In this episode, I meet with Dr. Rubi Sakesknip and we quickly fall into a profound conversation about trauma, healing, and awakening. Dr. R.Sakeskanip— an author, therapist, grandmother, and survivor of her own early wounds — shares understanding from decades of personal and professional experience. Their dialogue lays the foundation for Part Two of this series, which will focus on practical Indigenous healing tools.

Understanding Trauma

What is trauma? She describes trauma as deeply hidden wounds woven into the fabric of our being. It often begins in childhood, in moments when pain is unheard, unseen, or dismissed. It is what we decide in that moment we tell ourselves I'm unlovable, people are mean they gossip and they hurt others.

• Where does trauma live? Trauma embeds itself in the mind–body spirit connection, shaping the central nervous system. It shows up in:

-triggers

-avoidance

-addictions

-tension patterns

-emotional reactivity

-body language we’re not even aware of

• How do we recognize it? Through our reactions. Through what we avoid.

How we speak. Through moments when our bodies respond before our minds can catch up.

The Awakening Process

She identifies three pathways to awakening — the moment when we begin to see trauma rather thanbe trauma:

1. Traditional therapy with an awakened, self-aware Therapist

A therapist who has done their own inner work can guide someone into safe, grounded awareness.

2. A life-changing crisis or experience

Something that shakes you to the core — grief, illness, betrayal, loss — can open the door to transformation.

3. Self-tracking and witnessing your triggers

Journaling, noting patterns, and naming emotions help a person separate self from symptom.

DR. R.SAKESKANIP’S HEALING JOURNEY

Her 1984 breakthrough, followed years later by a resurfacing of deeper trauma

The power of long-term journaling to map emotional patterns

Realization that trauma behaviours are not our true identity

Healing dialogues with family members that brought relief and clarity

Her name tied to her identity and healing.

Part Two — Coming Soon

Angelina and Dr. R. Sakesnip will continue the conversation by exploring:

• Indigenous healing modalities

Traditional practices, land-based teachings, and spiritual tools for nervous-system repair.

• How triggers can become gifts

Using emotional reactions as doorways into deeper self-awareness.

• Recognizing trauma symptoms

Understanding what to watch for in yourself or loved ones.

I’ve known Debbie for many years. We first worked together in the 1990s in Edmonton at the Indian Association of Alberta (IAA), where her passion for advocacy and community leadership was already clear. Debbie is a proud Indigenous woman whose caring nature and determination have always guided her work.

That commitment, paired with her compassion and dedication to lifting others, has defined her journey. She continues to stand for Indigenous voices, for community well-being, and for positive change in Wood Buffalo.

In this conversation, we’ll explore her path, her vision for her community, and the values of resilience, care, and responsibility that guide her leadership.

She is not afraid of hard work—after long days of meetings, she would stay up late typing the minutes and have them ready for us the very next morning. Debbie, do you remember when we had a workshop at Nakoda lodge, it just opened.

Major Concerns

1. Economic Stability: A significant concern among residents is the local economy. Candidates are expected to discuss strategies to enhance economic growth and stability, particularly in light of recent fluctuations in the job market.

2. Housing Shortages: There are ongoing issues with housing availability and affordability. The housing market is struggling to keep up with demand, and this remains a critical topic for residents looking for sustainable living conditions.

3. Community Safety: Safety in the community is a pressing issue, including concerns about crime rates and the need for more proactive measures. Candidates should consider presenting plans for enhanced community safety and support for vulnerable groups.

4. Public Engagement: There is a call for better engagement between the council and residents. Voter turnout and participation in local governance are vital, and candidates should propose ways to improve communication and involvement.

5. Environmental Concerns: Environmental issues, including wildfire management and sustainable development practices, are becoming increasingly relevant. Candidates may want to address how they plan to tackle these challenges.

6. Infrastructure Development: As the community grows, there are concerns about infrastructure, including roads, public transportation, and other essential services. Addressing these issues will be essential for candidates.

7. Youth and Family Services: Providing adequate services for families and youth is important, including recreational facilities and educational opportunities. Candidates should highlight their plans for improving these services.

Links to connect with Maria Rose:

https://www.caribouwomancreations.com/https://www.instagram.com/caribouwomancreations?igsh=OWtoaHo3anA1YW5u

 Listen now on Empathic Witness — a space for stories of resilience, healing, and cultural pride

#EmpathicWitness #Podcast #IndigenousVoices #Dene #HealingJourney #Resilience

In this season, Angelina will interview individuals who have experienced inexplicable events or who carry compelling stories they've heard from others. Her first guest is Walter Janvier, a traditionalist and former Chief, who shares intriguing stories passed down by elders.

Roy believes that we need to create a better connection between the scientific community and the public, so that people are aware of the state of the oceans.

