Bemaadizijig Ganoonindwaa: Talking to People

Kinomaage Waapkong with Keith Knott

Curve Lake First Nation is seeking to become the primary caretaker of Kinomaage Waapkong, also known as the Teaching Rocks, at Petroglyphs Provincial Park.
Former Curve Lake First Nation Gimaa Keith Knott discusses the history and significance of Kinomaage Waapkong, a sacred site to the local Michi Saagiig people, that has faced incursions from geologists, academics, and the province of Ontario since the 1950s.
This podcast is produced by the Communications Department at the Anishinabek Nation.
Transcript: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/sxmzrkz264783ery/2025-12-12_Kinomaage_Waapkong_Keith_Knott.pdf
Music: “Minou-Pimatiswen” by Nigel Irwin and Chippewa Travellers, “Animjiwan” by Daniel Monkman, “Those Who Came Before” by Mike Bern, “Down in the Valley” by Graeme Jonez, “Thoughts Will Wander” and “Star Shower” by Justin Delorme, provided by Nagamo Publishing. Grand Entry Song by Medicine Lodge Singers. 
Links and Resources: 
Kinomaage Waapkong – The Teaching Rocks https://www.heritage-matters.ca/articles/kinomaage-waapkong-the-teaching-rocks
Curve Lake First Nation seeks to be caretaker for Kinomaage Waapkonghttps://anishinabeknews.ca/2025/06/curve-lake-first-nation-seeks-to-be-caretaker-for-kinomaage-waapkong/
Keeping the Kinoomaag Waapkong sacred in modern times
https://anishinabeknews.ca/2025/05/keeping-the-kinoomaag-waapkong-sacred-in-modern-times/
DJ Fife Petroglyphs Provincial Park Ontariohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSzLjsNIYzU
#Heritage Stories – Interview with Anne Taylor https://www.facebook.com/ontarioparks/videos/heritagestories-interview-with-anne-taylor/424704029329574/
Kinoomaagewapkong – Teaching Rocks https://www.facebook.com/curvelakefirstnation/videos/kinoomaagewapkong-teaching-rocks/444277207525415/
Curve Lake First Nationhttps://curvelakefirstnation.ca/
Petroglyphs Provincial Park https://www.ontarioparks.ca/park/petroglyphs

Vision Care for First Nation Children with Dr. Kourosh Sabri

Pediatric Ophthalmologist Dr. Kourosh Sabri founded the Indigenous Children Eye Examination initiative (ICEE) to help fill a need for vision care in First Nations. Dr. Sabri shares how ICEE offers vision services in a more cost-effective way, and how ICEE is looking to bring other healthcare specialists into First Nations.This podcast is produced by the Communications Department at the Anishinabek Nation.
Music:  Minou-Pimatiswen by Nigel Irwin/Chippewa Travellers, and Cousins by Wolf Saga/Chippewa Travellers, provided by Nagamo Publishing.Transcript: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/cj2acqe2ixgsequv/2025-11-19_ICEE_Sabri_Transcript_FINAL.pdf
Links and Resources:
Indigenous Children Eye Examination https://www.iceenow.ca/
Helping little eyes see big things
https://anishinabeknews.ca/2025/10/helping-little-eyes-see-big-things/Understanding the roles of eye health professionals https://www.cos-sco.ca/knowing-who-to-see-understanding-the-roles-of-eye-health-professionals/
Jordan’s Principle
https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1568396042341/1568396159824Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) for First Nations and Inuit https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1572537161086/1572537234517The cost of vision loss and blindness in Canada – Deloitte Access Economics/Canadian Council of the Blindhttps://www.fightingblindness.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Deloitte-Cost-of-vision-loss-and-blindness-in-Canada-report-May-2021.pdfCanadian Ophthalmological Society: Vision care is health care
https://www.cos-sco.ca/vision-care-is-health-care-canadas-vision-health-stakeholders-collectively-stress-the-need-to-support-vision-care-in-federal-budget/
Study of Bill C-284, An Act to establish a national strategy for eye care
Transcripts & Minutes - Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology (44th Parliament, 1st Session)

