Indigenous Medicine Stories: Anishinaabe mshkiki nwii-dbaaddaan

This episode features Dr. Gus Hill, who earned his PhD in Social Work from Wilfrid Laurier University in 2008, following his MSW from Laurier and a BSW in Indigenous Social Work from Laurentian University. Gus is a Full Professor and Hallman Research Chair in Child and Family Wellness. He teaches in the Indigenous Field of Study at the MSW and PhD levels in the Faculty of Social Work at Laurier. His research practice is guided by OCAP (Ownership, Control, Access, and Possession) and relational accountability, and generally focuses on improving the well-being of Indigenous peoples in Canada. His research is guided by wholism and a commitment to placing control of Indigenous knowledge firmly in the hands of Indigenous communities. Dr. Hill's current work focuses on Indigenous family wholistic wellness, Indigenous community capacity building, Indigenous community engagement with water safety and protection, and Indigenous worker wholistic wellness. https://amshealthcare.ca/    

This episode features Dr. Pamela Williamson, a member of Moose Deer Point First Nation and the Sturgeon Clan (N'me N'Dodem). She was raised on, and currently lives on, Mnidoo Mnising (Manitoulin Island), Ontario. She is the mother of three adult children and two grandchildren, and has been married for over 46 years. Prior to retiring from full-time work, Dr. Williamson served as the Senior Administrator of Noojmowin Teg Health Centre, an Indigenous primary health care organization composed of a multidisciplinary team serving First Nation and Indigenous community members across Espanola and the Manitoulin Island District. In this role, she worked closely with the seven First Nations and other local primary health partners to support the health needs of First Nation individuals and families, successfully advocating for a number of Indigenous health priorities and initiatives. Currently, Dr. Williamson focuses her energies and skills as an entrepreneur and Indigenous consultant. She also volunteers on diverse boards and councils at the national, provincial, and regional levels. Her passion remains advocating for and supporting the priorities of First Nations, particularly in the area of holistic health and well-being. https://amshealthcare.ca/  

This episode features Liz Akiwenzie, Dr. Nicole Redvers, Pam Plain, Joanne Jackson, Glenna Jacobs, Toni Murphy, and R. Doug George, recorded at the Southwestern Ontario First Nations and Inuit Cultural Practitioner Gathering. Liz Akiwenzie was raised in Chippewa of Nawash and lives in southwestern Ontario. She is Ojibway on her father's side and Oneida on her mother's side. Her spirit names are Nistangekwe (Understanding Woman) in Ojibway and Day^ya yut do La doe (She Who Reasons and Sees Both Sides) in Oneida. With over 40 years of learning in cultural ways of being, she is recognized as a Knowledge Keeper and Cultural Educator, supporting healing, education, and reconnection for individuals, families, and communities. Dr. Nicole Redvers is a member of the Denı́nu Kų́ę́ First Nation in the Northwest Territories and serves as Associate Professor, Western Research Chair, and Director of Indigenous Planetary Health at Western University. She works nationally and internationally to advance Indigenous perspectives in human and planetary health research and practice. Nicole is the author of The Science of the Sacred: Bridging Global Indigenous Medicine Systems and Modern Scientific Principles. Pam Plain, spirit name White Cedar Bark Woman, is Anishinaabe from Aamjiwnaang First Nation and Eagle Clan. She holds a Master of Social Work and has worked since 2006 in trauma, grief, child welfare, and mental health, grounding her practice in Indigenous worldviews and Two-Eyed Seeing. Since retiring in 2022, she offers private counselling and consulting services rooted in holistic and culturally based healing. Joanne Jackson is Eagle Clan from Kettle & Stony Point First Nation and has spent many years learning from Elders and traditional healers. She is entrusted to conduct Indigenous healing practices and ceremonies and provides cultural teachings to support wellness journeys. Joanne holds a Master's degree in Social Work and has over 30 years of experience in counselling, crisis work, and community healing. Glenna Jacobs is Ojibway and Pottawatomi from Bkejwanong Territory (Walpole Island), of the Crane Clan, with the Anishnaabe name Soaring Eagle Woman. Her lifelong journey in cultural healing, social work, and traditional practices led her to create community-based and private healing programs supporting Indigenous wellness. She now operates Nookmis Path to Reconnection, guiding individuals through trauma release and spiritual, emotional, and physical healing. Toni Murphy is a Registered Nurse from Bkejwanong Territory (Walpole Island) and a lifelong advocate for Indigenous community health and well-being. She is President of the Southwest Home & Community Care Network Association, supporting healthcare services across more than 40 First Nations communities. Toni serves as a bridge between Indigenous and Western healthcare systems, embodying the principles of Two-Eyed Seeing. R. Doug George is Potawatomi/Chippewa from Kettle & Stony Point First Nation and serves as Senior Program Manager of Traditional Healing at SOAHAC. With over 20 years of experience, he supports Anishnaabe wellness through culturally grounded healing programs and community engagement. Doug is dedicated to strengthening connections between traditional knowledge and contemporary healthcare in support of balance and reconciliation. amshealthcare.ca

