this episode includes “spring_thaw” by The Green Kingdom, as well as our opening theme “Soda Machine” by Kabbalistic Village and our closing theme “Nocturne for Anastasiya" by Vlad Cuiujuclu.

The Right to Hunt & Harvest: Part 2 (ep 264)

On this week’s collected, connected conversations (the fourth in our summer series), we go on the hunt for some rights recognition. Rights rooted in the ‘radical’ notion that Indigenous peoples ought to be able to live off their lands and waters. But, as we’ll hear over these next two episodes, those harvests are hampered—not only by the imposition of restrictions, but through the endangerment of the non-human relatives we’ve long relied on. Featured voices this podcast include (in order of appearance): • Patrice Mousseau, entrepreneur • Ken Williams, assistant professor with the University of Alberta's Department of Drama • Community organizer and youth advocate Michael Redhead Champagne • Criminologist Lisa Monchalin • Candis Callison, Associate Professor in the Institute for Critical Indigenous Studies and the School of Journalism, Writing and Media at UBC • Kim TallBear, associate professor in the Faculty of Native Studies at the University of Alberta and Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Peoples, Technoscience & Environment This episode is dedicated to the loving memory of Kwetasel'wet (Vera Wood). // CREDITS: This episode was edited and produced by Stephanie Wood and Rick Harp. Creative Commons music in this episode includes our opening theme (“Soda Machine” by Kabbalistic Village) and closing theme (“Nocturne for Anastasiya" by Vlad Cuiujuclu).

The Right to Hunt & Harvest: Part 1 (ep 263)

On this week’s collected, connected conversations, our summer series walks into the world of leisure and recreation—well, for some, anyway. For, as you’ll hear, it seems us pesky Indians can’t help but spoil settler fun! Featured voices this podcast include (in order of appearance): • Brock Pitawanakwat, York University Associate Professor of Indigenous Studies • Kim TallBear, associate professor in the Faculty of Native Studies at the University of Alberta and Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Peoples, Technoscience & Environment • Candis Callison, Associate Professor in the Institute for Critical Indigenous Studies and the School of Journalism, Writing and Media at UBC • Criminologist Lisa Monchalin • Community organizer and youth advocate Michael Redhead Champagne • Ken Williams, assistant professor with the University of Alberta's Department of Drama • Stephanie Wood, Cultural Editor, The Narwhal // CREDITS: This episode was edited and produced by Stephanie Wood and Rick Harp. Creative Commons music in this episode includes “Phase IV,” by lo-fi is sci-fi, “Montmartre” by Jahzarr, “Beaches” by Alex Vaan, “April” by Kai Engel. Our opening theme is “Soda Machine” by Kabbalistic Village; our closing theme is “Nocturne for Anastasiya" by Vlad Cuiujuclu.

Leisure & Rec (ep 262)

This episode, the second in our summer series, part two of our look at law and order—emphasis on the latter. Because even though we’ll begin this episode with discussions about the courts and prisons (building on last episode’s walk-through of policing), there’s a much bigger picture at play here: the enforcement and reinforcement of a social order, an order that works hand in glove with the needs of settler colonialism. Featured voices this podcast include (in order of appearance): • Ken Williams, assistant professor with the University of Alberta's Department of Drama • Kim TallBear, associate professor in the Faculty of Native Studies at the University of Alberta and Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Peoples, Technoscience & Environment • Wawmeesh Hamilton, journalist/photographer • Brock Pitawanakwat, York University Associate Professor of Indigenous Studies • Anishinabe broadcaster and arts administrator Jesse Wente • Candis Callison, Associate Professor in the Institute for Critical Indigenous Studies and the School of Journalism, Writing and Media at UBC // CREDITS: Creative Commons music this episode includes “Enterprise 1” by Languis, “Dybbuk Box“ by Sergey Cheremisinov, “Distilled” by Nctrnm, “SONNIK 1.0” by SONNIK, “Snowfall” by Steinbruchel. Our opening theme is “Soda Machine” by Kabbalistic Village; our closing theme is “Nocturne for Anastasiya" by Vlad Cuiujuclu.  

Law & Order: Part 2 (ep 261)

With the arrival of warmer weather, it's once again time for another MEDIA INDIGENA Summer Series, our compendia of conversations collected and connected from over the past five years of the podcast. With over 250 episodes to date, there’s certainly lots to choose from. And yet, there’s one subject that’s never far from the surface whenever we get together—justice. And from cops to courts to incarceration, these next two installments will take us on a whirlwind tour of Canada’s so-called justice system. Featured voices this podcast include (in order of appearance): • Anishinabe broadcaster and arts administrator Jesse Wente • Professor and Chair in Indigenous Governance at Ryerson University, Pam Palmater • Colleen Simard, writer/designer/filmmaker • Conrad Prince, child health and welfare advocate • Karyn Pugliese, Assistant Professor, Ryerson University School of Journalism // CREDITS: Creative Commons music in this episode includes "Fater Lee" by Black Ant as well as "Friction and "Lakehouse" by Nctrnm. Our opening theme is “Soda Machine” by Kabbalistic Village; our closing theme is “Nocturne for Anastasiya by Vlad Cuiujuclu.

Law & Order: Part 1 (ep 260)

Pollution is Colonialism Part Two: fresh off part one, host/producer Rick Harp and MI regular Candis Callison once again sit down with author, artist and marine scientist Max Liboiron. And in the back half of this extended conversation, we find out why Land is not so much a noun as it is a verb, and why anti-colonial is not the same as de-colonial, especially when it comes to methods for pollution science, methods which foreground values of humility, equity, and good land relations. // CREDITS: ‘Smoke Factory,’ by Jahzzar (CC BY 3.0); our theme is 'nesting' by birocratic.

"Pollution is Colonialism": Part Two (ep 259)

Pollution is Colonialism: the straight-to-the-point title of a brand new book by Max Liboiron, Assistant Professor of Geography and Associate Vice-President of Indigenous Research at Memorial University, as well as the Director of CLEAR, or Civic Laboratory for Environmental Action Research. Among the book's core arguments: that any effort looking to resist environmental harms must trace them back to their ultimate source—the violence of colonial land relations. A violence, the author argues, even well-intentioned environmental science and activism can reproduce. In this first of two episodes featuring the author, we discuss how the world became awash in plastics, with part two dedicated to how we might better grasp and grapple with the larger forces producing this toxic legacy. Appearing alongside Dr. Liboiron, host/producer Rick Harp and MI regular Candis Callison, Associate Professor in the Institute for Critical Indigenous Studies and the Graduate School of Journalism at UBC. // CREDITS: 'Quiet Outro' by ROZKOL (CC BY 3.0); Our theme is 'nesting' by birocratic.

"Pollution is Colonialism": Part 1 (ep 258)

A weekly roundtable about Indigenous issues and events in Canada and beyond. Hosted by Rick Harp.

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MEDIA INDIGENA : Indigenous current affairs

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