Many people living in Canada are seeking a stronger understanding of Métis culture, traditions, and language - as well as how to truly achieve reconciliation. Darian Kovacs, a curious Métis business leader, father, and author, interviews Métis leaders, Elders, and knowledge carriers to reveal what it means to be Métis in today&#39;s world, and how they are building a stronger Métis Nation. Episode topics range in dealing with rebuilding and reconciliation, two-spirited champions, the Michif language, and more!

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In this episode of the Métis Speaker Series, guest host Lisa Shepard sits down with the Métis artist behind Renegade Rose Artistry, Sheena Gering. This episode follows conversations between Lisa and Sheena on traditional beadwork and the lesser-known art forms of rug hooking and needle felting. Sheena creates stunning traditional beadwork and also works with wool in needle felting. She discusses the beauty of needle felting, how she is connected to her pieces, and her journey in Métis art.--To enter the draw to win artwork by today&#39;s featured guest, share Métis Nation British Columbia’s post promoting this episode on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn, and tag 3 friends in the comments.Deadline to enter is 1 week from the release date of the episode, and the draw and winner will be announced 2 weeks after the release date of the episode. Good luck!

What It Means to Be Renegade - Sheena Gering (Métis Artist)

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In this episode of the Métis Speaker Series, we are joined by Kim Gullion Stewart, Métis visual artist, Educator, Consultant, and Independent Art Researcher, born in Athabasca, Alberta. In this session, Kim discusses her passion for visual art and connections to her Métis heritage. Explore what it means to Kim to be a Métis artist, her journey of creating from childhood to now, and why it&#39;s important to support Métis artists.--Follow Kim Gullion Stewart:Website - <a href="http://www.kimstewartonline.ca/" rel="nofollow">http://www.kimstewartonline.ca/</a>Instagram - <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kim.art4life/" rel="nofollow">https://www.instagram.com/kim.art4life/</a>

Discovering Being Métis - Kim Gullion Stewart (Métis Artist, Educator, Consultant, & Independent Art Researcher)

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On today’s episode of the Métis Speaker Series, we chat with Jordan Waunch, a Vancouver-based Métis artist, producer, actor, and content creator. Jordan has acted and written for film, television, and animated series. Listen in as Jordan shares his passion for writing, Métis storytelling, history and all things that involve collaborative creation.--Follow Jordan Waunch:Instagram - <a href="https://www.instagram.com/iamjdubs/?hl=en" rel="nofollow">https://www.instagram.com/iamjdubs/?hl=en</a>LinkedIn - <a href="https://ca.linkedin.com/in/jordan-waunch-075a72113" rel="nofollow">https://ca.linkedin.com/in/jordan-waunch-075a72113</a>

Métis Storytelling in Film - Jordan Waunch (Métis Artist, Producer, & Content Creator)

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On this episode of the Métis Speaker Series, we speak to Billie-Jo Grant, an award-winning educator with over 20 years of classroom experience. Billie-Jo is a proud citizen of the Métis Nation of Alberta. As an adult, Billie-Jo found strength and pride in being Métis once she surrounded herself with others who were excited about representing their heritage. Billie-Jo loves sharing and teaching others about authentic resources. She encourages Métis people to be proud of who they are and to always be curious. This episode follows Billie-Jo’s journey to embracing her Métis heritage and how being Métis has impacted her teaching over the years.

Métis Education and Authenticity - Billie-Jo Grant (Award-Winning Educator)

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In this episode of the Métis Speaker Series, we speak with Casandra Woolever, a Métis fashion designer and owner of <a href="https://metisbranded.ca/" rel="nofollow">Métis Branded</a>. Casandra is truly a creator. The episode follows her passion for the historic Métis Capote, which she makes from recycled and repurposed old wool blankets. We touch on how her business came to be, her love for designing and sewing with a focus on repurposing, her connection to her creations and the meaningful stories behind the blankets she uses.--Check out Casandra&#39;s work here:Website - <a href="https://metisbranded.ca/" rel="nofollow">https://metisbranded.ca/</a>Instagram - <a href="https://www.instagram.com/metisbranded/?hl=en" rel="nofollow">https://www.instagram.com/metisbranded/?hl=en</a>

