Gwekwaadziwin Miikan

Gwekwaadziwin Miikan

por Gwekwaadziwin Miikan
Salud mentalDeportes de desierto
Temporada 3
Rooted in Gwekwaadziwin: Season 3, Episode 9 - Dr. Chett Monague
Episode Description How do we create a healthcare system that truly sees the whole person? In this episode of Rooted in Gwekwaadziwin, we sit down with Dr. Chett Monague, an Anishinaabe chiropractor from Beausoleil First Nation whose personal journey through grief, resilience, and perseverance has shaped both his life and his approach to healing. Chet shares the experiences that led him from a small First Nation community to becoming a healthcare professional, the profound impact of losing his brother, and how those moments continue to influence the way he serves patients and communities today. Together, we explore what happens when Indigenous knowledge and Western healthcare work alongside one another, the importance of relationships in healing, and why cultural identity, humility, and compassion are essential parts of wellness. Chet also reflects on the teaching of walking with "soft moccasins"—a powerful reminder to move through life with kindness, humility, and respect for everyone we meet. Whether you work in healthcare, support others on their healing journey, or are simply searching for a deeper understanding of wellness, this conversation offers thoughtful insights into caring for the whole person and reminds us that healing is about far more than treating symptoms. In this episode, we discuss: Growing up in Beausoleil First Nation The journey into healthcare and chiropractic Grief, resilience, and finding purpose after loss Bringing Indigenous knowledge and Western healthcare together Building trust through relationships The teaching of "soft moccasins" and leading with humility Creating culturally safe spaces for healing Miigwetch to Dr. Chett Monague for sharing his story, his teachings, and his vision for a more connected, compassionate, and culturally grounded approach to wellness. Content Note: This episode includes discussion of the death of a loved one, grief, and mental health. Please listen with care if these topics are difficult for you.
T3 · E9
28 jul 2026
59:52
Rooted in Gwekwaadziwin: Season 3, Episode 8 - Waukomaun Pawis
What shapes the person we become? In this episode of Rooted in Gwekwaadziwin, we sit down with Waukomaun Pawis, an Anishinaabe storyteller, educator, and media professional from Wasauksing First Nation whose career has been guided by one simple belief: the right role model at the right time can change a life. Wauk reflects on growing up in a community experiencing a cultural revitalization, the teachers, Elders, and family members who helped shape his path, and how those experiences led him from the film and television industry to Connected North, where he now helps connect students in remote Indigenous communities with inspiring role models, Knowledge Keepers, artists, scientists, and educators from across the country. Along the way, we explore the power of storytelling, the importance of choosing gratitude over adversity, what it means to discover your gifts, and why investing in young people creates lasting change for generations to come. Whether you're an educator, parent, community leader, or someone searching for purpose in your own journey, this conversation is a reminder that kindness, connection, and believing in others can have an impact far beyond what we may ever see. In this episode, we discuss: Growing up in Wasauksing First Nation during a time of cultural revitalization Lessons learned from family, teachers, and community role models A career journey from film and television to education Using technology to connect youth in remote Indigenous communities The importance of storytelling in healing and identity Finding your gifts and living with gratitude Why positive role models matter
T3 · E8
21 jul 2026
1:06:22
Rooted in Gwekwaadziwin: Season 3, Episode 7 - Chief Rodney Nahwegahbow
Season 3, Episode 7: Chief Rodney Nahwegahbow – Leadership, Service, and the Teachings That Guide Us In this episode of Rooted in Gwekwaadziwin, Sam and Matt sit down with Chief Rodney Nahwegahbow of Whitefish River First Nation for a thoughtful conversation about leadership, community, and the teachings that continue to shape his life. From growing up on the land as the son of a fisherman, trapper, and harvester to serving with the Ontario Provincial Police, UCCM Anishnaabe Police, and now as Chief of Whitefish River First Nation, Rodney reflects on a lifetime dedicated to serving others. Together, they explore how the values learned through fishing, trapping, harvesting, and family continue to influence leadership today. Rodney shares his perspective on Indigenous policing, governance, mental health, language revitalization, youth mentorship, and the importance of listening with compassion. He also discusses balancing Western systems with Anishinaabe ways of knowing, building trust within communities, and why meaningful change begins with understanding people and their experiences. Throughout the conversation, Rodney returns to a simple but powerful message: leadership is rooted in relationships. Whether speaking about policing, raising children, supporting community members, or preparing the next generation, he reminds us that respect, humility, encouragement, and connection remain some of our greatest strengths. This episode is a reflection on service, purpose, and the responsibility we all share in caring for our communities. Whether you're interested in Indigenous leadership, public service, community wellness, or the teachings that guide Anishinaabe life, you'll find wisdom, humility, and inspiration in this conversation.