Links:

 Roy’s YouTube Channel

https://www.youtube.com/c/roymulder

Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/rsmulder

Here are a few links of organizations Roy is apart of and supports

https://www.cmepsociety.org/  

He’s President of this organization

https://www.facebook.com/cmepsociety

Roy is a former Director and supporter of this youth leadership through the arts of this organization.

https://www.youthleadarts.com/

https://www.facebook.com/youthleadarts1

A former Director and supporter of this organization as well.

https://www.facebook.com/ARTCInc/ 

Enjoy the episode friends! And please don’t forget to share with your network if you think they’ll enjoy the podcast

Sarah is an experienced Senior Communications and Public Relations executive with a demonstrated history of working in non-profit, small business, corporate and public sectors. A strategic public relations practitioner with 17 years experience in strategic communications, public relations, media relations, management, and community engagement and crisis communications. A passionate volunteer and community engager, Sarah dedicates a lot of her time to local arts, entertainment, sport and culture organizations. An engaging public speaker, Sarah connects with audiences through vivid storytelling and compelling content.

Show Notes:

Councillor Sarah Zimmerman Sarah is an elected Terrace, BC City councillor & the former Executive Director of Coast Mountain College.

1. Introduction and land acknowledgement 

2. Terrace Councillor’ priorities 

3. Climate issues

4. Housing issues

5. Youth issues

6. Elder issues 

7. Accessibility issues

8. Legacy

Georges Henry Erasmus, OC is a Canadian politician. He was the national chief of the Assembly of First Nations(AFN) from 1985 to 1991. Georges Erasmus was born in a Dene community in the Northwest Territories to a family of 12 children. George Erasmus is continuing his work as negotiator for the Dehcho First Nations in NWT.

My interview with Georges was both long overdue and insightful, discussing our shared Dene heritage, the importance of language in preserving Dene culture, and the evolution of leadership within Indigenous communities. And on his 50 years in leadership. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/204133626-h-t-a-enough

We also discussed the historical context of the Royal Commission (RCAP) on Aboriginal Peoples report, the impact of residential schools, and lastly, we touched on the challenges and progress of reconciliation in Canada, and my journey of creating a non-profit foundation, seventhgift.ca and our personal reflections on Georges' book. and our personal reflections on Georges' book.

• George Erasmus will send me the name of the Indigenous author's book he recently read about a father-son journey.

• Canadian government to implement recommendations from the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples report.

• Canadian government to reinstate the Aboriginal Healing Foundation.

1. Dene Heritage, Language, and Leadership

We discussed our shared Dene heritage and the importance of our mothers. I believe Dene mothers are a powerful and stabilizing force in our life. We also discussed the significance of language in preserving our culture. 

Our conversation then shifted to the topic of Indigenous leadership.

2. Indigenous Leadership and Rights Evolution

We discussed the evolution of leadership within Indigenous communities. George explained that the shift in leadership from older to younger generations in the 1960s and 1970s was a response to the liberation and newfound rights that came with the end of colonialism. He also mentioned the struggles faced by indigenous nations in Canada, including the challenge of treaty rights and the push for recognition and governance. I agreed with George's perspective and expressed uncertainty about what would motivate the youth of today to stand up for their rights. George concluded by stating that he believes the struggles of Indigenous communities will continue.

3. RCAP Report's Impact and Reconciliation

We discussed the historical context of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples (RCAP) report and its lack of implementation. George expressed his disappointment in the report's reception, particularly under the leadership of . Jean Chrétien, highlighting the report's importance and the need for government action. We also touched on the impact of residential schools on Indigenous peoples, the creation of the Healing Foundation, and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission as steps towards healing. We agreed that the burden of reconciliation is shared between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, and that acknowledging the past is the first step towards healing.

4.Residential School Payments and Concerns

We discussed the payment of $350 million to survivors of residential schools in Canada. George shared his experience at a meeting where survivors expressed anger and confusion about the use of the funds. Maggie Hodgson was a Director. They were concerned that the money might be used to repay damages instead of creating healing programs.

George discusses the Aboriginal Healing Foundation's efforts to fund community-driven healing programs for residential school survivors using settlement money, noting genuine healing was starting to occur before funding ran out after 17 years, far short of the time needed to address the multi-generational trauma.

5. Challenges and Progress in...]]>A Indigenous Politician’s Love Story

Georges Henry Erasmus, OC is a Canadian politician. He was the national chief of the Assembly of First Nations(AFN) from 1985 to 1991. Georges Erasmus was born in a Dene community in the Northwest Territories to a family of 12 children. George Erasmus is continuing his work as negotiator for the Dehcho First Nations in NWT.

My interview with Georges was both long overdue and insightful, discussing our shared Dene heritage, the importance of language in preserving Dene culture, and the evolution of leadership within Indigenous communities. And on his 50 years in leadership. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/204133626-h-t-a-enough

We also discussed the historical context of the Royal Commission (RCAP) on Aboriginal Peoples report, the impact of residential schools, and lastly, we touched on the challenges and progress of reconciliation in Canada, and my journey of creating a non-profit foundation, seventhgift.ca and our personal reflections on Georges' book. and our personal reflections on Georges' book.

