Bemaadizijig Ganoonindwaa: Talking to People

Preventing Elder Abuse and Financial Fraud

Sergeant Chantal Larocque of the Anishinabek Police Service shares how to spot the signs of elder abuse and how to protect yourself from scams and financial fraud.
 
Sergeant Larocque is the Media and Recruitment officer for the Anishinabek Police Service and has been in policing for over 25 years. She is Franco-Algonquin from Mattawa and is a sought-after public speaker. She provides Indigenous awareness sessions to police services across Ontario. 
 
Elder abuse is often underreported in First Nation communities. An isolated elderly community member may be more vulnerable to abuse. Sergeant Larocque describes some signs of physical or financial abuse, and how important it is to report concerns to the police or to a health centre.  While charges may be necessary, the overall goal is to listen to the elder's wishes, and get services in place to help them reach mino bimaadiziwin, the good life.
 
Scam artists are constantly creating new schemes to defraud people, and are aware that some First Nation members are receiving settlement money, such as the Robinson Huron Treaty settlement for past annuities. Sergeant Larocque says to beware of financial scams that may involve attempts to get people's credit card information and account passwords, as well as investment opportunities that are probably too good to be true.
 
It's also important for everyone to have an updated Power of Attorney and Will, with decision-making responsibility assigned to someone you trust.The Anishinabek Nation Legal Department, with the support of the Law Foundation of Ontario, has created an online workbook called “Caring for our Elders,” that contains information about elder abuse, wills and estates law, matrimonial real property law, and how these areas of law may apply specifically to First Nations’ related circumstances.  A short "Caring for our Elders" video playlist is also available on the Anishinabek Nation YouTube channel. This podcast is produced by the Communications Department at the Anishinabek Nation.
 
Music: “Brothers” by Wolf Saga and Chippewa Travellers, licensed by Nagamo Publishing, and "Chill Wave" by Kevin MacLeod. Click here to download the transcript. Links and resources: Caring for our Elders Workbook – Anishinabek Nation Caring for our Elders Video Series – Anishinabek Nation Domestic/Family Violence and Elder Abuse – Anishinabek Police Service Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario If you see it, report it, says APS Sergeant Larocque – Anishinabek News

Advocating for Anishinabek Children and Youth

In this episode, we’ll meet Duke Peltier, the Anishinabek Nation’s Children’s Commissioner (Abinoojiinyan Onji-E-Bimiikang). Duke Peltier was appointed to this role in 2019. He is an independent voice for Anishinabek children and youth advocating for their best interests, rights and well-being. He provides high-level oversight over the implementation, compliance, and enforcement of the Anishinabek Nation Child Well-Being Law and the Anishinabek Nation Children and Youth Bill of Rights. 
This podcast is produced by the Communications Department at the Anishinabek Nation.
Music: “Brothers” by Wolf Saga and Chippewa Travellers, and “Just Us” by Wolf Saga and David R. Maracle, licensed by Nagamo Publishing.
Click here to download the transcript. 
Links and resources:
Koganaawsawin – Office of the Children’s Commissioner https://www.koganaawsawin.ca/childrenscommissionerAnishinabek News: Ogimaa Duke Peltier appointed Anishinabek Nation Children’s Commisionerhttps://anishinabeknews.ca/2019/11/05/ogimaa-duke-peltier-appointed-anishinabek-nation-childrens-commissioner/Anishinabek Nation Child Well-Being Lawhttps://www.koganaawsawin.ca/childwellbeinglaw
Anishinabek Nation Children and Youth Bill of Rightshttps://www.koganaawsawin.ca/billofrights
Koganaawsawin Repatriation Services https://www.koganaawsawin.ca/repatriation
The Supreme Court of Canada unanimously affirms Indigenous jurisdiction over child welfarehttps://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/declaration/stories-histoires/01.html
 