“This is my Treaty” – Supporting Treaty Education for All

Educator Kelly Crawford shares the process of creating treaty education materials, including “This is My Treaty,” a new children’s book co-authored with Anishinabek Nation Communications Director, Marci Becking. As Ontario observes Treaties Recognition Week in November 2025, Kelly reflects on why filling gaps in treaty awareness is important for all.This podcast is produced by the Communications Department at the Anishinabek Nation. Music: Minou-Pimatisiwin by Nigel Irwin/Chippewa Travellers, and Old Friends Coming Around by Justin Delorme, Licenced by Nagamo Publishing.Transcript: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/3rarqw7xd2if6hea/2025-10-19_OTRW_Crawford_Transcript_FINAL.pdf
Guest Bio: Kelly Crawford is a proud citizen of M’Chigeeng First Nation and a life-long learner. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Native Studies from Laurentian University, a Bachelor of Education degree from Nipissing University and a Master of Arts Integrated Studies degree with a concentration in culture and education from Athabasca University. She is currently a PhD candidate at the University of Toronto Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE). Kelly Crawford has served as Director of Education for the Kinoomaadziwin Education Body; Principal of Academics at Kenjgewin Teg Educational Institute and faculty liaison with Queen’s University; and Assistant Director of Indigenous Initiatives with the University of Toronto Scarborough.She is an expert in treaty education and has authored several books and curricular resources on treaties in Ontario, including the “We Are All Treaty People” teacher’s kit, and ‘Gdoo-Sastamoo Kii Mi, Understanding our Nation-to Nation Relationship: a Practical Teachers Resource Guide’. In addition to her teaching and administrative roles in education, Kelly Crawford has delivered guest lectures and treaty education sessions across the province for education institutes and government organizations. She is a well-respected mentor, teacher and leader who was recognized with the Premier’s Award for Community Service in 2016. Kelly Crawford continues to contribute to various curriculum projects across Ontario.
Links and Resources:
This is my Treaty – English version: https://goodminds.com/products/this-is-my-treaty
Mii Maanda Ndoo Kwiinwin - Anishinaabemowin 
https://goodminds.com/products/mii-maanda-ndoo-kwiinwin-this-is-my-treatyCeci est mon traité – version française:
https://goodminds.com/collections/new-arrivals/products/ceci-est-mon-traite-this-is-my-treaty-fr
Teaching Treaty Promises to Kids As Young as Three
https://www.globalheroes.com/teaching-treaty-promises-to-young-kids/Treaties Recognition Week https://www.ontario.ca/page/treaties-recognition-week
Anishinabek Nation Education Resources
https://anishinabek.ca/education-resources/
Book review: “Alex Shares His Wampum Belt” and “Dakota Talks About Treaties” Book Review: Two new books for elementary students on Treaties – Anishinabek News

Building Indigenous capacity in the mining industry with Jenny-Lou Campbell

Jenny-Lou Campbell, Executive Director of the Indigenous Centre of Excellence for Mineral Development (ICEMD), shares how this new Centre is dedicated to advancing Indigenous participation and bolstering the natural, technical, and financial capabilities of First Nations in the mineral development and mining sector.  Jenny-Lou Campbell will be sharing information about ICEMD in person at the 2025 Anishinabek Nation Economic Development Opportunities Forum.  This podcast is produced by the Communications Department at the Anishinabek Nation.
Music:
Minou-Pimatisiwin by Nigel Irwin/Chippewa Travellers, and Washed Away by Wolf Saga, Licenced by Nagamo Publishing.Transcript:
https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/fsq85aynea9qpupf/2025-09-29_ICEMD_Campbell.pdf
Links and Resources:
Anishinabek Nation Economic Development Opportunities Forum
https://www.anedo.ca/
Indigenous Centre of Excellence for Mineral Development
https://www.icemd.ca/
Waubetekhttps://www.waubetek.com/
Waubetek Aboriginal Mining Strategyhttps://www.waubetek.com/upload/documents/regional-in-mining-/mining_brochure.pdf
Anishinabek Nation Economic Blueprint https://anishinabek.ca/departments/economic-development/
Anishinabek Nation Economic Blueprint Revitalizationhttps://www.anishinabek.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/AN-Economic-Blueprint-2024.pdf
Anishinabek Nation Below the Surface report
https://www.anishinabek.ca/Flipbooks/MiningReport.pdf