Repurposing Your Roots - Casandra Woolever (Fashion Designer)

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On this episode of the Métis Speaker Series, we are joined by Julie Nolin, a producer and reporter for Global BC who is proudly Métis and Cree. Julie spent nearly a decade with CTV News as a multi-skilled journalist. In addition to now working with Global BC, Julie has taught journalism, media, and television at the British Columbia Institute of Technology. Learn about Julie’s connection to being Métis, thoughts on harnessing Indigenous storytelling, and her journey in educating others on how to represent Indigenous cultures in storytelling and media.Follow Julie Nolin:Website - <a href="Julienolin.ca" rel="nofollow">Julienolin.ca</a>Twitter - <a href="https://twitter.com/JulieNolinTV" rel="nofollow">https://twitter.com/JulieNolinTV</a>

Harnessing Indigenous Storytelling - Julie Nolin (Award-Winning Journalist & Indigenous Educator)

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In this episode of the Métis Speaker Series, we are joined by Leah Dorion, an interdisciplinary Métis visual artist from Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. She is a teacher, painter, filmmaker, and published writer with a BED, BA, and MA. Leah is a self-taught visual artist and credits her creative family for encouraging her to take up traditional Métis art. Explore what it means to be Métis to Leah, her thoughts on traditional Métis clothing, her art, what it means to support Métis art, and her upcoming project with Métis Nation BC.Check Out Leah&#39;s work here:<a href="http://www.leahdorion.ca/" rel="nofollow">www.leahdorion.ca</a>--To enter the draw to win artwork by today&#39;s featured guest, share Métis Nation British Columbia’s post promoting this episode on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn, and tag 3 friends in the comments.Deadline to enter is 1 week from the release date of the episode, and the draw and winner will be announced 2 weeks after the release date of the episode. Good luck!

Exploring Traditional Fashion as a Métis Woman - Leah Dorion (Métis Artist)

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In this episode of the Métis Speaker Series, we speak with Christi Belcourt. Christi is a Métis visual artist and author living and working in Canada. The episode follows the discussion of her artwork and its roots in Métis quillwork, beadwork, and embroidery. Christi’s art has opened many doors, from community to language to discovering new artists who combine traditional and modern techniques. Learn what it means to Christi to celebrate Métis visual art, find her voice through her artwork, and share her creations with others.Check out Christi&#39;s work here:<a href="http://christibelcourt.com/" rel="nofollow">http://christibelcourt.com/</a>--To enter the draw to win artwork by today&#39;s featured guest, share Métis Nation British Columbia’s post promoting this episode on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn, and tag 3 friends in the comments.Deadline to enter is 1 week from the release date of the episode, and the draw and winner will be announced 2 weeks after the release date of the episode. Good luck!

Celebrating Métis Visual Art - Christi Belcourt (Métis Artist & Author)

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Métis Speaker Series Season 4 is set to launch on June 12!Follow the show to catch every episode as it is released.

Métis Speaker Series - Season 4 Trailer

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In this episode of the Métis Speaker Series, we speak to Arlette Alcock, a Métis Folk Musician, Songwriter and Social Activist. As a member of the Cree Saulteaux Métis Nation, Arlette is a descendant of the Little Bear Cree First Nations and the Pine Creek Saulteaux. In the episode, she shares her experiences being raised by her mother, a residential school survivor, and the intergenerational trauma passed down through her family. Arlette speaks to losing her son to addiction and the way she uses music to share her Métis heritage.

Healing Through Music - Arlette Alcock (Award-winning Métis Singer & Songwriter)

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In this episode of the Métis Speaker Series, we speak to Pixie Wells, the acting President of the Fraser Valley Métis Association as well as the 2SLGBTGGIA+peoples rep and health/housing director. Pixie uses her position to strengthen the Women and 2SLGBTQQIA+peoples voice of the Métis Nation. In the episode, she shares the importance of land and language acknowledgements, including the ways chartered communities can better connect with those from other communities and cultures.

Doing the Heart Work - Pixie Wells (FVMA President, Director Of Housing, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ Representative)

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In this episode of the Métis Speaker Series, we speak to Joy Bremner, leader of the Mid Island Métis Nation on Vancouver Island. Joy discusses the rewards and challenges of being a supporting pillar within a chartered community. She shares the importance of creating a cultural Métis community, including the work that it takes to build one. Joy believes that small healing steps can lead to bigger transformations.