This episode features Dr. Albert Marshall, Mi'kmaq Elder and co-creator of Two-Eyed Seeing. Dr. Marshall is a respected Elder from the Moose Clan of the Mi'kmaw Nation and lives in the community of Eskasoni in Unama'ki (Cape Breton), Nova Scotia. A fluent speaker of the Mi'kmaq language, he is a passionate advocate for cross-cultural understanding, healing, and our collective responsibility to care for all beings and our Earth Mother. He is recognized as the "designated voice" for Mi'kmaw Elders of Unama'ki on environmental matters. Dr. Marshall is the co-creator of the influential guiding principle Etuaptumk, or Two-Eyed Seeing, which calls for bringing together Indigenous ways of knowing with Western knowledge systems for the benefit of all. He has received numerous honours, including honorary doctoral degrees and diplomas, the Indspire Lifetime Achievement Award, and, most recently, appointment as an Officer of the Order of Canada for his tireless work in preserving, strengthening, and sharing Mi'kmaq culture, values, and knowledge. http://amshealthcare.ca/  

This episode features Dr. Annelind Wakegijig, an Anishinaabe family physician and the Lead Physician at the Baawaating Family Health Team in Batchewana First Nation near Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. A graduate of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, she has dedicated her career to improving health outcomes in Indigenous communities through culturally safe and community-based care. Dr. Wakegijig is deeply committed to integrating Indigenous knowledge systems and healing practices within Western medical frameworks. Her work emphasizes relationship-based medicine building trust, respect, and understanding between patients and providers while recognizing the importance of land, language, and spirit in holistic wellness. Through her leadership, she continues to advocate for reconciliation in healthcare by creating space for Indigenous voices, ceremony, and traditional medicine within both clinical and educational settings. http://amshealthcare.ca/  

This episode features Ma-Nee Chacaby, a Two-Spirit Ojibwe-Cree Elder, activist, and author from Ombabika, near Lake Nipigon in northwestern Ontario. A survivor of both colonial and personal trauma, she has dedicated her life to sharing stories of resilience, cultural reclamation, and community healing. Her acclaimed memoir, A Two-Spirit Journey: The Autobiography of a Lesbian Ojibwa-Cree Elder, chronicles her experiences growing up in the bush, surviving residential school and addiction, and embracing her identity as a Two-Spirit woman. Through her advocacy, teachings, and storytelling, Chacaby continues to inspire dialogue on Indigenous rights, gender diversity, and intergenerational healing. http://amshealthcare.ca/  

This episode features Vincent Pawis ('Vince'), an Elder of Shawanaga First Nation. He founded White Buffalo Healing Lodge in 2005 when he served as a Native Inmate Liaison Officer at the Sudbury Jail. Vince was instrumental in founding its Elder Assisted Aboriginal Circle Parole Hearings, a program allowing offenders to be heard in a setting that reflects their values and traditions in their rehabilitation. Counselling work with offenders begins from the point of incarceration to subsequent preparation for parole hearings. Subsequently, White Buffalo's structured programs prepare parolee clients for release with aftercare programs, employment, training, and community integration. At-risk youth also engage in counselling sessions, workshops, healing circles and sweat lodge ceremonies. This commitment to the ongoing health and well-being of White Buffalo's clients has drastically reduced the recidivism rate among parolees. In recognition of his work and benefit to communities at large, Vince was presented with the Minister's Award for Exceptional Achievements in Corrections. He was later appointed to the Order of Ontario, the province's highest honour for his contributions to law and culture and subsequently was awarded the Governor General of Canada Meritorious Service Medal for restoring pride and self-confidence in the community by promoting positive lifestyle changes of its members through connection with cultural heritage. Watch behind the scenes video of this episode https://whitebuffaloroad.com/ https://amshealthcare.ca/  