Spirit of Birth with Rebeka Tabobondung

Anishinaabe mother Rebeka Tabobondung’s intimate docuseries “Spirit of Birth” explores the resurgence in Indigenous birth practices across Turtle Island. It is now streaming on APTN Lumi.  In this episode, Rebeka shares the important role that Indigenous midwives played in First Nations communities before colonization; why Indigenous-led midwifery practices and training programs are so important; and how both Indigenous and non-Indigenous health providers are collaborating to incorporate traditional birth practices and create culturally safe spaces for our families. This podcast is produced by the Communications Department at the Anishinabek Nation.Transcript: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/7wrt9be8vhpga5pp/2025-08-27_Spirit_of_Birth_Tabobondung_Transcript_FINAL.pdf
Music:  Minou-Pimatisiwin by Nigel Irwin/Chippewa Travellers, and Soft Spoken by Jacob Hoskins, Licenced by Nagamo Publishing.
Links and Resources: "Spirit of Birth" eight-part series on APTN Lumi
https://aptnlumi.ca/details?assetId=13291501&assetType=621&intent=info&seriesId=1186706057359742-1
Rebeka Tabobondung's original "Spirit of Birth" short documentary
https://muskratmagazine.com/muskrat-presents-spirit-of-birth-a-short-doc-restoring-indigenous-birth-practices/
National Council of Indigenous Midwives
https://indigenousmidwifery.ca/
Association of Ontario Midwives
https://www.ontariomidwives.ca/indigenous-midwifery
Seventh Generation Midwives Toronto
https://www.sgmt.ca/
Tsi Nón:we Ionnakerátstha (Birthing Centre), Six Nations of the Grand River
https://www.snhs.ca/child-youth-health/birthing-centre/
K'Tigaaning Midwives, Nipissing First Nation
http://ktigaaningmidwives.com/
Eeyou Istchee Pimaatisiiwin Chiskutimaachawin (EIPC) Utinaausuwin (Midwifery) Training Program
https://www.creehealth.org/about-us/departments/pimuhteheu/midwifery-education-program
‘A sacred experience’: Indigenous midwives revive birthing traditions to deliver babies at home
https://midwiferymasters.mcmaster.ca/3651-2/
Kehewin Cree Nation brings traditional birthing back to community
https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/kehewin-birthing-midwifery-program-1.7523188
Birth Alerts - First Nations Child and Family Caring Society
https://fncaringsociety.com/sites/default/files/2023-06/AAE_BirthAlerts_Final.pdf
 
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ZEVs on First Nations with Jessica Tait

Jessica Tait, Sustainable Transportation Manager with Indigenous Clean Energy, helps First Nations and businesses plan for the upcoming transition to more electric vehicles on our roads. Canada's Electric Vehicle Availability Standard sets sales targets for new zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), and by 2035, 100% of new light duty vehicles sold in Canada will be ZEVs.  In our conversation, we talked about why working towards ZEV adoption and ZEV infrastructure is important for economic development and the wellbeing of First Nations, special considerations when installing ZEV chargers in First Nations, and how ZEV champions from our Anishinabek Nation communities have successfully adopted ZEV technology. Jessica will be at the upcoming Anishinabek Nation Economic Development Opportunities Forum (ANEDO) this October (2025) to share resources about ZEV vehicle options and ZEV charging infrastructure, and will also offer ZEV test drives in partnership with Plug'n Drive! This podcast is produced by the Communications Department at the Anishinabek Nation.Transcript: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/7xac37bhcjeqrr29/2025-08-15_S2E06_ANEDO_ICE_TAIT_Transcript.pdf
Music:
Minou-Pimatiswen, by Nigel Irwin and Chippewa Travellers, and Washed Away, by Wolf Saga, Licenced by Nagamo publishing. Links and Resources: Anishinabek Nation Economic Development Opportunities Forum 2025https://www.anedo.ca/Indigenous Clean Energyhttps://indigenouscleanenergy.com/
Plug’N Drivehttps://www.plugndrive.ca/20/20 Catalysts Programhttps://indigenouscleanenergy.com/our-programs/20-20-catalysts/Generation Power Programhttps://indigenouscleanenergy.com/our-programs/generation-power/ImaGENation Programhttps://indigenouscleanenergy.com/our-programs/imagenation/Indigenous Clean Energy Gatheringhttps://indigenouscleanenergy.com/connect-learn/ice-gathering/Charge Up Programhttps://indigenouscleanenergy.com/our-programs/charge-up/NRCAN Zero Emission Vehicle Infrastructure Programhttps://natural-resources.canada.ca/energy-efficiency/transportation-energy-efficiency/zero-emission-vehicle-infrastructure-programElectric Autonomyhttps://electricautonomy.ca/
Electric Vehicle Availability Standardhttps://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/news/2023/12/canadas-electric-vehicle-availability-standard-regulated-targets-for-zero-emission-vehicles.html
ICE Networkhttps://www.icenet.work/feed
 

