Bemaadizijig Ganoonindwaa: Talking to People

Finding Percy, part 2 with Claire Onabigon and Kelsey Anger

In Part 2 of Finding Percy, Claire Onabigon continues her decades-long search for her uncle Percy Onabigon. With the support of researcher Kelsey Anger, they uncover long-hidden records that trace Percy’s movements through residential school and multiple institutions in southern Ontario. Their work reveals the conditions he lived in, how he was moved without family knowledge, and that he died of tuberculosis far from home. Despite federal refusals and heavy bureaucratic barriers, Claire and her community persist and ultimately secure provincial support to exhume Percy, confirm his identity, and prepare for his return to Long Lake #58 First Nation. This episode follows the emotional ceremonies, the allies who stepped forward, and the collective effort that finally brought Percy Onabigon home after 60 years.
* Some of the content of this episode may be upsetting to some listeners.Hope for Wellness Helpline: 1-855-242-3310. Hope for Wellness Helpline is available 24/7 to all Indigenous people across Canada, whether you prefer to talk to someone on the phone or online.This podcast is produced by the Communications Department at the Anishinabek Nation.
Transcript: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/u2tzwidi6qirmcwb/Finding_Percy_pt2_Transcript_Final_2026-04-14.pdf
Music: Minou-Pimatiswen by Nigel Irwin and Chippewa Travellers, and The Longest Route by Justin Delorme, provided by Nagamo Publishing. 
Links and Resources:
Anishinabek Nation – Indian Residential, Day and Industrial Schools https://anishinabek.ca/irs/
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation https://nctr.ca/
Residential Schools Missing Children Community Support Fund https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1622742779529/1628608766235
Ontario Archives – Records related to Indigenous Peoples https://www.archives.gov.on.ca/topic/records-related-to-indigenous-peoples/Office of the Independent Special Interlocutor for Missing Children and Unmarked Graves and Burial Sites associated with Indian Residential Schools https://osi-bis.ca/Truth and Reconciliation Final Report Volume 4 - Canada's Residential Schools: Missing Children and Unmarked Burials https://nctr.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Volume_4_Missing_Children_English_Web.pdfOxford County Archives shares “The Long Road Back: Bringing Percy Home”https://www.oxfordcounty.ca/news/posts/new-memorial-display-reflects-on-oxford-county-s-connection-to-the-legacy-of-residential-schools/
 

Finding Percy - Pt.1 with Claire Onabigon and Kelsey Anger

Percy Onabigon, an Anishinabe boy from Long Lake #58 First Nation, was taken to a residential school in 1946 and, within months, was transferred without explanation to institutions in southern Ontario, where he lived and eventually passed on without ever seeing his family again. Driven by her family’s enduring love and memory of Percy, his niece Claire Onabigon located his gravesite in Woodstock in 2010. But with no supports, no records, and no government mechanisms to help families searching for lost children who went missing from residential schools, she could go no further. Against the backdrop of growing national awareness about the legacy of residential schools and unmarked burials, Claire eventually connected with Kelsey Anger of the Anishinabek Nation’s Reconciliation Department, whose research helped uncover institutional records and begin piecing together Percy’s missing years. Part 1 of this 2-episode series lays the emotional and historical foundation for the journey to understand what happened to Percy, and the efforts to finally bring him home.
* Some of the content of this episode may be upsetting to some listeners.Hope for Wellness Helpline: 1-855-242-3310. Hope for Wellness Helpline is available 24/7 to all Indigenous people across Canada, whether you prefer to talk to someone on the phone or online.
This podcast is produced by the Communications Department at the Anishinabek Nation.Transcript: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/5yj6kp96whduh6s8/ONABIGON_2026-03-26_FINAL.pdf
Music: Minou-Pimatiswen by Nigel Irwin and Chippewa Travellers, The Longest Route by Justin Delorme, and Cousins by Wolf Saga/Chippewa Travellers, provided by Nagamo Publishing. 
Effects: IndigoBunting and Freesound Community, provided by Pixabay. Links and Resources: Anishinabek Nation – Indian Residential, Day and Industrial Schools https://anishinabek.ca/irs/
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation https://nctr.ca/
Residential Schools Missing Children Community Support Fund https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1622742779529/1628608766235
Ontario Archives – Records related to Indigenous Peopleshttps://www.archives.gov.on.ca/topic/records-related-to-indigenous-peoples/Office of the Independent Special Interlocutor for Missing Children and Unmarked Graves and Burial Sites associated with Indian Residential Schools https://osi-bis.ca/