This episode features Ron Linklater, Brenda Mason, Randy Sewap, Dieter Sainnawap, and Nelly Mesenegeeshik, who were all participants in an Elders and Healers Gathering hosted by St. Joseph's Care Group in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Ron Linklater is a respected Knowledge Keeper and educator dedicated to sharing traditional teachings and supporting community wellness. With decades of experience in Indigenous education, Ron brings a grounded, compassionate presence to conversations about healing, cultural identity, and the importance of reconnecting to the land and ceremony. Brenda Mason is a passionate community healer and advocate for Indigenous wellness and mental health. With a background in grassroots support and cultural work, Brenda brings insight into intergenerational healing, trauma recovery, and the strength of Indigenous kinship and caregiving practices. Randy Sewap is a Traditional Knowledge Carrier and mentor committed to uplifting Indigenous youth through teachings, land-based learning, and cultural resilience. He draws from ancestral knowledge and lived experience to guide others on their healing journeys and to foster pride in Indigenous identity. Dieter Sainnawap is a dedicated language advocate and cultural facilitator working to revitalize Indigenous languages and support cross-generational learning. Through his work, Dieter promotes the power of language as a vessel of spirit, history, and healing, connecting people to their roots and to each other. Nelly Mesenegeeshik is a deeply respected Elder and Keeper of Traditional Knowledge. Her teachings center on the land, the spirit, and the ancestral wisdom passed down through generations. Nelly's presence offers gentle strength and clarity, encouraging reconnection with Indigenous lifeways and the sacredness of community. https://sjcg.net/services/Indigenous-Relations/health.aspx http://amshealthcare.ca/  

This episode features Fred Kelly, a respected Anishinaabe Elder from the Ojibways of Onigaming First Nation in northwestern Ontario. A survivor of the Indian Residential School system, Kelly has dedicated his life to healing, advocacy, and advancing the rights of Indigenous Peoples in Canada. He was a key figure in the negotiation and implementation of the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement, and has worked extensively as a spiritual advisor, mediator, and educator. With decades of experience in leadership, both at the grassroots and national levels, Fred Kelly continues to be a vital voice in truth and reconciliation efforts. His commitment to traditional knowledge, Indigenous sovereignty, and intergenerational healing has inspired communities across Turtle Island. Disclaimer: This episode contains content that may be distressing to some listeners. It includes discussions of sexual abuse, assault, and the traumatic experiences of survivors of residential schools. We recognize the deep pain these stories carry and encourage you to prioritize your well-being while listening. If you or someone you know is impacted by this content, we urge you to seek support.  These stories are shared with permission and in the spirit of truth-telling, healing, and honoring the voices of survivors. Support Resources (Canada) National Residential School Crisis Line Available 24/7 for survivors and their families 📞 1-866-925-4419 Hope for Wellness Help Line Mental health counseling and crisis intervention for all Indigenous peoples across Canada 📞 1-855-242-3310 💬 Chat online Talk4Healing Confidential support for Indigenous women, available in multiple languages 📞 1-855-554-HEAL (4325) 🌐 https://www.talk4healing.com Indian Residential School Survivors Society (IRSSS) Services for survivors, including counseling and health support 🌐 https://www.irsss.ca Kids Help Phone For youth in need of immediate support, available 24/7 📞 1-800-668-6868 💬 https://kidshelpphone.ca Sexual Assault Support Services (by region) Search for local support centers across Canada 🌐 https://endingviolencecanada.org/sexual-assault-centres    

This episode features Tony Belcourt, a trailblazing Métis leader and advocate for Indigenous rights in Canada. As the founding president of both the Métis Nation of Ontario and the Native Council of Canada, Tony shares powerful stories of political organizing, cultural resilience, and the long journey toward recognition and justice for Métis people. With wisdom drawn from decades of leadership, he reflects on the importance of identity, community, and the enduring strength of Indigenous nations. http://amshealthcare.ca/    

This episode features Part 2 of 2 with Reena Larabee and Aaron Therriault. Reena Larabee is a Child and Youth worker and has been working on implementing Culture and Traditional Healing within many settings over the past 15 years. Reena currently manages Nanaandawe'ewin Traditional Healing with a two-eyed seeing approach at St. Joseph's Care Group. Aaron Therriault is a gifted Traditional Drum Keeper and Knowledge Keeper, Aaron carries a deep connection to his culture, sharing his wisdom and traditions with those around him. Aaron serves as an Elder for several organizations in Thunder Bay, including the Ogichidaa Onaakonigewin, the Elders Council with N'doo'owe Binesi and St. Joseph's Care Group. Through these roles, Aaron continues to provide guidance, wisdom, and support to his community. https://sjcg.net/services/Indigenous-Relations/health.aspx http://amshealthcare.ca/    

