The In-Between People Podcast

Meeting Member of Parliament Blake Desjarlais

Welcome to episode 9 of The In-Between People Podcast. In this episode Val Ooshag, Leslie Spence, and Amelia Fox interview Member of Parliament for Edmonton Griesbach, Blake Desjarlais. Blake Desjarlais (he/him) was born in ᐊᒥᐢᑲᐧᒋᕀᐋᐧᐢᑲᐦᐃᑲᐣ (Edmonton) and raised in the Fishing Lake Métis Settlement. Blake made history in September 2021 when he was the first openly Two-Spirit person elected to the House of Commons. Blake is currently Alberta’s only Indigenous Member of Parliament. Prior to his election, Blake was the National Director of the Métis Settlements General Council. Blake currently serves as the Caucus Vice Chair and Critic for Treasury Board, Diversity and Inclusion, Youth, Sport and Post-Secondary Education. Blake is the Deputy Critic for 2SLGBTQI+ Rights and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship. Blake is proud to call the Boyle Street neighbourhood in Edmonton Griesbach home. Miigwetch to our listeners and enjoy episode 9! Hope for Wellness Help Line: 1-855-242-3310 Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 LGBT Youth Line: 1-800-268-9688 or Text: 647-694-4275 You can find us on Instagram and Facebook @niizhaayekalliance or send us an email at niizhaayekalliance@gmail.com [niizhaayekalliance@gmail.com]. This podcast is made possible by Youth Opportunities Fund - Ontario Trillium Foundation.

Introducing Bean (Kay) and Mardee

Welcome to the 8th episode of The In-Between People Podcast. In this episode, we are joined by Bean Fiddler and Mardee Beardy. In this episode we introduce Bean (Kay) Fiddler and talk to Mardee Beardy from Bearskin Lake. We discuss our favourite things about our communities, our identities, how remoteness impacts our identities, resources, stories, and the importance of pronouns. Miigwetch to our listeners and enjoy episode 8! Hope for Wellness Help Line: 1-855-242-3310 Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 LGBT Youth Line: 1-800-268-9688 or Text: 647-694-4275 You can find us on Instagram and Facebook @niizhaayekalliance or send us an email at niizhaayekalliance@gmail.com [niizhaayekalliance@gmail.com]. This podcast is made possible by Youth Opportunities Fund - Ontario Trillium Foundation.

Teachings with Elder Edward Lavallee

Welcome to the 7th episode of The In-Between People Podcast. In this episode, we are joined by our guest Elder Ed Lavallee. In this episode, Elder Ed recalls teachings, powwows, resources, Two-Spirit gatherings, and shares his stories. More on Ed below: Edward Lavallee is a traditional Plains Nehiyaw (Cree) of the Sturgeon Lake First Nation in Saskatchewan.  He attended the University of Saskatchewan and has worked as co-editor of the Native People newspaper, published by the former Alberta Native Communication Society, now the Aboriginal Multi-Media Society of Alberta.  He has studied Aboriginal history, spirituality and philosophy with elders during a five- year stint at the Indian Cultural College, now affiliated with the First Nations University of Saskatchewan.  He has worked with Aboriginal organizations across Canada and for federal and provincial governments in various management positions.  Presently he volunteers as an Indigenous Advisor and Elder in Edmonton and sits on the Board of Directors of several Edmonton organizations. Miigwetch to our listeners and enjoy episode 7! Hope for Wellness Help Line: 1-855-242-3310 Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 LGBT Youth Line: 1-800-268-9688 or Text: 647-694-4275 You can find us on Instagram and Facebook @niizhaayekalliance or send us an email at niizhaayekalliance@gmail.com [niizhaayekalliance@gmail.com]. This podcast is made possible by Youth Opportunities Fund - Ontario Trillium Foundation.

Drag with Kenya Rami

Welcome to the 6th episode of The In-Between People Podcast. In this episode our hosts are joined by the one and only Kenya Rami to discuss her entry in the drag world and how she's grown into the drag queen she is today! Kenya Rami is a drag artist whoʼs roots of drag began in Thunder Bay, Ontario. As a black queer activist they have worked on amplifying the voices of racialized youth initially in Northern Ontario and since moving to the GTA has expanded their scope. Kenyaʼs drag style is fun and preppy often performing current hits and cult classics, while ensuring they tie their art to black empowerment and addressing various social and politics issues. In 2019 Kenya, along side their drag mother and daughter founded the Haus of Injustice with Pink Mafia Productions as a place to amplify the voices of racialized queer performers as well as better connect with young queer folk in the community and provide safe spaces to challenge our communitiesʼ ideals and systemic processes. While now residing in the GTA, Kenya still frequents Thunder Bay to work with youth furthest away from opportunity. As well as advocate for Northern Ontario Queer Rights. Kenya is a prominent queen and can be found @kenyarami on Instagram!! Go give her a follow and reach out if you have any questions about beginning your drag journey. Miigwetch to our listeners and we hope you enjoy episode 6! Hope for Wellness Help Line: 1-855-242-3310 Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 LGBT Youth Line: 1-800-268-9688 or Text: 647-694-4275 You can find us on Instagram and Facebook @niizhaayekalliance or send us an email at niizhaayekalliance@gmail.com [niizhaayekalliance@gmail.com]. This podcast is made possible by Youth Opportunities Fund - Ontario Trillium Foundation.

First Annual Two-Spirit Powwow & Gathering in Grand Council Treaty No.3 (Podcast Special)

Welcome to the fifth episode of the In-Between People Podcast. In this episode we are joined by our guests: Melody McIver, Dylan Fobister, and Janine Frogg. The Niizhaayek Alliance team was invited to participate in the first ever Two-Spirit Gathering and Powwow organized by Grand Council Treaty No. 3 hosted in Iskatewizaagegan 39 First Nation in August 2021. In this episode we give a brief history of Two-Spirit gatherings, organizations, and powwows followed by interviews conducted at the GCT#3 2-Spirit Powwow where we discuss the importance of these gatherings for 2SLGBTQ+ First Nation youth. The powwow song in the podcast is a jingle dress song that originated from Whitefish Bay. It's a song about Warrior Women and was sung by a local drum group from Iskatewizaagegan.  Hope for Wellness Help Line: 1-855-242-3310 Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 LGBT Youth Line: 1-800-268-9688 or Text: 647-694-4275 You can find us on Instagram and Facebook @niizhaayekalliance or send us an email at niizhaayekalliance@gmail.com [niizhaayekalliance@gmail.com]. This podcast is made possible by Youth Opportunities Fund - Ontario Trillium Foundation.