Executive summary of the Final Agreement on Long-Term Reform of the First Nations Child and Family Services Programhttps://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1722880514648/1722880535737
First Nations leadership vote on the Final Agreement to reform Child and Family Services
https://www.canada.ca/en/indigenous-services-canada/news/2024/10/first-nations-leadership-vote-on-the-final-agreement-to-reform-child-and-family-services.html
Chiefs of Ontario remain committed to ending the discrimination against children living on-reserve
https://chiefs-of-ontario.org/chiefs-of-ontario-remain-committed-to-ending-the-discrimination-against-children-living-on-reserve/
Devon’s Principle: https://anishinabeknews.ca/2022/10/25/anishinabek-nation-leadership-encourage-implementation-of-recommendations-in-devon-freeman-inquest/Jury Recommendations – Inquest into the death of: Devon Russell James Freeman (Muska’abo)
https://www.ontario.ca/page/2022-coroners-inquests-verdicts-and-recommendations

Two-Spirit Health

NaWalka Geeshy Meegwun and Aaron Bowerman share some of the assumptions and challenges Two-Spirit people may encounter when accessing health care, and reflect on the importance of healthy, supportive communities.
This is the fourth of four podcasts that Bemaadizijig Ganoonindwaa has created in collaboration with members of the Anishinabek Nation’s Two-Spirit, Two-Heart, Indigenous Queer Nation Advisory Council exploring Two-Spirit themed topics: Two-Spirit Terminology; Two-Spirit Histories, Roles and Responsibilities; Addressing homophobia; and Health.
NaWalka Geeshy Meegwun (Longfeather), also known as Lyndon George, is a member of the Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation and lives in Hamilton. NaWalka Geeshy Meegwun identifies as Anishinaabe Ojokwe, one of many terms used by the Two-Spirit community.  NaWalka Geeshy Meegwun works in the justice field and has worked with Indigenous people all of their life, both on and off-reserve.
Aaron Bowerman was born and raised in Sheguiandah First Nation on Manitoulin Island. Aaron identifies as an Anishinaabe Two-Spirit man. Aaron has worked in the Greater Toronto Area for over 10 years supporting various communities as a front-line harm reduction worker.  Aaron is an Indigenous Research Associate with the City of Toronto. 
This podcast is produced by the Communications Department at the Anishinabek Nation.
For more information about the Anishinabek Nation’s Anishinabek Nation’s Two-Spirit, Two-Heart, Indigenous Queer Nation Advisory Council, contact: Barb Naveau, Special Projects Coordinator.
Anishinabek News: Anishinabek Nation welcomes new advisory council
Music: “Brothers” by Wolf Saga and Chippewa Travellers, and “Where the Road Meets the Sky” by Justin Delorme, licensed by Nagamo Publishing.
Click here to download the transcript. 

Addressing Homophobia

NaWalka Geeshy Meegwun and Aaron Bowerman share ways to address homophobia through the use of inclusive language and policies, by ensuring that Two Spirit people are welcome at ceremony, and by supporting Two-Spirit youth.
This is the third of four podcasts that Bemaadizijig Ganoonindwaa has created in collaboration with members of the Anishinabek Nation’s Two-Spirit, Two-Heart, Indigenous Queer Nation Advisory Council exploring Two-Spirit themed topics: Two-Spirit Terminology; Two-Spirit Histories, Roles and Responsibilities; Homophobia; and Health.
NaWalka Geeshy Meegwun (Longfeather), also known as Lyndon George, is a member of the Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation and lives in Hamilton. NaWalka Geeshy Meegwun identifies as Anishinaabe Ojokwe, one of many terms used by the Two-Spirit community.  NaWalka Geeshy Meegwun works in the justice field and has worked with Indigenous people all of their life, both on and off-reserve.
Aaron Bowerman was born and raised in Sheguiandah First Nation on Manitoulin Island. Aaron identifies as an Anishinaabe Two-Spirit man. Aaron has worked in the Greater Toronto Area for over 10 years supporting various communities as a front-line harm reduction worker.  Aaron is an Indigenous Research Associate with the City of Toronto. 
For more information about the Anishinabek Nation’s Anishinabek Nation’s Two-Spirit, Two-Heart, Indigenous Queer Nation Advisory Council, contact: Barb Naveau, Special Projects Coordinator.
Anishinabek News: Anishinabek Nation welcomes new advisory council
This podcast is produced by the Communications Department at the Anishinabek Nation. 
Music: “Brothers” by Wolf Saga and Chippewa Travellers, and “Where the Road Meets the Sky” by Justin Delorme, licensed by Nagamo Publishing.
Click  here to download the transcript. 

