Indigenous Medicine Stories: Anishinaabe mshkiki nwii-dbaaddaan (Darrel Manitowabi)

This episode features Ernie and Charlotte Kwandibens.  They are esteemed Indigenous elders and community leaders, renowned for their unwavering dedication to cultural preservation, education, and environmental stewardship. Born and raised within their traditional lands, Ernie a member of Whitesand First Nation, and Charlotte a member of the Waswanabe First Nation, have committed their lives to advocating for the rights and well-being of Indigenous peoples.

With a wealth of knowledge passed down through generations, Ernie and Charlotte serve as vital bridges between the past and the present. Together, they share stories of resilience, survival, and the profound wisdom of their ancestors, offering guidance and hope to younger generations. Their work in healing the traumas of residential schools has been particularly impactful, as they lead initiatives to foster understanding and reconciliation.

Both Ernie and Charlotte are passionate advocates for environmental conservation, emphasizing the sacred relationship between Indigenous peoples and the earth. They collaborate with various organizations to promote sustainable practices and protect natural resources for future generations.

Through their storytelling, mentorship, and activism, Ernie and Charlotte Kwandibens continue to inspire and empower their community, ensuring that the voices of Indigenous peoples are heard and respected.

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This episode features Dr. Ed Connors, an Indigenous Psychologist of Mohawk ancestry from Kahnawake Mohawk Territory. He has worked with First Nations communities across Canada since 1982, in both urban and rural centres.  His work over this time includes being Clinical Director for an infant mental health centre in the City of Regina, and Director for the Sacred Circle, a suicide prevention program developed to serve First Nations communities in Northwestern Ontario.  Dr. Connors’ most recent work has involved development of Indigenous Life Promotion Projects that includes Feather Carriers Leadership for Life Promotion. Dr. Connors works with Elders and has apprenticed in traditional approaches to healing. 

In this episode, Ed speaks about his Two-Eyed Seeing education and training journey.  Two-Eyed Seeing integrates both Indigenous and Western ways of knowing.  This podcast took place at Ed's residence in southern Ontario. We began our visit with a ceremony and this recording took place on a sunny day, seated around a fire with the sounds of nature and the background.

FIRST PEOPLES WELLNESS CIRCLE

https://fpwc.ca/

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Indigenous Medicine Stories

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This episode features Dr. Karen Hill. Karenna’onwe (Gaw-law-naw-oo-way) – Dr. Karen Hill is Mohawk from Six Nations of the Grand River Territory. She is the mother of two sons and step-mother to five daughters. She currently has 10 grandchildren and 2 great grandsons. She completed medical school in 2003 and Family Medicine Residency in 2005 - both from McMaster University. Prior to her medical career Karen worked to write curriculum and develop post-secondary programming at Six Nations Polytechnic, an Indigenous led post-secondary institution in her home community. 

Karen’s passion is to see Traditional Indigenous Knowledge return to the centre of life for Indigenous people across Canada for the purpose of invoking healing. The fulfillment of this vision is foundational to her ongoing work in medicine, curriculum writing, teaching, co-creating spaces where Indigenous knowledge is brought into parallel with mainstream knowledge in education and health. 

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This episode features Renee Linklater, a PhD who is a member of Rainy River First Nations in Northwestern Ontario.  She has over 25 years of experience working with Indigenous healing agencies and First Nation communities. Renee has worked across the health and education sectors as a frontline worker, program evaluator, curriculum developer, educator/trainer, and researcher. She is an international speaker on trauma and healing and is the author of Decolonizing trauma work: Indigenous stories and strategies and editor of Connected in Creation: A Collection of Lived Experience through Cultural Expression. Renee is the Senior Director of Shkaabe Makwa - Centre for First Nations, Inuit and Métis Wellness at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) and is actively involved in several system level initiatives across the province.

Renee’s Book:

Decolonizing Trauma Work: Indigenous Stories and Strategies

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This episode features Perry McLeod-Shabogesic of the “Crane Clan” is an Ojibway Anishinabe from N’biising (Nipissing) First Nation (NFN). He has been a artist, cartoonist, writer, traditional helper, medicine harvester and cultural resource person in and around his community for many years.  Perry’s spirit name is “Aandzooked”, which means “Teller of sacred stories” in Ojibway.