Raising Awareness about FASD with Lynda Banning and Chochi Knott

The Anishinabek Nation Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Program works to increase the general level of awareness and knowledge of community members about FASD, by offering unique culturally based programs and workshops, providing specialized training and resources to build capacity, and political advocacy to broaden the scope of FASD services for First Nations. In this episode, Lynda Banning, Northern Superior FASD Regional Worker, and Chochi Knott, the Southeast/Southwest FASD Regional Worker, describe how FASD is experienced throughout the lifespan; how to access diagnostic services on and off-reserve; and how they help communities reconnect with our Anishinaabe culture and teachings, as a way to heal from intergenerational trauma and take on the shared responsibility of bringing new life into our communities.  Advocacy is important to dispel the stigma around FASD and ensure that all First Nations people and families living with FASD have access to equitable resources they need to be successful and empowered.  This podcast is produced by the Communications Department at the Anishinabek Nation.Music: Minou-Pimatiswen, by Nigel Irwin and Chippewa Travellers, and I’ve Got Feelings, by Justin Delorme. Licenced by Nagamo publishing. 
Transcript: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/j6igwi7aewpi4wik/S02E05_FASD_Awareness_Transcript_FINAL_2025-07-31.pdf
Links and Resources: 
Anishinabek Nation Health Secretariathttps://anishinabek.ca/departments/health-secretariat-2/programs-services/
CanFASD - Canada FASD Research Network https://canfasd.ca/fasd-awareness-month/Ontario Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) programs and serviceshttps://www.ontario.ca/page/fetal-alcohol-spectrum-disorder-fasd-programs-and-services
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Ontario Network of Expertise https://fasdontario.ca/
Anishinabek Nation FASD Program Eventbrite Pagehttps://www.eventbrite.ca/o/anishinabek-nation-fasd-program-91265285083Upcoming FASD Awareness Events: 
August 27, 2025: Bewiidookaagejig - Southwest Regional FASD Gathering, Chippewa of the Thames August 28, 2025: Bewiidookaagejig - Southeast Regional FASD Gathering, Great Blue Heron Casino, Port PerrySeptember 6, 2025: 4th Annual Mahiingan Family Road Race - FASD Awareness, North Bay September 7, 2025: Surrey Place FASD Community Gathering & Move-a-Thon, Toronto September 10, 2025: Simcoe County FASD Prevention Committee FASD Awareness Day, Barrie City HallSeptember 11, 2025: Bewiidookaagejig - Northern Superior Regional FASD Gathering, Superior Inn, Thunder BayOctober 2, 2025: Bewiidookaagejig - Lake Huron Regional FASD Gathering, Grande Event Centre, North Bay

A Journey to Healing with Nokomis Mary Elliott

Nokomis Mary Elliott talks about our journey to healing from the impacts of colonialism and intergenerational trauma as Anishinaabe kwe-wuk, families, and communities. Nokomis Mary is Anishinaabe Kwe from Atikameksheng Anishnawbek. She shares her knowledge and wisdom about Anishinaabe traditions and spirituality to organizations across Ontario, including the Anishinabek Nation’s HIV Program. Nokomis Mary believes that we can regain our power and wellbeing as Anishinabek by reconnecting with our culture and ceremonies. Please note that some listeners may be triggered by the recount of Indian Day Schools. To access a 24-hour National Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419.This podcast is produced by the Communications Department at the Anishinabek Nation.
Music: “Brothers” by Wolf Saga and Chippewa Travellers and “Embracing Beauty” by Justin Delorme. Licenced by Nagamo Publishing. Transcript: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/gkp2bvi829a5vdp9/2025-07-07_S2E04_Nokomis_Mary_Elliot_Transcript_FINAL.pdf
Links and Resources: Anishinabek Nation Health Secretariathttps://anishinabek.ca/departments/health-secretariat-2/programs-services/
Indian Day Schools in Canada https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/indian-day-schools-in-canada
Canada’s reckoning with colonialism and education must include Indian Day Schools https://anishinabeknews.ca/2022/07/19/canadas-reckoning-with-colonialism-and-education-must-include-indian-day-schools/
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An Anishinaabe perspective on Bill 5