• George Erasmus will send me the name of the Indigenous author's book he recently read about a father-son journey.

• Canadian government to implement recommendations from the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples report.

• Canadian government to reinstate the Aboriginal Healing Foundation.

1. Dene Heritage, Language, and Leadership

We discussed our shared Dene heritage and the importance of our mothers. I believe Dene mothers are a powerful and stabilizing force in our life. We also discussed the significance of language in preserving our culture. 

Our conversation then shifted to the topic of Indigenous leadership.

2. Indigenous Leadership and Rights Evolution

We discussed the evolution of leadership within Indigenous communities. George explained that the shift in leadership from older to younger generations in the 1960s and 1970s was a response to the liberation and newfound rights that came with the end of colonialism. He also mentioned the struggles faced by indigenous nations in Canada, including the challenge of treaty rights and the push for recognition and governance. I agreed with George's perspective and expressed uncertainty about what would motivate the youth of today to stand up for their rights. George concluded by stating that he believes the struggles of Indigenous communities will continue.

3. RCAP Report's Impact and Reconciliation

We discussed the historical context of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples (RCAP) report and its lack of implementation. George expressed his disappointment in the report's reception, particularly under the leadership of . Jean Chrétien, highlighting the report's importance and the need for government action. We also touched on the impact of residential schools on Indigenous peoples, the creation of the Healing Foundation, and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission as steps towards healing. We agreed that the burden of reconciliation is shared between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, and that acknowledging the past is the first step towards healing.

4.Residential School Payments and Concerns

We discussed the payment of $350 million to survivors of residential schools in Canada. George shared his experience at a meeting where survivors expressed anger and confusion about the use of the funds. Maggie Hodgson was a Director. They were concerned that the money might be used to repay damages instead of creating healing programs.

George discusses the Aboriginal Healing Foundation's efforts to fund community-driven healing programs for residential school survivors using settlement money, noting genuine healing was starting to occur before funding ran out after 17 years, far short of the time needed to address the multi-generational trauma.

5. Challenges and Progress in Reconciliation

We discussed the challenges and progress of reconciliation in Canada, particularly in relation to the implementation of treaties and the role of the Aboriginal Healing Foundation. George emphasized the importance of patience and the need for continued efforts towards self-determination and self-governance. He also shared his personal experiences and the lessons he has learned throughout his life. I agreed with George's advice, emphasizing the importance of perseverance, and not giving up on the struggle for reconciliation.

My interest in partnering with Pound Makers Lodge, a treatment center. GIFT continues to develop courses and train counselors in First Nations communities based on the foundations created 50 years ago with the Nechi institute.

 Links:

https://seventhgift.ca/

https://publications.gc.ca/Pilot/LoPBdP/EB/prb9924-e.htm

https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1524494530110/1557511412801

https://poundmakerslodge.ca/

https://nechi.com/

• Reconciliation

• Basque culture

• Indian residential school

• Douglas cardinal architect

• Dr. Betty Bastien

Thanks for listening!

https://press.ucalgary.ca/books/9781552381090/

https://www.daniels.utoronto.ca/news/wed-jun-15-2022-12am/douglas-cardinal-receives-honorary-doctorate-during-2022-convocation

• Reconciliation

• Basque culture

• Indian residential school

• Douglas cardinal architect

• Dr. Betty Bastien

Thanks for listening!

https://press.ucalgary.ca/books/9781552381090/

https://www.daniels.utoronto.ca/news/wed-jun-15-2022-12am/douglas-cardinal-receives-honorary-doctorate-during-2022-convocation

Alan describes a man of great intelligence and encyclopedic knowledge and tells how Charlie gave up a lucrative career to coach underprivileged youths, often subsidizing them out of his own pocket before developing that group of athletes into a world leading team, eventually producing the greatest sprinter of the time, Ben Johnson.

Sadly, Charlie passed away in 2010 but his widow Angé has maintained the website charliefrancis.com, where among other things you can purchase his e-books Speed Trap, which details his life story and his reaction to the Seoul positive test, and the Charlie Francis Training System, written before the steroid controversy and demonstrates the depth and breadth of his knowledge of training.

Grab yourself some tea and listen to our conversation. 

·    Introduction to music in Toronto, Canada 

·    Niagara

·    Rialto

·    Creating music that does not exist, being authentic and taking risk

Links below are to his music, videos and the short film he mentioned in our chat. 

John Southworth British Canadian musician 

https://jsouthworth.substack.com/

https://www.johnsouthworth.ca/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFUSfmK2OXE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-UtaPOSPo4&list=RDEMqWXpkAa2dt32y1Ot1VbNvA&index=2

Show Notes April 9th, 2024, Empathetic fWitness interview with Dr. Elsa Stamatopoulou Human rights lawyer, Columbia university.