Two-Spirit Roles & Responsibilities

NaWalka Geeshy Meegwun and Aaron Bowerman, members of the Anishinabek Nation’s Two-Spirit, Two-Heart, Indigenous Queer Nation Advisory Council, talk about their understandings of Two Spirit histories, and how Two-Spirit people traditionally had highly respected community roles and responsibilities.  Today, Two Spirit people are reclaiming their rightful place within our communities, with the help of Anishinaabe who have held on to our original teachings; ceremonies, and intergenerational support, especially for vulnerable Two Spirit youth who are looking to reconnect to Anishinaabe ceremony and community.  This is the second of four podcasts that Bemaadizijig Ganoonindwaa has created in collaboration with members of the Anishinabek Nation’s Two-Spirit, Two-Heart, Indigenous Queer Nation Advisory Council exploring Two-Spirit themed topics: Two-Spirit Terminology; Two-Spirit Histories, Roles and Responsibilities; Homophobia; and Health.NaWalka Geeshy Meegwun (Longfeather), also known as Lyndon George, is a member of the Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation and lives in Hamilton. NaWalka Geeshy Meegwun identifies as Anishinaabe Ojokwe, one of many terms used by the Two-Spirit community.  NaWalka Geeshy Meegwun works in the justice field and has worked with Indigenous people all of their life, both on and off-reserve.
Aaron Bowerman was born and raised in Sheguiandah First Nation on Manitoulin Island. Aaron identifies as an Anishinaabe Two-Spirit man. Aaron has worked in the Greater Toronto Area for over 10 years supporting various communities as a front-line harm reduction worker.  Aaron is currently employed with the City of Toronto as an Indigenous Research Associate.Links and Resources: For more information about the Anishinabek Nation’s Anishinabek Nation’s Two-Spirit, Two-Heart, Indigenous Queer Nation Advisory Council, contact: Barb Naveau, Special Projects Coordinator.
Anishinabek News: Anishinabek Nation welcomes new advisory council
Statement by Hon. Murray Sinclair-Baa regarding the Tragedy in FloridaReclaiming Power and Place – Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA people Meant to be – Kristen Shawana baa’s story. 
This podcast is produced by the Communications Department at the Anishinabek Nation. 
Music: “Brothers” by Wolf Saga and Chippewa Travellers, and “Where the Road Meets the Sky” by Justin Delorme, licensed by Nagamo Publishing, and "Immersed" by Kevin MacLeod. Click here to download the transcript. 

Two-Spirit Terminology

NaWalka Geeshy Meegwun and Aaron Bowerman, members of the Anishinabek Nation’s Two-Spirit, Two-Heart, Indigenous Queer Nation Advisory Council, talk about reclaiming Two-Spirit terminology that is embedded in Anishinaabe language and ceremony. Bemaadizijig Ganoonindwaa has collaborated with the Anishinabek Nation’s Two-Spirit, Two-Heart, Indigenous Queer Nation Advisory Council to create a series of four podcasts exploring Two-Spirit themed topics: Two-Spirit Terminology; Two-Spirit Histories, Roles and Responsibilities; Homophobia; and Health.NaWalka Geeshy Meegwun (Longfeather), also known as Lyndon George, is a member of the Chippewas of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation and lives in Hamilton. NaWalka Geeshy Meegwun identifies as Anishinaabe Ojokwe, one of many terms used by the Two-Spirit community.  NaWalka Geeshy Meegwun works in the justice field and has worked with Indigenous people all of their life, both on and off-reserve.
Aaron Bowerman was born and raised in Sheguiandah First Nation on Manitoulin Island. Aaron identifies as an Anishinaabe Two-Spirit man. Aaron has worked in the Greater Toronto Area for over 10 years supporting various communities as a front-line harm reduction worker.  Aaron is currently employed with the City of Toronto as an Indigenous Research Associate.Links and Resources: For more information about the Anishinabek Nation’s Anishinabek Nation’s Two-Spirit, Two-Heart, Indigenous Queer Nation Advisory Council, contact: Barb Naveau,  Special Projects Coordinator.
Anishinabek News: Anishinabek Nation welcomes new advisory council
This podcast is produced by the Communications Department at the Anishinabek Nation. 
Music: “Brothers” by Wolf Saga and Chippewa Travellers, and "Where the Road Meets the Sky", licensed by Nagamo Publishing.Click here to download the transcript.