The Ontario Legislature recently passed Bill 5, the “Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act.”  Anishinabek Nation leadership has been strongly opposed to this legislation, as the provincial government intends to move quickly on creating “special economic zones” where mining, infrastructure and energy projects can bypass provincial and municipal laws, posing serious risks to the environment, species, and Indigenous cultural sites. First Nations were not consulted before the bill was drafted. In this episode, we’ll hear what our Anishinabek leadership had to say about Bill 5. How will Bill 5 impact First Nations?  How was this Bill fast-tracked through the Legislature? And what are our next steps going forward? This podcast is produced by the Communications Department at the Anishinabek Nation.Music: “Brothers,” by Wolf Saga and Chippewa Travellers“Following the Rhythm” by Justin Delorme“Over the North” by Shauna Seeteenaklicenced by Nagamo Publishing. Drum groups:  Buffalo Charging, Medicine Lodge Singers. Transcript: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/xisd63kumhhsw3c2/S2E03_AN_Bill5_Transcript_FINAL_2025-06-20.pdf
Links and Resources: Protecting Our Lands: A First Nations Response to Bill 5 https://chiefs-of-ontario.org/resources/protecting-our-lands/Bill 5, Protect Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, 2025https://www.ola.org/en/legislative-business/bills/parliament-44/session-1/bill-5Bill C-5, An Act to enact the Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act and the Building Canada Acthttps://www.parl.ca/documentviewer/en/45-1/bill/C-5/first-readingThe Potential Impacts of US Tariffs on the Ontario Economyhttps://fao-on.org/en/report/impacts-of-us-tariffs/Ontario’s Proposed Bill 5 Will be Devastating to Indigenous Rights and Interestshttps://www.oktlaw.com/ontarios-proposed-bill-5-will-be-devastating-to-indigenous-rights-and-interests/Anishinabek Nation calls upon provincial government to halt advancement of Bill 5, engage in meaningful consultation with First Nationshttps://anishinabek.ca/2025/05/13/8870/Follow the Anishinabek Nation: https://www.facebook.com/AnishinabekNationhttps://x.com/AnishNationhttps://www.instagram.com/anishinabeknation/https://bsky.app/profile/anishinabeknation.bsky.socialhttps://www.youtube.com/user/AnishinabekNationhttps://bemaadizijigganoonindwaa.podbean.com/

E’Dbendaagzijig with Dr. Jeannette Corbiere Lavell

Dr. Jeannette Corbiere Lavell, Anishinabek Nation E-niiganwidood E’Dbendaagzijig (Citizenship Commissioner), explains how the Anishinabek Nation is asserting the inherent right to decide who our citizens are. The Anishinabek Nation created a Draft Declaration on E'Dbendaagzijig in 2025, and endorsed our own citizenship law, the E-Dbendaagzijig Naaknigewin in 2009. "E'Dbendaagzijig" is an Anishinaabemowin word that means "Those who belong.”
A longtime advocate for Indigenous women’s rights, Dr. Jeannette Corbiere Lavell shares her memories of the Indigenous youth movement in Toronto in the early 1970s, and her groundbreaking legal challenge of Section 12(1)(b) of the Indian Act, in a case that laid the foundation for changes to the Indian Act in 1985. Despite incremental changes to the Indian Act, the federal government still retains the power to determine who is registered as a "status Indian," and how this status is passed down to future generations. Under the Indian Act's "two-parent rule" or "second-generation cutoff", First Nations are at risk of having significantly fewer members in the years to come.  The E’Dbendaagzijig Naaknigewin, a framework for Anishinabek First Nation citizenship laws, centres on the one-parent rule and is based on the inherent right of self-determination.
Dr. Jeannette Corbiere Lavell urges all Anishinabek citizens to learn more about the Declaration on E'Dbendaagzijig and E-Dbendaagzijig Naaknigewin, as they are important tools to help our Anishinabek First Nations develop their own citizenship laws and ensure that we "bring our members back into our family circle."This podcast is produced by the Communications Department at the Anishinabek Nation.
Music: “Brothers” by Wolf Saga and Chippewa Travellers, licenced by Nagamo Publishing.“Sisters” by Wolf Saga/Chippewa Travellers/David R. Maracle, licenced by Nagamo Publishing.“Night Stars” by Wolf Saga/Chippewa Travellers/David R. Maracle, licenced by Nagamo Publishing.Transcript: 
https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/dk64ipmvrjrfpntr/S2E2_Corbiere_Lavell_Transcript_FINAL_2025-05-28.pdf
Links and Resources: Anishinabek Nation E’Debendaagzijig (Those who belong)https://anishinabek.ca/departments/governanceactivities/edbendaagzijig/
E’Dbendaagzijig declaration drafted at gathering https://anishinabeknews.ca/2025/02/20/edbendaagzijig-declaration-drafted-at-gathering/Anishinabek Nation citizens invited to join dialogue on Anishinabek self-determination and unityhttps://anishinabeknews.ca/2025/03/14/anishinabek-nation-citizens-invited-to-join-dialogue-on-anishinabek-self-determination-and-unity/The Collaborative Process on the Second-Generation Cut-off and Section 10 Voting Thresholds https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1706281094364/1706281216732The Indian Act: https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/i-5/FullText.html