T3 · E7
14 jul 2026
1:02:07
Rooted in Gwekwaadziwin: Season 3, Episode 6 - Lisa Osawamick
Season 3, Episode 6: Lisa Osawamick – Healing, Purpose, and Living Mino Bimaadiziwin In this episode of Rooted in Gwekwaadziwin, Sam and Matt sit down with Lisa Osawamick—therapist, educator, author, and founder of Zhaagwadwin Counselling and Consulting—for an inspiring conversation about healing, resilience, and finding purpose through life's challenges. Lisa shares her remarkable journey from growing up in Toronto and Sudbury to reconnecting with her home community of Wiikwemkoong. Along the way, she reflects on being raised by a strong single mother, becoming a single parent herself, navigating personal struggles, achieving 25 years of sobriety, and earning her master's degree while raising five children. Through every chapter of her life, Lisa has remained committed to her own healing while dedicating herself to helping others. Together, they explore the importance of self-reflection, ceremony, education, and connection to culture in the helping profession. Lisa speaks candidly about the value of doing your own healing as a helper, the role of land-based practices in wellness, supporting youth and families, and why building meaningful relationships is at the heart of community care. The conversation also highlights the importance of Indigenous identity, mentorship, and creating opportunities for the next generation to thrive. Lisa shares powerful insights into private practice, community leadership, and the teachings that continue to guide her work, including the Anishinaabe concept of Mino Bimaadiziwin—living a good life through balance, purpose, and connection. Whether you're a helper, educator, student, parent, or someone on your own healing journey, this episode is a powerful reminder that healing is lifelong, growth is always possible, and each of us has the ability to bring light into the lives of others.
T3 · E6
7 jul 2026
58:48
Rooted in Gwekwaadziwin: Season 3, Episode 5 - Anne Marie Thibault & Stephanie Corbiere
In this episode of Rooted in Gwekwaadziwin, Sam and Matt sit down with Anne Marie Thibault, Clinical Director at Gwekwaadziwin Miikan, and Stephanie Corbiere, Team Lead for Withdrawal Management and Harm Reduction, to explore the growth of one of Manitoulin Island's most important new health services. Together, they share their personal journeys into the helping profession, the evolution of Gwekwaadziwin Miikan over the past eight years, and how a small weekend withdrawal management pilot has grown into a 24/7, year-round program providing culturally grounded support for individuals on their recovery journey. The conversation explores what withdrawal management and harm reduction really mean, addresses common misconceptions about addiction and recovery, and highlights how compassion, dignity, culture, and connection to the land are integrated into every aspect of care. Anne Marie and Stephanie also discuss the importance of meeting people where they are, supporting families, reducing stigma, and creating a continuum of services that extends from withdrawal management through treatment, housing, and long-term aftercare. Listeners will also hear about the innovative approaches being developed at Gwekwaadziwin Miikan, including culturally responsive programming, housing and recovery supports, community partnerships, and the organization's vision for expanding services to meet the growing needs of Indigenous communities. Whether you're interested in addictions services, Indigenous models of healing, mental health, or community wellness, this episode offers an honest and inspiring look at the people and programs working to create hope, healing, and lasting change across Manitoulin Island and beyond.
T3 · E5
30 jun 2026
1:07:06
Rooted in Gwekwaadziwin: Season 3, Episode 4 - Graham McWaters
Season 3, Episode 4: Graham McWaters – Hockey, Community, and Creating Opportunities In this episode of Rooted in Gwekwaadziwin, Sam and Matt sit down with Graham McWaters, founder of the Indigenous Hockey Equipment Drive, to discuss the power of sport, community, and creating opportunities for Indigenous youth across Canada. Over the past 11 years, Graham has helped collect and distribute more than 6,000 bags of hockey equipment, 10,000 hockey sticks, and hundreds of sets of goalie gear to Indigenous communities from coast to coast. What began as a simple effort to help one community has grown into a national initiative that continues to remove barriers and create opportunities for youth to participate in sport. Together, they explore the impact of hockey on mental health and wellness, the importance of mentorship and community support, the challenges families face in accessing sport, and the countless stories of young people whose lives have been changed through participation in hockey. The conversation also highlights the role of partnerships, volunteerism, and reconciliation in action, while reflecting on how sport can build confidence, connection, resilience, and hope. Whether you're a hockey fan, community leader, parent, coach, or someone interested in creating positive change, this episode is an inspiring reminder of what can happen when people come together to support the next generation. To learn more about the Indigenous Hockey Equipment Drive, make a donation, or register for the annual fundraising golf tournament, visit: Indigenous Hockey Equipment Drive https://www.theiropportunity.com/indigenoushockeyequipmentdrive