Dr. Elsa Stamatopoulou joined Columbia University in 2011 after a 31-year service at the United Nations with some 22 years dedicated to human rights, in addition to 8 years exclusively devoted to Indigenous Peoples’ rights. Indigenous issues and women’s rights were part of her portfolios and pro volunteer work since 1983. She became the first Chief of the Secretariat of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues in 2003. She taught the first-ever course at Columbia on Indigenous Peoples’ rights (2011), the first course on cultural rights (2016) and is the first Director of the Indigenous Peoples Rights Program at the Institute for the Study of Human Rights. She co-founded and was co-chair of Columbia’s University Seminar on Indigenous Studies from its inception in 2014 to 2020.

Edited books: The Universal Declaration of Human Rights: 50 Years and Beyond (ed. with Y. Danieli and C. Diaz), 1998, Baywood Publishing Co. She oversaw the first edition of the UN publication State of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, New York, 2009. She has edited five volumes on Indigenous Peoples’ rights, the second four published by the Institute for the Study of Human Rights at Columbia University: Indigenous Peoples and Borders (co-editor with Sheryl Lightfoot), 2024, Duke University Press; Global Indigenous Youth: Through Their Eyes”, (co-editor with D. Angel and V. Carmen-Lopez), 2019; Walking and Learning with Indigenous Peoples : A Contribution to the 5th Anniversary of the International Summer Program on Indigenous Peoples’ Rights and Policy at Columbia University, 2018 (co-editor. with P. Calla); Indigenous Peoples’ Rights and Unreported Struggles

• Introduction, Elsa’s rich background,  Indigenous participation historical overview 

• Anti-racism anticolonialism

• Doctrine of discovery

• Cultural Heritage, Moral high ground

• Three pillars of the declaration of independence

• The word Indigenous  

• UNDRIP international instrument for the recognition of cultural rights and self determination

• American Indian Movement (AIM)

• Truth & Reconciliation

• Accomplishment at the UN  

• Legacy question

• Indigenous Woman of the Americas ( IWA)

• Significance of cultural dress

• Aveda beauty products cultural appropriation

•Chief to Chief negotiations.

• Actions moving forward

• Education, Training changing of hearts and minds

• Awareness of Indigenous issues at the UN Permanent forum

Thanks for listening. If you enjoyed this podcast, please like and subscribe.

Our Conversation covered these topics:

• Educational
• Informational
• Indigenous worldview
• Controversial
• Recommendations for being environmentally conscious
• Recap of my 3rd year
• Kuni Albert’s background
• Tailing ponds
• Government absence of emergency preparedness  
• Government’s priority
• Industry’s blindspot
• Impact benefit agreements
• Indigenous Environment Global Think Tank, A Vision
• Traditional medicines and ceremony
• Developing an Indigenous monitoring handbook

My guest is Dr. Manish Plaha MD

Show Notes - in February I interviewed Doctor Plaha on my podcast, Empathetic Witness. I reached out to him after I began taking a course he is delivering online, and in one month I have already experienced a profound shift in who I am and discovered a way to see a possibility to have healthy whole relationships. Who should listen to this podcast:

• People having a difficult relationship with others, family, in-laws, business partners, spouse or life partner.
• People who recognize there is more to life and wish to show up big in service for others
• People who are curious about our limiting beliefs and how to change that narrative
• Meditators who want tap into a deeper state of being
• People on a self-growth journey looking for a pathway

Embodied Consciousness description of the course is taken from Dr. Manish Plaha

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dr.manish.plaha/

He is a UK trained medical doctor and General Practitioner. He designs transformational experiences involving the heart, mind, body connection resulting in shifts in health and mindset energy which leads to the discovery of improvement in well-being. For example recognizing that life has even more to offer than what we've experienced, and the way to discover our true potential and highest quality of life is through an exploration and transformation in the inner landscape. In this podcast we discuss many practical ways to accomplish this.

He designs transformational experiences involving the heart, mind, body connection resulting in shifts in health and mindset energy, leading to the discovery of improvement in well-being. For example, recognizing that life has even more to offer than what we've experienced, and despite achieving our goals, there's a feeling that something profound remains untapped, preventing us from reaching our greatest potential.

Our conversation covered the following

• Breathwork
• Indian residential schools in Canada
• recalibrating body energy centres
• Aphantasia, the inability to voluntarily form images in one's mind
• Shadow work
• Ayahuasca, an Indigenous medicinal plant
• Meta meditation
• Time as a construct
• legacy question
• An effective method to share insightful and beneficial tools with family and friends
• Doctor Manish Plaha's background
• Artificial intelligence (AI) and the exponential speed of technology

Who will benefit from listening to this podcast

• Baby boomers

• Anyone with an elderly parent or sibling

• People with cognitive decline

• Planning and looking for elderly care for a loved one

Moira Welsh is an investigative journalist with the Toronto Star, Moira has co-authored investigations that have won three National Newspaper Awards and a Michener Award for Public Service Journalism.