This episode features Part 1 of 2 with Paul Francis Jr. the Vice President of N'doo'owe Binesi (Healing Thunderbird), the Indigenous Health, Partnerships and Wellness division of St. Joseph's Care Group in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Paul is a graduate of the Master of Social Work Indigenous Field of Study Program at Wilfrid Laurier University, is a registered social worker and a member in good standing with the OCSWSSW. Paul is committed to his Anishinaabe spiritual practices and enjoys attending and helping with traditional ceremonies. Paul believes in the power of integrating Indigenous healing practices within the mainstream healthcare system for the benefit of all. Paul is Odawa (Anishinaabe) and mixed European ancestry, a member from Wiikwemikong Unceded Territory on Manitoulin Island and is a member of the Bear Clan. Paul is a proud father to Tristan, Royal, Harlow, Ailee and Siinese, with his wife Kyla. https://sjcg.net/services/Indigenous-Relations/health.aspx http://amshealthcare.ca/    

This episode features David Newhouse, an Onondaga from the Six Nations of the Grand River community near Brantford, Ontario. He holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Western Ontario. Since 1993, he has served as a Professor of Indigenous Studies and Chair of the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies at Trent University. He was also the inaugural Principal of Peter Gzowski College at Trent. David Newhouse shares his profound insights on Indigenous governance, education, and knowledge systems. As a respected scholar and leader in Indigenous studies, he reflects on the intersection of traditional wisdom and the contemporary challenges faced by Indigenous communities. He discusses the importance of storytelling in preserving cultural identity, the role of Indigenous leadership in shaping policy, and the need for reconciliation through education. His experiences offer a powerful perspective on resilience, self-determination, and the pathways toward a more inclusive and just society. Click here to listen to Darrel be interviewed by Jacalyn M. Duffin, Canadian medical historian and hematologist. amshealthcare.ca

This episode features Dr. Kathy Absolon, an Anishinaabe kwe and Associate Professor at Wilfrid Laurier University. She is a scholar and leader in Indigenous methodologies, cultural reclamation, and land-based healing. Growing up in the bush, Kathy developed a deep connection to the land and the Creator—experiences that shaped her identity and informed her life's work. Throughout her journey, she has navigated the challenges posed by the education system and the legacy of residential schools within her family, drawing strength from her spiritual relationship with the earth and her commitment to community. Kathy's profound cultural awakening and healing were catalyzed by Indigenous teachings and gatherings, which inspired her to advocate for the indigenization of education. She emphasizes the importance of holistic practices that honor Indigenous knowledge and ways of being. Through her storytelling and scholarship, Kathy inspires others to bring their whole selves into educational and healing spaces, highlighting the collective responsibility to heal from colonial violence and restore cultural identity. https://amshealthcare.ca/  

This episode features part 2 of 2 with Edna Manitowabi, an esteemed Anishinaabe Elder, Traditional Knowledge Keeper, Educator, and Storyteller from the Wikwemikong Unceded Territory on Manitoulin Island.  A respected leader in Indigenous education, she has dedicated her life to preserving and sharing the teachings of the Anishinaabe people. As a Professor Emerita at Trent University, Edna played a pivotal role in the Indigenous Studies program, inspiring countless students with her wisdom and commitment to cultural revitalization. Her work emphasizes the importance of traditional healing practices, ceremonies, and storytelling as tools for personal and collective transformation. Edna's profound contributions have been recognized through numerous accolades, but her humility and focus remain on passing forward the ancestral knowledge to future generations. Her voice continues to be a guiding light for those seeking to reconnect with Indigenous teachings and reclaim their identities. In this podcast, we are honoured to hear Edna share her invaluable stories and teachings, bridging ancient wisdom with contemporary understanding. amshealthcare.ca

This episode features part 1 of 2 with Edna Manitowabi, an esteemed Anishinaabe Elder, Traditional Knowledge Keeper, Educator, and Storyteller from the Wikwemikong Unceded Territory on Manitoulin Island.  A respected leader in Indigenous education, she has dedicated her life to preserving and sharing the teachings of the Anishinaabe people. As a Professor Emerita at Trent University, Edna played a pivotal role in the Indigenous Studies program, inspiring countless students with her wisdom and commitment to cultural revitalization. Her work emphasizes the importance of traditional healing practices, ceremonies, and storytelling as tools for personal and collective transformation. Edna's profound contributions have been recognized through numerous accolades, but her humility and focus remain on passing forward the ancestral knowledge to future generations. Her voice continues to be a guiding light for those seeking to reconnect with Indigenous teachings and reclaim their identities. In this podcast, we are honoured to hear Edna share her invaluable stories and teachings, bridging ancient wisdom with contemporary understanding. Part 2 will be released on Thurs. December 12th, 2024.  amshealthcare.ca    