In this episode, Perry shares stories of Indigenous Medicine from his childhood, finding and picking a plant medicine in the wild that his Grandmother used, and discuss the balance to embrace all medicines, including Indigenous and Western.

Perry McLeod-Shabogesic:

https://www.aanmitaagzi.net/about/founding-members/perry-mcleod-shabogesic/

https://www.ams-inc.on.ca/

Indigenous Medicine Stories

Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/2ztjj63h

Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/ycx53d5z

Amazon Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/4fdebkbb

This episode features Dr. Wendy Makoons Geniusz, who hails from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and has ancestral roots in the Cree community of Manitoba. Currently serving as a professor at York University in Toronto, Ontario, Dr. Geniusz has been actively involved in projects aimed at revitalizing Ojibwe language and culture in Indigenous communities across the Great Lakes Region.

All of Dr. Geniusz's publications and research are dedicated to developing tools for the decolonization of Indigenous language and culture, with a particular emphasis on the revitalization efforts. She is the author of "Our Knowledge is Not Primitive: Decolonizing Botanical Anishinaabe Teachings," the editor of "Plants Have So Much to Give Us, All We Have to Do is Ask" (by Mary Siisip Geniusz), and the author of the Ojibwe plant name glossary featured in the latter publication. Additionally, she serves as the co-editor, alongside Brendan Fairbanks, of "Chi-mewinzha: Ojibwe Stories from Leech Lake" (by Dorothy Dora Whipple).

Books:

Our Knowledge Is Not Primitive: Decolonizing Botanical Anishinaabe Teachings

Plants Have So Much to Give Us, All We Have to Do Is Ask: Anishinaabe Botanical Teachings by Mary Siisip Geniusz

Chi-mewinzha: Ojibwe Stories from Leech Lake

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Indigenous Medicine Stories Podcast is a collaboration between AMS Healthcare and the Jason
A. Hannah Chair in the History of Indigenous Health and Indigenous Traditional Medicine at the
Northern Ontario School of Medicine University. It is hosted by Dr. Darrel Manitowabi, the NOSM-AMS Hannah Chair in the History of Indigenous Health and Indigenous Traditional Medicine .

Indigenous Medicine Stories aims to educate health professionals and the public about Indigenous healing. The podcast will highlight the lived experiences of Indigenous Knowledge holders, healers, and Elders and help professionals who practice Indigenous healing.

Since time immemorial, Indigenous Peoples held a knowledge system of wellness, healing, and medicine. Colonial processes such as Treaties, the Reserve system, the Indian Act of Canada, Residential Schools, child welfare policies, racism, discrimination, and excluding Indigenous healing in Western biomedicine and education have attempted to erase this knowledge system. Furthermore, until recently, the health education professions have played a role by excluding Indigenous knowledge from the curriculum.

Also known as Anishinaabe mshkiki nwii-dbaaddaan (“I’m going to talk about Indigenous medicine”) in Anishinaaabemowin, medicine stories explore the perseverance and holism of Indigenous well-being and healing practices through the lived experiences of practitioners.

https://www.ams-inc.on.ca/people/dr-darrel-manitowabi/

This inaugural episode of "Indigenous Medicine Stories," features Dr. Darrel Manitowabi,
the Hannah Chair in Indigenous Health and Indigenous Traditional Medicine at
the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, as our guest and host of the podcast.
"Indigenous Medicine Stories" is a groundbreaking podcast that delves deep into
the rich tapestry of Indigenous medicine practices, exploring their historical
significance, cultural relevance, and contemporary applications. Through
conversations with experts, healers, and community leaders, we aim to provide a
platform for sharing and celebrating Indigenous knowledge, wisdom, and healing
traditions.
Our host, Dr. Darrel Manitowabi, is an esteemed authority on Indigenous health
and traditional medicine. With his profound expertise and firsthand experiences,
he brings a unique perspective to each episode, creating a safe and inclusive
space for meaningful dialogue and storytelling. Dr. Manitowabi's deep connection
to his Anishinaabe heritage and his commitment to promoting cultural resurgence
and wellness within Indigenous communities are at the heart of this podcast.
In this episode, Dr. Manitowabi sets the stage for the series, offering insights into
the importance of Indigenous medicine and its role in holistic healing. He shares
personal anecdotes, cultural anecdotes, and historical context, illuminating the
diverse and intricate world of Indigenous medicine.
Throughout the series, "Indigenous Medicine Stories" will cover a wide range of
topics, including traditional healing practices, plant-based medicines, ceremony
and ritual, Indigenous perspectives on mental health, community wellness
initiatives, and the intersection of Western medicine and Indigenous healing
approaches. Our goal is to foster understanding, respect, and appreciation for
the vast wealth of Indigenous knowledge and to inspire listeners to engage in
meaningful conversations about the decolonization of healthcare.
Whether you are an Indigenous person seeking connection to your cultural
heritage, a healthcare professional interested in bridging the gap between
Western medicine and Indigenous healing practices, or an individual eager to
learn and grow, this podcast offers a transformative journey into the world of
Indigenous medicine.
Join us in this inaugural episode of "Indigenous Medicine Stories" as we embark
on a profound exploration of Indigenous medicine, one story at a time.