She was a finalist for the Justicia Award for Legal Reporting and the Canadian Hillman Prize.

Who should listen to this podcast:

Baby boomers, or if you have relatives searching for a humane elderly care facility. If you have cognitive decline and are searching for a long term care for your future, because this podcast will direct you to what to look for as you're searching, and the questions you need to be asking because of these new philosophy in elder care. Our conversation covered

• The butterfly effect model explained

• Humanity in care

• Medication and lack of a freedom to roam

• Liability issues restricting small appliances like toasters

• Aging in the right place. Longer home care in your own home with support system in place

• Natural Occurring retirement community (NORC) , for example neighborhood with older residence or condo living

• Green household community he model in the United states Trent University

• Blue zone method

• Life Purpose, tap into what was a meaningful residence when they were younger and incorporate that interest into day to day routine.

• Being seen, understanding the mindset of the elders

• Humor

• Pat Armstrong – clothing  

LINKS  

 Book:

https://www.amazon.ca/Happily-Ever-Older-Revolutionary-Approaches/dp/1770415211/ref=monarch_sidesheet

Healing is within Us - You Must Find the person inside of you where nothing is impossible, Deepak Chopra

Obscurity to extraordinary, a Denesuline/ Buddhist /Catholic writer and podcast host. Journey in this episode a conversation on the genesis of Empathetic Witness Podcasts with host Angelina Pratt. Interviewed by her husband Alan.  

Our conversation covered:

• Recap of seasons one and two

• Alcohol Anonymous 12 step program

• Len Pierre

• Secondary trauma that overwhelms

• Rupert Ross, former prosecutor in Kenora.

• Viktor Frankel

• Logotheapy humanity  

• How I see who I am as a Buddhist Dene Catholic 

• 3rd season – Quantum Healing  

•    Everyone who has experienced any form of Trauma

•    Everyone who is searching for a purposeful life

•    Everyone who lost something of value, be it innocence, language, or culture

Introduction to logotheapy – A method to heal mental. and spiritual human suffering based on individual values.

1. Recognize that a harm was done because of a wrong

2. We don’t lose our humanity because of the harm done to our humanity

3.    Everyone processes trauma at a different speed and helping must start at where the person is mentally, and spiritually

4. Discover our human values

5. Through healing and reconciliation, we find our life’s purpose

Resources – E Viktor Frankl

https://gtfeducation.org/faculty-staff/edward-marshall-md-ph-d/

•    Man’s Search for Meaning

•    Yes, to life In spite of Everything

•    The doctor and The Soul

•    Viktor E Frankl’s logotherapy and Existential Analysis Theory and Practice

•    The Will to Meaning, Victor Frankl

•    The Pursuit of Meaning, Viktor Frankl logotherapy and life,  Joseph B Fabry

Tiokasin is a member of the Cheyenne River Lakota Nation of South Dakota. Tiokasin is the founder, host, and executive producer of 24 year old First Voice Radio Syndicate which airs in 270 radio stations in US and Canada. He is a global public speaker.

He is also a master musician and a teacher. Magical ancient and modern sounds Tiokkasin performs worldwide and has been featured at the cathedral of Saint John The Divine, Lincoln Centre Madison Square Garden and the Metropolitan Museum of Art and The United Nations as well as many Universities and concert venues. He is a sun dancer in the tradition of the Lakota Nation.

If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe, and share it with your friends you won't want to miss this episode.

https://www.patreon.com/Ghosthorse

Chris is raw vegan. I decided to review some of the books and videos I had to do a deep dive into raw veganism for this interview and still learned something new speaking to him.  Chris tells the story of how being Vegan helped him recover from a horrible motorbike accident, he and his girlfriend had.  

The first thing I noticed, not sure why I hadn't noticed it before is that most raw vegan people have amazing energy, clear eyes, and flawless skin. But the most important thing to me is that they project  clarity and love for humanity.  Even in my communication with Chris by email and texting,  his enthusiasm and love for humanity comes through in a big way.  I want some of that energy! Humanity needs that energy. The modern American diet, (MAD) Is flawed and not healthy. All we must do is look at the epidemic of diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity.  Chris is a dynamic high energy being, our conversation covered these topics;

1.    Fasting  

2.   Raw benefits of Raw Food nutrition

3.    Breathing

4.   Yoga

5.   Microbiome 

6.   Global Pandemic/ building immunity using fruit

7.   Vegan lifestyle and family 

8.   Honeybees

9.    Animal trauma motivates vegans to become activist.

10.   Buddha significance 

11.   Calm Mind

12.   Way of the Peaceful Warrior  movie 

13.   Blue zone

14.   Rwanda, community

15. Olive oils 

16. Benefits of whole foods

17.   Sodium high and blood pressure

18.  His accident and recovery 

https://therawadvantage.com/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/therawadvantage?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@therawadvantage?_t=8gUFfxENO5G&_r=1

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tra.kendallchris

Raw Advantage recipe books, merch and helpful tools to become raw: https://therawadvantage.com/shop/

 Subscribe and share this episode if you enjoyed it. 

