Gwekwaadziwin Miikan

Rooted in Gwekwaadziwin: Season 2, Episode 10 - Andy Aguonie

In this Season 2 finale of Rooted in Gwekwaadziwin, we share a wide-ranging and deeply grounded conversation with Andy Aguonie, Traditional Knowledge Carrier at Gwekwaadziwin Miikan, former Chief of Sheguiandah First Nation, land-based counsellor, and a lifelong man connected to the land. Andy reflects on growing up on Manitoulin Island, the pull of home, and the teachings that shaped his journey — from leadership and governance to healing, ceremony, harvesting, and time spent alone on the land. He speaks openly about community change, the responsibilities of leadership, and why real healing can’t be programmed, only chosen. Throughout the conversation, Andy returns to core teachings: planting seeds, trusting natural law, carrying knowledge rather than keeping it, and the lifelong work of becoming who you’re meant to be. From traplines and moose hunts to emotional intelligence, humility, and hope, this episode closes Season 2 with a powerful reminder that healing lives in relationship — with land, with people, and with ourselves.

Rooted in Gwekwaadziwin: Season 2, Episode 9 - Reggie Leach

In this powerful episode of Rooted in Gwekwaadziwin, we sit down with Reggie Leach, Ojibwe from Berens River First Nation in Manitoba — Stanley Cup champion, NHL legend known as the “Riverton Rifle,” and one of the first Indigenous superstars in professional hockey. Reggie shares his journey from growing up in Riverton, Manitoba — learning the game on outdoor ice and practicing in the dark — to stepping into NHL dressing rooms alongside some of the greatest players in the world. But this conversation goes far beyond hockey. With honesty and humility, Reggie reflects on identity, racism, pressure, and what it was like entering the NHL at a time when there were no orientation programs, no mental health supports, and a culture where alcohol was everywhere. He speaks openly about his struggles with addiction, the moment he chose life, and the support systems that helped him walk the path of recovery — a journey he’s been on for nearly four decades. Now an Elder, speaker, and advocate, Reggie talks about finding belonging later in life, reconnecting with culture, and why listening to youth — truly listening — is one of the most important responsibilities we have as communities. This is a conversation about truth, resilience, healing, and what it really means to live a good life.

Rooted in Gwekwaadziwin: Season 2, Episode 8 - Kathryn Corbiere

In this episode of Rooted in Gwekwaadziwin, we sit down with Kathryn Corbiere — welder, artist, fabricator, and proud Anishinaabe-kwe from M’Chigeeng First Nation. Kathryn shares her journey from growing up on Manitoulin Island, through sports and the trades, to becoming a full-time artist creating large-scale public installations across Ontario — including nationally recognized work. We explore how land, community, and culture shape her creative process, and how welding became both a trade and a form of artistic expression. This conversation dives into what it means to be a woman in a male-dominated field, the importance of trying different paths to find your own, and why Indigenous artists don’t have to fit into a single category to be authentic. Kathryn also reflects on mentorship, wellness, staying grounded in the work, and creating art that lives in public spaces for generations. A powerful and honest conversation about creativity, resilience, and trusting your hands — rooted in land, identity, and lived experience.

Rooted in Gwekwaadziwin: Season 2, Episode 7 - Corey McDonald

In this episode of Rooted in Gwekwaadziwin, we sit down with Corey MacDonald, Land-Based Lead Facilitator with Noojmowin Teg. Corey shares his journey growing up on Manitoulin, leaving home to explore the world — including a memorable season working as an au pair in Switzerland — and eventually returning to the Island with a renewed connection to hiking, harvesting, and land-based living. We talk about learning food systems through experience rather than theory, his transition from vegetarian ethics into hunting and harvesting, and the teachings that come with taking a life, preparing meat, and feeding community. Corey reflects on buck fever, breaking down his first deer, trapline stories, beaver tail experiments, and teaching youth through hands-on land-based programming — from Nerf-gun deer targets to full deer breakdowns in the classroom. Throughout the conversation, we return to the teaching of gwekwaadziwin — honesty. Honesty with ourselves, with the land, and with those we teach.

Rooted in Gwekwaadziwin: Season 2, Episode 6 - Dan Ardis (Pine River Institute)

In this episode of Rooted in Gwekwaadziwin, Sam and Matt sit down with Dan Ardis from Pine River Institute, an organization known for its long-term, land-based treatment model supporting youth and families across Ontario. Dan brings more than 25 years of experience as an educator, vice principal, and principal, and now plays a key leadership role in Pine River’s outdoor leadership and campus programs. Together, we explore what wilderness therapy really looks like—beyond the buzzwords—and how six to eight weeks on the land helps young people build readiness, resilience, and a renewed sense of self. The conversation dives into: * Pine River’s unique model combining wilderness programming, therapeutic community, and academics * How staff prepare youth (and themselves) for extended time on the land * The importance of small-group living, mentorship, and developing basic life skills * Family involvement, long-term treatment, and aftercare supports * Pine River’s growth, outreach work, and commitments around equity and cultural humility * The value of collaboration between programs like Pine River and Gwekwaadziwin Miikan Dan also shares stories of transformation—moments when youth discovered their own strength, capability, and impact on others. Whether you work in youth mental wellness, land-based healing, or community programming, this episode offers a thoughtful look at long-term treatment, genuine partnership, and the power of the land to shape young people’s lives. https://pineriverinstitute.com/ [https://pineriverinstitute.com/]