AMS: https://www.ams-inc.on.ca/

Indigenous Medicine Stories

Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/2ztjj63h

Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/ycx53d5z

Amazon Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/4fdebkbb

This episode features Dr. Marlene Pierre and Jeordi Pierre of S.O.I.L. - The School for Indigenous Learning in Neebing, Ontario.  

Dr. Marlene Pierre is a respected Elder and community leader from Thunder Bay, deeply rooted in her Anishinaabe heritage. With decades of experience in education, healthcare, and cultural preservation, Dr. Pierre has dedicated her life to revitalizing Indigenous knowledge and traditions.  

Jeordi Pierre, son of Dr. Marlene Pierre, is a dedicated advocate for Indigenous education and cultural preservation. Raised in Thunder Bay, Jeordi has been immersed in the teachings of his Anishinaabe heritage from a young age. He co-founded the School of Indigenous Learning alongside his mother to ensure that future generations have access to the wisdom of their ancestors.

The School of Indigenous Learning offers a cultural environment rooted in Anishinaabeg traditional knowledge and land-based survival skills, embracing the "old way" of life. It is a place where individuals can grow and learn from within, fostering empowerment, self-reliance, and self-confidence. By reconnecting with Mother Earth, who provides everything we need to survive, we can walk the path of a good life in harmony with nature.

indlearning.ca

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This episode features Esstin McLeod. Esstin (Niganobe), an Anishinaabe Kwe from the Mississaugi First Nations in Mid-Northern Ontario, is a Healer and Medicine Practitioner. She offers spiritual consultations and remedies to Native healthcare centers in Northern Ontario.

In her role as a Medicine Practitioner, Esstin provides plant-based remedies and instructional guidance. As a Healer, she works with spiritual energies, drawing on ceremonial practices and the teachings of Anishinaabe Elders.

With 30 years of study and experience, Esstin has developed a workshop series called "Anishinaabe Wisdom Healing." She also leads Anishinaabe women’s retreats and healing workshops, utilizing the Medicine Wheel for a holistic approach to health and healing.

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This episode features Jim Dumont, also known as Onaubinisay, meaning Walks Above the Ground. Jim Dumont is an internationally renowned Elder, speaker and traditional knowledge keeper. He is known as the Gichi-aya'aag, the Elder of the Elders and the Eastern Doorway of The Three Fires Midewiwin Lodge. In 2011, Jim was awarded a Doctor of Sacred Letters, the first of its kind at the University of Sudbury for his work in establishing the Department of Native Studies and designing and delivering the Indigenous knowledge courses. In 2015, he received a Doctorate of Anishinaabeg philosophy from the Seventh Generation Institute, and the World Indigenous Nations Higher Education Consortium. 

In this podcast episode, Jim talks about the start of his journey and learning about Indigenous knowledge and his pioneering work in returning to our original ways.

https://www.ams-inc.on.ca/

Indigenous Medicine Stories

Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/2ztjj63h

Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/ycx53d5z

Amazon Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/4fdebkbb

This episode is the second part, featuring Jim Dumont, also known as Onaubinisay, meaning Walks Above the Ground. Jim Dumont is an internationally renowned Elder, speaker and traditional knowledge keeper. He is known as the Gichi-aya'aag, the Elder of the Elders and the Eastern Doorway of The Three Fires Midewiwin Lodge. In 2011, Jim was awarded a Doctor of Sacred Letters, the first of its kind at the University of Sudbury for his work in establishing the Department of Native Studies and designing and delivering the Indigenous knowledge courses. In 2015, he received a Doctorate of Anishinaabeg philosophy from the Seventh Generation Institute, and the World Indigenous Nations Higher Education Consortium. 