My guest is Indigenous chef, Shane Chartrand, he is the Executive of Indigenous Programming for Banff Hospitality Management.

Evidently as we talked about food, the care and attention Shane gives to the food that he prepares brings him joy. It is more than food to him; it is about his experiences and his connection with others through food. But be careful not to describe his craft using the word “palette”, I decided to use a phrase instead. Refined taste buds to describe how this chef uses his experience with different tastes to refine his   mastery  in the culinary world. Our conversation covers the following:

• How to set up your workspace

• Bannock is not a health food, but it is a gift

• Diabetes

• Food is medicine

• Stress

• Inspiration from culinary arts

• Indigenous foods, celebrating culture

• What being adopted means to Shane  

• Significance of his tattoos

• His legacy

• Canadian Food Guide

The empathetic Witness podcast is recorded on unceded Algonquin territory.

My guest is insightful, brave, and authentic about his humanity. Mr. Vik Maraj has helped numerous corporations and individuals. Including Indigenous peoples worldwide, assisting them in discovering for themselves how their inherited beliefs hold them back from thriving.

If after you hear this powerful conversation about being human and how you are fearless, consider registering for this fantastic course coming up this September 19, 26, 2023

https://unstoppableconversations.com/for-leaders/being-a-leader/

If you think it may not be for you, consider it really might be. Don’t let fear stop you or pass the info on with friends who may be aligned with the course. There is much to benefit from it.

Thanks so much for listening. Don’t forget to rate and follow Empathetic Witness.

1. As a child, when there were no limits and you could be free to be anything in the world, what did you want to become?

2. What got you interested in Genes  inheritance and transformation?

3. Beliefs Creating space to BE.  And our relationship to “because” 

4. Big or small

5. What inspirers you to help people to commitment to transformation

6. Claiming authenticity

7. Transformation is creating in a space that is void.

8. What is Unstoppable Communications’ distinction

9. Shared Agreement “The Earth is flat”

10. Inquiry sets you up for disruption

11. The World Works, for everyone a true legacy

12. Extras who are they?

13. Relationships

A) What am I getting out of this relationship

B) What is it about me that is unresolved that makes me angry when you do X? ___
C) What am I not willing to tell you and blame you for why I won’t tell you?

Breaking Barriers  in South Asia - Amarok Society teaching mothers reading and writing.

Liberates a community in Bangladesh.

    • Teach mother’s (not to teach mothers but) to teach children

    • Work in multiples of 5 so every Amarok school teaches 125 children

    • It is unusual in that Amarok do this work in the slums. Most charity work is in rural villages, despite virtually all population growth in the next 25 years is happening in the urban slums, of least developed regions of the world.

Links to check out:

https://www.amaroksociety.org

https://www.amaroksociety.org/books

(for info on the books)

Enjoy the conversation and don’t forget to rate and follow if you haven’t already.

Much appreciated.

Listen to the beautiful gift from the Honolulu community that has renewed Dan’s belief in humanity. I was very happy to interview the performance artist that caused this disruption in Hawaii, in May 2023.

Dan Paul Roberts is an artist originally from Texas. Dan created Candi Shell. Candi Shell is a gorgeous and hilarious singing drag queen in Honolulu, Hawaii. Candi is a comedienne who creates her own original music and song parodies as well. 

As a child, I would’ve been ecstatic to have a drag queen read me children's stories. How fun it would be! Imagine the animation in the storytelling by these performers, it surely adds to the wild imagination of children. An experience to be enjoyed by young and old.

I am proud to call Dan my friend. It was such a pleasure to interview him.

Please enjoy our conversation!

www.candishell.com

https://instagram.com/misscandishell?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

https://give.farmradio.org/give 

 An innovative radio station’s approach creates ripples and impacts millions of people over the last 40 years.

Farm Radio International is more than just a radio station. It is an educational lifeline for people in Africa. Building, creating a space, planting seeds that is taking root and producing local expertise by providing a space for Indigenous voices to be heard across the radio airwaves, reaching over 11 million Africans.

My conversation with Ian Pringle, Director of Programs, covers Farm Radio International’s beginning, vison, and a few successful projects, capacity building and innovative thinking.

1. Scaling his voice, gender equality

2. Building communication and dialogue platforms

3.  Sustainable harvesting

Enjoy our conversation and don’t forget to follow!

Our conversation in this podcast is for education purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult your physician for  health advice. 

·      Naturopathic practice explained

·      Recognize when our body is out of balance

·      Our  body  heals itself in the right environment, homeostasis we are nature. 

·      Fasting

·      Sleep

·      Indigenous foods and medicines

·      Rest and recovery 

Enjoy the episode!

