Herman Sutherland a Nehiyaw from Northern Alberta, talks with Peyaksokan Podcast about the history of Hand Games and their personal story.

In this special season 2 opener, we embark on a journey to explore the rich, diverse world of Indigenous languages across Canada. Join us this season as we dive deep into the stories, challenges, and triumphs of Indigenous communities working to revitalize and preserve our languages. Throughout this season, we’ll hear from linguists, community leaders, and cultural advocates, sharing their knowledge and experiences in the ongoing effort to keep these languages alive for future generations. Whether you're a language enthusiast or new to the topic, this season will give you a deeper understanding of the importance of language in shaping identity, culture, and connection to the land. Tune in for inspiring conversations that highlight the power and resilience of Indigenous languages.

How do we address our personal bias? How does staying curious breakdown stereotypes, address prejudice and help eradicate racism? In this episode of the Peyakoskan Podcast, hosts Sammy Paquette, Tristan Paragas & Russell Willier sat down with Cecilia Mzvondiwa, Lawyer, Human Right Advocate, Leadership Coach & Author of the book, Beyond Tokenism, Embrace a Sense of Belonging and Stand Out as an Inclusive Leader.

Purchase Cecilia's book here: https://www.amazon.ca/Beyond-Tokenism-Embrace-Belonging-Inclusive/dp/1772775401

This podcast episode contains sensitive content discussing trauma and mental health. We'll be addressing personal experiences and emotions that might be triggering to some individuals. While we intend to foster understanding and provide insights, we strongly encourage listeners who might be deeply affected by these topics to consider their emotional well-being before proceeding. If you need immediate support, please reach out to a mental health professional or a trusted person in your life.

When Tristan Paragas and I met for the first time after he reached out to me to be a part of the podcast, we both totally geeked out over our love of business Guru Gary Vaynerchuk as well as Dr. Gabor Mate and his work with trauma and the body. Tristan shared his incredible story with me and Matthew Hilkewich about immigrating to Canada at the age of 16 and why he was passionate about being a mental health advocate.

Resources

Canadian Mental Health Support

Philippines Mental Health Support

United States Mental Health Support

How do we encourage youth to embrace their cultural identity? In this episode of The Peyakoskan podcast, Russell Willier, Brett English, and Remi Tucker sat down with Len Auger, President of the Grande Prairie Friendship Centre, business owner, Knowledge Keeper and youth mentor.

Len is an inspiring community development leader whose impact on the lives of youth is evident through his simple but profound message. Be proud of who you are.

Indigenous Canadian Veterans have played an integral role in the nation's military history, yet their contributions and sacrifices have often gone unrecognized and underappreciated. For centuries, Indigenous peoples across Canada have answered the call to defend their lands, allies, and the principles of freedom and justice.

It is estimated that 7,000 First Nations People served in the First and Second World Wars and the Korean War; an unknown number of Métis, Inuit and non-Status Indians also served. However, it was not until 1995, fifty years after the Second World War, that Indigenous Peoples were allowed to lay Remembrance Day wreaths at the National War Memorial to remember and honour their dead comrades.

Despite the sacrifices and bravery Indigenous Veterans exemplified, they often returned home to face continued systemic inequality and the ongoing struggle to have their rights and contributions recognized. It wasn't until the 1990s that significant efforts were made to address the historical injustices faced by Indigenous Veterans, including recognition programs, tributes, and the establishment of the National Aboriginal Veterans Monument.

Their resilience, courage, and commitment to the ideals of honour and duty serve as a powerful reminder of the indomitable spirit of Indigenous peoples throughout Canada's history.

In today's episode, we are sharing a conversation we had with Renee Charbonneau about the Veterans Memorial Guardian as well as a couple of stories highlighting the lives of the many inspiring Indigenous Canadian Veterans.

To learn more about the Veterans Memorial Gardens & Interpretive Centre, Click HERE

Starting university can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially for first-year students.

The On-Campus Friendship Centre supports a smooth transition for students entering the community to become college students.

The first and only of its kind in Canada, the On-Campus Friendship Centre is located in the heart of the Northwestern Polytechnic campus in Grande Prairie, Alberta. It is a hub for students to connect, engage, and build relationships. It's a vibrant space that fosters inclusivity and a sense of belonging.

In today's episode, Sammy Paquette, a student at Northwestern Polytechnic, sat down with Cree Elder Theresa Gladue to discuss her various roles at the college and why the friendship centre is so vital for students. Theresa is a storyteller, knowledge keeper, playwright, advocate, and mentor to many. Here is their interview

To learn more about Northwestern Polytechnic and the On-Campus Friendship Centre, check out the link:

https://www.nwpolytech.ca/services/indigenous/friendshipcentre.html

Thanks for tuning into this episode of the Peyakoskan Podcast. Make sure to follow, share, like and leave a review. This way, you won't miss out on any of our upcoming content where we tackle diverse topics as one nation. one tribe.

www.peyakoskanpodcast.com

Have you ever wondered what the 2S means in the acronym for 2SLGBTQ+? 2S stands for Two-Spirit, an English word created to define a unique spiritual way of being that has existed in Indigenous communities for millennia. Today's guest on the Peyakoskan Podcast, we welcome Jaylenn Tourangeau. Jaylenn is a Two-Spirit Traditional Knowledge Seeker and caregiver of the Two-Spirit Medicine Bundle. They are an advocate for Self –Determination through the Dene Teachings they have been gifted and share their knowledge through their work as an Academia Researcher and Advisor, as well as an International Visual Artist.

Join Kiera Hommy as she asks Jaylenn:

• What does it mean to be Two-Spirit?
• How do you feel when Non-Indigenous People claim a Two-Spirit identity?
• How can the Indigenous communities support Two-Spirit people?

To learn more about Two-Spirit please visit:

https://2spiritsinmotion.com

To learn more about the Peyakoskan Podcast please visit:

www.peyakoskanpodcast.com