Understanding the Robinson Huron Treaty with Mike Restoule

Mike Restoule, Chair of the Robinson Huron Treaty Litigation Fund, shares why the Anishinabek asserted the need for a treaty in the 1840s, how the Anishinabek First Nations came together to create the present-day Robinson Huron Treaty Litigation Fund, and why our Treaty relationship will continue to be important in the future.In 1850, Anishinaabeg entered into two treaties with the British Crown: the Robinson Huron Treaty and the Robinson Superior Treaty.  In both Treaties, the Crown promised the Anishinaabeg signatories an annuity payment that would increase as resource revenues within the Treaty territory increased.  The annuity rose from $1.60 to $4 in 1875, where it has stayed ever since, even though billions of dollars have been generated from resource development in the territory since the treaty was signed.         
In 2010, 21 First Nations established the Robinson Huron Treaty Litigation Fund to seek compensation for the Crown’s failure to respect the Treaty augmentation clause. Legal arguments in the annuities case began in 2017. Justice Hennessy ruled in favor of the Anishinaabeg in stages one and two of the trial, asserting that both Canada and Ontario have a mandatory obligation to review the annuity amount and a responsibility in upholding the Treaty.  Stage three of the process would have dealt with the Anishinaabeg claim for compensation. Instead of returning to court, the Robinson Huron Treaty Anishinaabeg and the Governments of Canada and Ontario negotiated a settlement of $10 billion for past compensation. The settlement agreement was finalized in 2024, and the parties also committed to negotiating the implementation of the augmentation promise going forward. Mike Restoule is a citizen of Nipissing First Nation. His Ojibway name is Waashushk – Muskrat, and he is of the Turtle clan.  Mike worked for Ontario Northland Transportation for 31 years, first as a journeyman railway mechanic; he retired in 2001 as manager of labour relations.  He studied political science, law and justice at Laurentian University.  He has served on the Nipissing First Nation Band Council, as well as Director of the Restoration of Jurisdiction Department with the Anishinabek Nation. Mike has been involved with the Robinson Huron Anishinabek efforts for treaty justice since 1992. Mike is currently the Chair of the Robinson Huron Treaty Litigation Fund and one of the representative plaintiffs in the annuities lawsuit.
Learn more about the Robinson Huron Treaty: Anishinabek Nation: Robinson Huron Treaty https://www.anishinabek.ca/education-resources/gdoo-sastamoo-kii-mi/robinson-huron-treaty/
Robinson Huron Treaty Litigation Fundhttps://www.rht1850.ca/
Robinson Huron Waawiindamaagewinhttps://robinson-huron-a2117e.webflow.io/
Supreme Court of CanadaOntario (Attorney General) v. Restoule2024-07-26https://decisions.scc-csc.ca/scc-csc/scc-csc/en/item/20554/index.doRobinson Huron Treaty – Surrender by the Ojibewa Indians inhibiting the North Shore of Lake Huron http://central.bac-lac.gc.ca/.redirect?app=fonandcol&id=3963991&lang=engTreaty Text: Ojibewa Indians of Lake Huron https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1100100028984/1581293724401
Ontario Treaties Recognition Weekhttps://www.ontario.ca/page/treaties-recognition-week
This podcast is produced by the Communications Department at the Anishinabek Nation. 
Music: “Brothers” by Wolf Saga and Chippewa Travellers, “Soft Spoken” by Jacob Hoskins, “Time to Move” by Mimi O’Bonsawin and “Just Us” by Wolf Saga and David R. Maracle, licensed by Nagamo Publishing.Click here to download the transcript. 