Empathetic Witness wants you to challenge assumptions about Indigenous Peoples. It encourages Indigenous and non-Indigenous persons to embrace true reconciliation as we examine truths, explore reparations, and show up in the world willing to learn and accept the responsibility of reconciliation. Empathetic Witness addresses a whole array of topics encompassing the impact of the creation of residential schools, cultural genocide, the Indian Act, mental health, resilience, and survival. The end goal is to have every listener finish the podcast of the day with a sense of hope and optimism no matter how difficult the conversation.

Each podcast is an hour long. Listening can occur in a commute to and from work, a road trip, an hour set aside for self actualization, or even while preparing a meal.

All podcasts involve conversations with Indigenous people who share their experiences and honour each and everyone of us with their enthusiasm, presence, and wisdom.

Season Two (2) has begun with the same enthusiasm and a new focus. The new focus will include generating more podcasts with a larger audience and an expansion of learnings.

The initial first season had a vision of supporting Seventh Generation Indigenous Foundation and Training (GIFT) seventhgift.ca and its focus was trauma related.

The second season will concentrate solely on Empathetic Witness and its journey. It will include less conversations on addictions and trauma and will concentrate more on triumph and resilience. Empathetic Witness guest will be inspirational First Nation community leaders who will share personal stories that will encourage and motivate listeners to thrive rather than survive.

A highlight of season two (2) was a conversation with film producer David Solomon from Adelaide Australia regarding his documentary “Two Brothers Walking found at https://empathetic-witness.captivate.fm/episode/storytelling- with-david-salomon

Future episodes will include interviews with a human rights activist from Lima Peru, an Indigenous Musician, a Dene language keeper, a political leader on economic development, exciting and motivating First Nations self-sufficiency narratives, and much more.

Grab a tea, listen, and take part in the Empathetic Witness Podcast journey of discovery, excitement, and pride.

Mahsi chogh (Thank you!)

My guest is Tarcila Zea Rivera, President of RESIDENTA DEL CONSEJO DIRECTIVO of Chirapaq , Lima, Peru and Marie, our interpreter. 85% of our conversation is in Spanish. Dont’t worry, I’m not fluent in Spanish! We were lucky to have Marie as our translator. 

Tarcila’s activism has focused on the specific needs of Indigenous children and women in Ayacucho, her place of origin. Trying to improve the nutrition of Indigenous children with food from the native area, as a form of cultural affirmation. 

The presence of Tarcila Rivera Zea has been decisive in international forums such as those in Nairobi , Cairo , Beijing , Durban and in the United Nations a permanent forum on Indigenous Issues.

 Our conversation covers Tarcila’s work in South America and on the UN forum for Indigenous women.  We discussed some of the challenges facing Indigenous women like intellectual property, commerce, and racism at the highest levels. 

If you enjoy this podcast, please share with your network. Much appreciated.

(He/Him) 

Interactive 360º Virtual Tour Creator and Filmmaker at Simply Splendid Productions

https://vimeopro.com/davidsalomon/showcase

David is a passionate digital media producer. He draws on systems thinking, storytelling, video production, photography, interactive design and virtual tour creation to create immersive experiences for businesses, institutions and organisations.

Be sure to check out David’s documentary:

Two Brothers Walking Documentary

https://ictv.com.au/video/item/3099?fbclid=IwAR1Fl3Q2IR9vl4nC_V6Bi6GWI39CN6LYoK1lZMJ6tKlOQJQXd2jIYlO_MAQ

It was such a pleasure having David on the podcast. I hope you enjoyed our chat together. Please don’t  forget to follow Empathetic Witnesss and share the podcast with friends and family. Thank you.

*Podcast was recorded on the Algonquin unseeded Territory

Our conversation covers the impact of Covid lockdown on mental health two 1/2 years later. Coping skills and more.

Please enjoy our conversation and don’t forget to hit like and subscribe.

Thanks for listening!

http://www.landoftheancestors.ca/

Thaidene Nèné a national treasure of Canada. This land has nurtured and inspired countless generations of Dènesuhné.

"For the well-being of future generations, our way of life

needs to be exercised, nurtured, and passed on".

My conversation with Steve covered:

1. How is indigenous knowledge transferred to society

today?

2. How can we face the devastating facts of impact on

climate and still have hope

3. What is the leadership doing today to mitigate climate impact

Hope you enjoyed our conversation with Steve Nitah. 

Please be sure to follow for future episodes.

Thank you for listening to Empathetic Witness today

Our conversation is authentic and sprinkled with wise thoughtful words on being Dene. He speaks of his 37 years of sobriety and why it is important to him. As he says, it was simple, but he made it complicated.

Our conversation reminded me of what it is to be Dene. To be Dene, is how we show up in the world, as kind, compassion and empathetic, accept things as they are live in the moment.

Being Dene is more than saying I am Dene, or our DNA it is our action behind the words. It is to keep a safe space for one another.

Treat women in your life your mother, sister, niece, aunt, daughters with respect and honor.  See their beauty and strength.