T3 · E4
23 jun 2026
1:02:02
Rooted in Gwekwaadziwin: Season 3, Episode 3 - Dr. Sharlene Webkamigad
Season 3, Episode 3: Dr. Sharlene Webkamigad – Indigenous Health, Identity, and Returning to Our Own Ways of Knowing In this episode of Rooted in Gwekwaadziwin, Sam and Matt sit down with Dr. Sharlene Webkamigad, Anishinaabekwe from Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory, nurse, educator, researcher, and community advocate. Sharlene shares her journey from growing up on Manitoulin Island to becoming a registered nurse, researcher, and professor. Drawing on her experiences in health care, academia, community-based research, and Anishinaabe teachings, she reflects on identity, belonging, Indigenous knowledge systems, and the importance of creating health and wellness approaches that are grounded in community. Together, they explore Indigenous health, cultural safety, community-led research, traditional foods and medicines, access to care, the impacts of colonization on health systems, and the importance of remembering who we are and where we come from. The conversation also highlights the role of family, culture, ceremony, language, and land in supporting wellness and healing. This thoughtful and inspiring discussion offers listeners an opportunity to reflect on what it means to bring your whole self to the work you do while helping shape a future rooted in Indigenous knowledge, self-determination, and community well-being. To learn more about Dr. Sharlene Webkamigad and her current projects, visit: Dr. Sharlene Webkamigad – Laurentian University Faculty Profile
T3 · E3
16 jun 2026
1:02:32
Rooted in Gwekwaadziwin: Season 3, Episode 2 - Taylor Sayers
Season 3, Episode 2: Taylor Sayers – Community, Culture, and Indigenous Policing In this episode of Rooted in Gwekwaadziwin, Sam and Matt sit down with Taylor Sayers, Director of Corporate Services for UCCM Anishinaabe Police Service, to discuss the evolving role of Indigenous policing and community safety. Taylor shares her journey into policing leadership and offers insight into what culturally responsive policing looks like in First Nations communities. The conversation explores community trust, proactive approaches to wellness and safety, innovative programs such as the Social Navigator initiative, employee wellness, youth engagement, and the importance of Indigenous leadership in shaping the future of policing. This episode highlights how Indigenous policing extends beyond enforcement and focuses on relationships, prevention, collaboration, and community well-being. To learn more about UCCM Anishinaabe Police Service, visit: https://uccmpolice.com/
T3 · E2
9 jun 2026
59:24
Rooted in Gwekwaadziwin: Season 3, Episode 1 - Paul Francis
In this episode of Rooted in Gwekwaadziwin, Sam and Matt sit down with Paul Francis to discuss Indigenous health leadership, traditional healing, and the future of reconciliation within Ontario’s health care system. Paul shares his journey from his Manitoulin and Thunder Bay roots to leadership roles in social work, education, mental health, addictions, and health care. Drawing on his experience at St. Joseph’s Care Group and his current work with the Ontario Hospital Association, he reflects on the importance of Indigenous-led approaches, cultural safety, and creating meaningful change within large institutions. Together, they explore the role of traditional healing alongside Western medicine, the importance of Indigenous representation in leadership, the ongoing impacts of residential schools and Indian hospitals, and what it takes to build health systems that are truly responsive to Indigenous communities. The conversation also touches on youth leadership, sports and wellness, mentorship, and the importance of staying connected to culture, community, and spirit. This episode offers an honest and thoughtful discussion about healing, health care, and the opportunities that exist when organizations commit to reconciliation as an ongoing relationship rather than a destination. To learn more about the Ontario Hospital Association and its work supporting Ontario's hospitals and health systems, visit: www.oha.com
T3 · E1
2 jun 2026
1:01:42
Temporada 2
Rooted in Gwekwaadziwin: Season 2, Episode 10 - Andy Aguonie
In this Season 2 finale of Rooted in Gwekwaadziwin, we share a wide-ranging and deeply grounded conversation with Andy Aguonie, Traditional Knowledge Carrier at Gwekwaadziwin Miikan, former Chief of Sheguiandah First Nation, land-based counsellor, and a lifelong man connected to the land. Andy reflects on growing up on Manitoulin Island, the pull of home, and the teachings that shaped his journey — from leadership and governance to healing, ceremony, harvesting, and time spent alone on the land. He speaks openly about community change, the responsibilities of leadership, and why real healing can’t be programmed, only chosen. Throughout the conversation, Andy returns to core teachings: planting seeds, trusting natural law, carrying knowledge rather than keeping it, and the lifelong work of becoming who you’re meant to be. From traplines and moose hunts to emotional intelligence, humility, and hope, this episode closes Season 2 with a powerful reminder that healing lives in relationship — with land, with people, and with ourselves.
T2 · E10
30 dic 2025
1:00:08
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