Human Trafficking Awareness with Anishinabek Police Service

Indigenous girls, women and Two‑Spirit people are disproportionately targeted by human traffickers. Detective Sergeant Matti Primeau and Crime Analyst Jessica Restoule of the Anishinabek Police Service explain what human trafficking is, and how traffickers use in-person and online tactics to prey on a person’s vulnerabilities. We discuss the importance of sharing protective tools with young people and providing supports for survivors. We also hear how a First Nations police service can be effective in addressing Indigenous human trafficking because it combines deep community knowledge, cultural understanding, and trusted relationships with strong intelligence‑gathering and multi‑jurisdictional collaboration.
* Some of the content of this episode may be upsetting to some listeners.Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-833-900-1010. You can reach out 24/7 — whether you’re being trafficked, you know someone who is, or you’re a trafficking survivor.Hope for Wellness Helpline: 1-855-242-3310. Hope for Wellness Helpline is available 24/7 to all Indigenous people across Canada, whether you prefer to talk to someone on the phone or online. This podcast is produced by the Communications Department at the Anishinabek Nation. Transcript: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/5rp9frxe78uau9bb/APS_Human_Trafficking_Transcript_2026-02-20.pdf
Music: Minou-Pimatisiwin by Nigel Irwin and Chippewa Travellers, and Falling Forward by Justin Delorme, provided by Nagamo Publishing. 
Links and Resources: 
Anishinabek Police Service – Human Trafficking https://www.anishinabekpolice.ca/staying-safe/human-trafficking
Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline https://canadianhumantraffickinghotline.ca/1-833-900-1010 Hotline available 24 hours a day, seven days a week
Canadian Centre to End Human Traffickinghttps://ccteht.ca/
Victim Services https://victimservicesontario.ca/
Ontario’s Anti-Human Trafficking Strategy 2025-2030 Ontario’s anti-human trafficking strategy 2025–2030 | ontario.ca
Kids Help Phone – Human trafficking: how to recognize the signshttps://kidshelpphone.ca/get-info/human-trafficking-how-recognize-signs/

Indigenous Data Sovereignty with Rylee Restoule

In November 2025, the Anishinabek Nation Chiefs in Assembly resolved to move forward with a relationship agreement between the Anishinabek Nation and the Health Sciences North Research Institute. The partners plan to develop research protocols in collaboration with our interested member First Nations.
Research protocols are tools that First Nations can use to assert their own data sovereignty and ensure that research in their communities respects Indigenous methods, and is aligned with their goals.
To learn more about Indigenous data sovereignty, I spoke with Rylee Restoule, the Coordinator of Indigenous Health Research at the Health Sciences North Research Institute. We talked about why it’s so important for First Nations to have a say in research and create their own data governance plans, as well as how Rylee’s connection to her Anishinaabe community, culture and language helps her to advocate for research that is strengths-based and respects our worldviews.
This podcast is produced by the Communications Department at the Anishinabek Nation.
Transcript: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/hithbkean9s7kjvr/2026-01-09_Rylee_Restoule_Bemaadizijig_Ganoonindwaa.pdf
Music: Minou-Pimatisiwin by Nigel Irwin and Chippewa Travellers, and A Very Warm Welcome by Justin Delorme, provided by Nagamo Publishing.
Guest Bio: 
Rylee Restoule is a PhD student, researcher, advocate, and youth representative from Dokis First Nation. She is Francophone living in rural Northern Ontario. She has been crowned Miss Kikendaad 2025-2026. She works as the Health Sciences North Foundation (HSNF) Clinical Research Coordinator of Indigenous Health at Health Sciences North Research Institute (HSNRI). Rylee is an Anishinaabemowin learner, and student of the 2025-2026 Biidwewdamowaad Nimkiig Biidaabang cohort with Ninaatigoons Learning.  Her PhD research at the University of Saskatchewan is about “Informing health policy with the teachings of the tikanaagan to improve perinatal care and birthing practices for First Nations families in Northern Ontario.”  Rylee is passionate about research-backed health policy and encouraging youth to feel empowered within their culture!
Links and Resources: Health Sciences North Research Institutehttps://hsnsudbury.ca/en/Research
The First Nations Principles of OCAPhttps://fnigc.ca/ocap-training/
Indigenous Data Sovereignty and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoplehttps://www.lib.sfu.ca/help/publish/research-data-management/indigenous-data-sovereignty
Tri-Council Policy Statement on Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans (TCPS-2)https://ethics.gc.ca/eng/policy-politique_tcps2-eptc2_2022.html
Manitoulin Anishinaabek Research Review Committeehttps://nthc.ca/programs-services/projects-research/research-ethics/
Wajashk Creations https://www.instagram.com/wajashkcreations/
 
 

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