In this podcast episode, Jim talks about the start of his journey and learning about Indigenous knowledge and his pioneering work in returning to our original ways.

https://www.ams-inc.on.ca/

Indigenous Medicine Stories

Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/2ztjj63h

Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/ycx53d5z

Amazon Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/4fdebkbb

This episode features Dr. Carol Hopkins from the Lenape Nation at Moraviantown, Ontario.  Dr. Hopkins is the CEO of the Thunderbird Partnership Foundation.  She is host of the podcast, Mino Bimaadiziwin.

Carol was appointed Officer of the Order of Canada in 2018.  In 2019, she was recognized with an honorary Doctor of Laws from Western University. Carol has spent more than 20 years in the field of First Nations addictions and mental health.  She holds both a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Toronto and a degree in Sacred Indigenous Knowledge, equivalent to a PhD in western based education systems.    

Dr. Hopkins discusses her upbringing, and the learning of her identity. She shares stories of her community coming together, and of using sacred Indigenous knowledge in conjunction with western medicine to save lives. 

Dr. Carol Hopkins

Website: https://thunderbirdpf.org/

Podcast: https://tinyurl.com/496nbv37

https://www.ams-inc.on.ca/

Indigenous Medicine Stories

Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/2ztjj63h

Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/ycx53d5z

Amazon Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/4fdebkbb

The second episode of "Indigenous Medicine Stories," showcases the inspiring journey of Hilton King, an Indigenous helper with a vast background in Indigenous mental health, addictions, justice, and child welfare, who currently dedicates his expertise to the Indigenous child and family services sector. As a trained social worker, Hilton humbly shares his personal experience of recovering from addictions through the transformative power of traditional healing. In this episode, he takes us on a profound exploration of Indigenous storytelling and the profound influence of spirit in facilitating healing. Hilton's authentic storytelling and deep connection to his Indigenous roots offer listeners a glimpse into the resilience and strength that can be found within Indigenous healing practices.

This episode of "Indigenous Medicine Stories" shares insights and inspiration from Hilton King's transformative journey towards wellness and his unwavering commitment to supporting others on their healing paths.

AMS: https://www.ams-inc.on.ca/

Indigenous Medicine Stories

Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/2ztjj63h

Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/ycx53d5z

Amazon Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/4fdebkbb

This episode features Diane Longboat, a member of the Turtle Clan and Mohawk Nation At Six Nations Grand River Territory, Ontario. She is a Ceremonial Leader, traditional teacher, healer, an elder. Diane is founder of Soul of the Mother, a healing lodge on the shores of the Grand River and Six Nations and has extensive relationships with First Nations in Canada and the United States. Diane is a professional educator with a master's degree in education, and has taught at universities and is a well known speaker on the topic of Traditional Indigenous knowledge systems and spirituality as the fuel for innovation. In this episode, Diane speaks of her journey as part of Indigenous social movements in the 1960s and 70s, particularly in the field of Indigenous Education. She also explains how Indigenous healing intersects with biomedicine. This recording took place that Soul of the Mother lodge in Six Nations Territory.

https://www.ams-inc.on.ca/

Indigenous Medicine Stories

Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/2ztjj63h

Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/ycx53d5z

Amazon Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/4fdebkbb

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

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This episode features Isaac Murdoch, also known by his Ojibwe name Manzinapkinegego’anaabe / Bombgiizhik, who hails from the Fish Clan and belongs to the Serpent River First Nation. Raised in the traditional lifestyle of hunting, fishing, and trapping, he dedicated many years to learning from Elders in the northern regions of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. Isaac is highly regarded as a storyteller and custodian of traditional knowledge.

Over the years, he has taken a leading role in organizing workshops and cultural camps, with a particular focus on passing down wisdom to the younger generation. His expertise extends to various areas, including traditional Ojibwe paint, imagery and symbolism, harvesting, medicine walks, ceremonial knowledge, cultural camps, Anishinaabeg oral history, birch bark canoe making, birch bark scrolls, and facilitating Youth & Elders workshops. Isaac has devoted his life to preserving Anishinaabe cultural practices, investing significant time in direct learning from Elders.

https://isaacmurdoch.com/

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