Creating a Métis Community - Joy Bremner (Mid-Island Métis Nation President)

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In this episode of the Métis Speaker Series, we speak to June Graham about her family history within the residential school system and the repercussions it has had. June believes there has been a lack of Métis-specific perspective and discussion about the residential school experience story, including a lack of compensation and reconciliation. She discusses her experiences growing up in a family of residential school survivors, including the cycle of violence and alcoholism that has become prevalent through ongoing generations.

Breaking the Cycle - June Graham (Alberni Clayoquot Métis Society President)

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In this episode of the Métis Speaker Series, we speak to Gary Têtu, a flute maker, musician, lodge keeper, chimney sweep, tradesman and more. Gary speaks to both his own experiences in a residential school, as well as his father&#39;s experiences, including how these events have shaped his adult life. Gary shares how these experiences have led him to become a Mental Health and Recovery Support worker, supporting others in their own journeys.

Reflecting With a Purpose - Gary Têtu (MNBC Citizen)

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In this episode of the Métis Speaker Series, we speak with Arlene Vrtar-Huot. Arlene is a former LPN, Social Worker and I/ED for a National Addictions Society in AB. She has delivered many Family Systems workshops. As a result, she has helped with residential school healing since 1991. She worked at Kelowna Metis Services in various capacities including Sashing ceremonies, Metis adoption and healing circles. She was Chair for Kelowna Metis Elders Advisory Council, Community Research Liaison and currently, Elder Advisor/Adjunct Professor for UBC Faculty of Medicine.

A Story of Residential School Healing - Arlene Vrtar-Huot (MNBC Citizen)

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In this episode of the Métis Speaker Series, we speak to Métis Elder and storyteller, Tom McCallum. Born and raised in Île-à-la-Crosse, Saskatchewan, Tom shares his journey of spiritual discovery, including his time spent at a boarding (residential) school as a young boy. The episode discusses the meanings, and significance behind ceremonies and symbols in Métis culture. Tom shares what reconciliation and healing means to him and how it can look to other people.

Stories of an Elder - Tom McCallum (Métis Elder and Storyteller)

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In this episode of the Métis Speaker Series, Linda McCullough recounts her previous life experiences attending a residential school in Cree Lake, Saskatchewan. Attending the Timber Bay School from the age of seven, Linda recalls being taken from her family suddenly and without warning. The episode follows her life at the school, including the various forms of abuse and trauma that occurred as a result. Linda speaks about the way she has embraced her indigenous heritage through beadwork art.

For Those Who Didn't Come Home - Linda McCullough (Métis Artist)

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Join us for Season 3 of the Métis Speaker series Podcast, presented by Telus! The first episode launches on February 27 on all major podcast streaming platforms.

Métis Speaker Series - Season 3 Trailer

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In this episode of the Métis Speaker Series, we speak to the regional president of the Métis Nation of Alberta, Lawrence Gervais. This discussion looks at the ways we can help amplify Métis&#39; voices and awareness. Lawrence shares his perspective on what the role of leadership should look like within the Métis Nation and how this role can help in the economic advancement of Métis people.

The Squeaky Wheel - Lawrence Gervais (Regional President - Métis Nation of Alberta)

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In this episode of our Métis Speaker Series, Charlie Kerr shares his experience working in the entertainment industry as a member of the Métis community. He also shares his personal experience working directly within his own community of Métis people. As a singer, actor, and writer, Charlie has a great deal of experience within the industry. He shares his thoughts on Métis visibility in the entertainment industry, where Métis people have been largely invisible in the past.

Longing to Belong - Charlie Kerr (Métis Singer / Actor / Writer - lead singer for Hotel Mira)

Many people living in Canada are seeking a stronger understanding of Métis culture, traditions, and language - as well as how to truly achieve reconciliation. Darian Kovacs, a curious Métis business leader, father, and author, interviews Métis leaders, Elders, and knowledge carriers to reveal what it means to be Métis in today's world, and how they are building a stronger Métis Nation. Episode topics range in dealing with rebuilding and reconciliation, two-spirited champions, the Michif language, and more!