This episode features Jerry Fontaine, an esteemed Anishinaabe scholar, author, and community leader from the Sagkeeng First Nation. Known for his dedication to Indigenous sovereignty and environmental justice, Jerry has spent decades working to protect Indigenous rights, traditional lands, and cultural heritage. His work centres on reclaiming and revitalizing Anishinaabe knowledge systems, blending academic rigour with ancestral wisdom to advocate for Indigenous rights. As an author, Jerry has published significant works that explore Indigenous governance, intergenerational resilience, and the teachings of the Anishinaabe people. His commitment to empowering Indigenous youth, preserving language, and advancing community well-being reflects his vision for a future rooted in self-determination and respect for the land. A powerful speaker and advocate, Jerry's voice resonates as a beacon of knowledge, healing, and inspiration for communities locally and globally. https://amshealthcare.ca/  

This episode features Randy Trudeau.  Randy Trudeau is a hunter, trapper, fisher, artist, and traditional medicine harvester from Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory on Manitoulin Island, located in Northeastern Ontario. Deeply connected to the land and its teachings, Randy's life revolves around Indigenous practices and traditional ways of living. As a skilled hunter and trapper, he has extensive knowledge of the land's resources and cycles, which he combines with expertise in fishing and traditional medicine harvesting. Randy's art draws inspiration from the natural world and his deep-rooted cultural heritage. His work reflects the beauty and wisdom of his community's traditions. Through his various crafts, Randy continues to share and preserve the stories and teachings of his ancestors, ensuring that these vital practices remain strong in the present and for future generations. amshealthcare.ca/  

Welcome to part two of this two-part special, co-hosted with Dr. Karen Hill of the Department of Family Medicine at McMaster University and host of Two Row Medicine podcast. Two Row Medicine is a new podcast navigating relationships from a traditional Indigenous perspective in the 21st century. On June 8th and 9th, 2024, Indigenous healers, elders, health administrators, and physicians gathered at the Six Nations of the Grand River in Southern Ontario to discuss strategies for addressing the growing demand for Indigenous healers. It was the third gathering, with the previous two taking place on Manitoulin Island and in Rama in 2022. This gathering brought together healers and Indigenous physicians in meaningful dialogue to explore ways of collaborating on health issues, such as addiction. We invited participants to provide their perspectives on collaboration in this episode: Kevin Deer – Lead Cultural Advisor at First Nations Technical Institute Terri Debassige – M'Chigeeng First Nation Randy Trudeau – Artist, designer, and educator Dr. Annelind Wakegijig – Lead Physician at the Baawaating Family Health Team We would like to acknowledge the financial contributions to this podcast made by the Department of Family Medicine at McMaster University and AMS Healthcare. Listen to the Two Row Medicine podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts amshealthcare.ca

Welcome to part one of this two-part special, co-hosted with Dr. Karen Hill of the Department of Family Medicine at McMaster University and host of Two Row Medicine podcast. Two Row Medicine is a new podcast navigating relationships from a traditional Indigenous perspective in the 21st century. On June 8th and 9th, 2024, Indigenous healers, elders, health administrators, and physicians gathered at the Six Nations of the Grand River in Southern Ontario to discuss strategies for addressing the growing demand for Indigenous healers. It was the third gathering, with the previous two taking place on Manitoulin Island and in Rama in 2022. This gathering brought together healers and Indigenous physicians in meaningful dialogue to explore ways of collaborating on health issues, such as addiction. We invited participants to share their perspectives on collaboration. This episode features: Heather McIntyre – Regional Indigenous Cultural Safety Coordinator, Mamaway Wiidokdaadwin Team, BANAC Mike Bisson – Cultural Coordinator, Nogdawindamin Treatment Centre, and Koognaasewin Child Well-being Law Brandon Waindubence – Sheshegwaning First Nation Troy Monague – Traditional Healing Coordinator, Mamaway Wiidokdaadwin Team, BANAC Esstin McLeod – Healer and medicine practitioner in Northern Ontario Dr. Ojistoh Kahnawahere Horn – Family Physician in the Kahnawake and Akwesasne communities Dr. Karen Hill – Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, and host of the Two Row Medicine podcast We would like to acknowledge the financial contributions to this podcast made by the Department of Family Medicine at McMaster University and AMS Healthcare. Listen to the Two Row Medicine podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts amshealthcare.ca