Most of us no longer live off the land. The skills used on the land can serve you in the cities too. 

Watch what women in your life do for you, your aunt, and your sisters. They are beautiful and strong. When you view them that way you will be less judgmental more caring, and tender towards them. That is being a Dene. Understand our connection to the land, get to know the seasons each season has a lesson, pay attention. 

Being Dene is living with the laws of the Dene on and off the land.

My guest’s Journey from a childhood disease to becoming a physician advocating the return to our tractional diet to reduce illness.

We’re ending 2022 by setting you up for a healthy 2023! If you enjoy the podcast subscribe and share with your friends, Happy Healthy New Year!

In addition to these accomplishments, I will be speaking to Jean about her early career and her decision to turn to the law. A direct descendent of Louis Riel’s brother, Jean’s advocacy has advanced Métis rights. She was lead counsel in the landmark Powley decision of the Supreme Court of Canada that established the legal basis for Métis Aboriginal rights under the Canadian Constitution. We speak about the Indian Act the adversarial legal process, which is long and costly for First Nations, and yet the Government of Canada persists in dragging Indigenous people into Court to prove their rights.

In this day of “pretendians” it is refreshing to speak to someone who is proud to speak about her Métis ancestry and the community that claims her.

My guest on Empathetic Witness this week is my friend, and former boss, the first Indigenous judge appointed to the Ontario Court of Appeal, Harry S. Laforme, A Member of Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation, comes from a family of Chiefs, but he forged a different path and has torn down barriers by fearlessly drafting decisions that changed the laws of Canada, and liberated marginalized peoples.

Our conversation covers his legal career beginning in the late 70s until he retired from the bench in 2018. Being the only Indigenous person on the Appellate Court. We discuss complexities surrounding his ground-breaking decision that led to the legalization of same-sex marriages in Canada, also the constraints of the Indian Act and colonial policies that stem from that legislation.

If you are an Indigenous person, a lawyer, a Chief, or work in the band office, this podcast is for you, your friends, family, and community. Please share.

In our discussion, he discusses the reasons for his remarkable longevity as Chief and fascinating history of the Mohawk people. Including the unique bond between the Crown and the Mohawks and the gifts that have been exchanged to commemorate that relationship over the centuries.

Please enjoy our chat!

He views life as an astonishing gift, and he says it might be considered ungrateful to have expectations about the duration of this gift and to be bothered by whether there are going to be more gifts following this one.  This gift, of life, that is here right now, is one incredible gift. 

Life is an astounding occurrence. We get to have this miraculous experience of being alive - why does it bother us so much that it might one day end? I suppose this is like the attitude many of us have when it comes to romantic relationships - we want them to last forever or we feel cheated and betrayed when it ends. Why does it have to be all or nothing?  Doesn't it make sense, that we fully appreciate it while it lasts?

My conversation with Paul goes deep into who we think we are as humans, why we are afraid of dying. He illustrates this point by telling a story about a dream. The concept being his character in his dreams disappears when he wakes, just like life, we cease to exist when we die and that is all we know, but our experience does not die. 

Paul's journey and recovery with addictions. Lucid dreaming, regular dreams, trusting our perception and bias, trauma, and pain, Buddhists perception of emptiness, meditation Paul gives three recommendations for his 15-year-old son to have a full and happy life.

Chief Jocko breaks stereotypes. She has had many professions, from dog walker on the reserve, to Scottish funeral director! She is also a retired soldier. All her experiences have led her to hold an important position as leader of her community at a critical point in their history.

I invite you to listen to our conversation. You’re going to want to grab a cup of coffee and stay for the entire hour.

I decided to interview Chief Jocko after I investigated her unique background. What an extraordinary person!

Please stay tuned to the very end when my guest talks about a lifesaving app that every indigenous person should have on their phone. Savercommunity.ca

How individuals can evoke reconciliation through giving land back to indigenous First Nations. It is private land that is transferred back for the use and benefit of indigenous people by restoring an historical wrong that was done to them when their land was stolen through colonization.

Truth and Reconciliation Commission: https://nctr.ca/about/history-of-the-trc/truth-and-reconciliation-commission-of-canada/

Apology regarding Residential Schools by Prime Minister Stephen Harper (June 11, 2008):

https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1100100015644/1571589171655

Help line for residential school survivors: 1-866-925-4419

Indian Residential School Survivors Society toll free line: 1-800-721-0066

Producer and Host Angelina Pratt, Music by Leonard Adam Saskatchewan Dene Musician, Artwork by Roger Deranger Indigenous Artist.

Books by Janine; Walking this path Together, Aski Awasis

Decolonizing Substance use is a conversation about the harmful effects of stigma and why Indigenous peoples are over represented in addiction. Decolonizing Substance use is about creating a collective understanding about where addiction comes from, making clear linkages between colonialism, trauma, and substance use, as well as finding alternative and holistic ways to talk about substance use in our communities. Please listen to my conversation with knowledge keeper, Len Pierre.