Mooz Symposium Part 1: Traditional mooz harvesting and climate change

Perry McLeod-Shabogesic, Dale Benoit-Zohr, and John Paul Kohoko share their knowledge of mooz harvesting and how climate change is impacting the mooz.Perry, Dale and John Paul attended the Anishinabek Nation's first Mooz Maawanjiding, a Moose Symposium, in Ketegaunseebee, Garden River First Nation. The goal of this gathering, hosted by our Lands and Resources Department, was to create connections amongst mooz advocates, better understand mooz health concerns, explore management practices and learn about the connections between traditional ecological knowledge and western science research methods.Perry McLeod-Shabogesic of the Crane Clan is an Ojibway Anishinabe from Nbisiing First Nation.  Perry has been a recognized Traditional Helper, Oshkaabewis, Pipe Carrier, medicine harvester, artist, and cultural resource person in and around his community for many years.Dale Benoit-Zohr is a member of the Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn. She currently sits on Council for her First Nation and has been recognized for her efforts to establish a food bank in the community.  John Paul Kohoko is a member of the Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn and an electrician. John Paul has also served as a member of the council for Pikwàkangàn, and as a deputy conservation officer.This podcast is produced by the Communications Department at the Anishinabek Nation. 
Music:  “Brothers” by Wolf Saga and Chippewa Travellers, “For Eddie” by Don Ross, and “Highway” by Justin Delorme, licensed by Nagamo Publishing.
Click here to download the episode transcript. 

Truth and Reconciliation with Ookomis Donna Debassige

Ookomis Donna Debassige shares her experiences as a survivor of the Spanish Indian Residential School for Girls. We talk about the effects that residential schools, government policies and religion had on her community, and her advocacy work. Ookomis Donna also shares her hopes and expectations for the September 30th National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, for both her fellow survivors and for the community at large.
Ookomis Donna Debassige is a citizen of Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory, is a mother of three children and a grandmother to four grandsons. She is a fluent speaker of Odawa and a member of the Raindance Lodge.
Ookomis Donna is the Lake Huron Representative for the Getzijig (Elders) Council, and the Kwe-Wuk (Women's) Council.  Ookomis Donna is the lead Elder and Survivor providing guidance and direction for the Anishinabek Nation’s Reconciliation initiatives. She is an active member in the Anishinabek Nation Caring Community group, made up of lead communities and technicians doing the searches at previous residential school sites. She also does advocacy work on the provincial and national levels, including with Survivors Advisory Circle for the Office of the Independent Special Interlocutor for Missing Children and Unmarked Graves and Burial Sites associated with Indian Residential Schools.
Please be advised that listeners may be triggered by this recount of Indian Residential Schools. To access a 24-hour National Indian Residential School Crisis Line, dial 1-866-925-4419.
For emotional support resources, visit the Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program at:  https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1581971225188/1581971250953
For more resources about Indian Residential, Day and Industrial Schools, visit the Anishinabek Nation’s website at: http://www.anishinabek.ca/irs
This podcast is produced by the Communications Department at the Anishinabek Nation. 
Music: “Brothers” by Wolf Saga and Chippewa Travellers, “Late Shift Paint for the Commissaries” and “A Glaring Falsehood” by Justin Delorme and “Winding River” by Bryden Gwiss Kiwenzie, licensed through Nagamo Publishing, and Feather Waltz, by Kevin MacLeod.
Click here for the episode transcript. 

Koganaawsawin with Stan Cloud

Stan Cloud, Director of the Anishinabek Nation Social Development and Koganaawsawin, shares how this organization is dedicated to reasserting Anishinabek ways of caring for our families and communities.     
Launched in 2019, Koganaawsawin is a collective body established by Anishinabek First Nations and Indigenous child well-being agencies to support and further enhance the delivery of child, youth and family well-being programs and services by the First Nations and the agencies.  Koganaawsawin supports the Anishinabek Child, Youth and Family Well-Being System in the areas of Child, Youth and Family Services, a Family Well-Being Program, First Nation Representative Support, Prevention, and Repatriation. Through Koganaawsawin, Anishinabek citizens can also access the Office of the Children’s Commissioner, and the Anishinabek Nation Circle Process. Learn more at: www.koganaawsawin.caThis podcast is produced by the Communications Department at the Anishinabek Nation. 
This episode was co-written by Victoria Racette, Manager of Communications and Information, Anishinabek Nation Social Development and Koganaawsawin. Music: “Brothers” by Wolf Saga and Chippewa Travellers, “Hard Beginnings” by Greyson Gritt, “Thoughts Will Wander” by Justin Delorme and “Waking State” by Jacob Hoskins, licensed through Nagamo Publishing.Episode transcript: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/t55pdd9kpcxt7bc9/Ep8_Koganaawsawin_Transcript_2024-09-23.pdf