Spirit Bear Podcast

S3 EP 21 Land, Legacy and Living Metis – The Reality of the Metis Settlements in Alberta

In this special episode of the Courageous Conversation Series, hosted by Gabrielle Fayant from A7G, Title, we take a deep dive into the unique experiences of Metis Settlements in Alberta with Vice President of the Metis Settlements General Council, Brenda Blyane.  Through a rich conversation, this episode explores the origins of the Settlements, their historical and political development and how they operate today.  By centering the voices and experiences of Metis individual from the Settlements, this episode highlights the nuances of Metis identity, the feeling of being “different” within Indigenous spaces and the importance of recognizing the Settlements as distinct self-governing communities within Canada’s broader landscape that deserve a seat at the table and the opportunity to voice their perspectives.

S3 EP 20 Holding Spaces: Indigenous Youth and the Power of Presences

In this special episode of the Courageous Conversation Series, host Gabrielle Fayant from A7G is joined by Jennifer Altenberg, a passionate educator and youth worker who shares her journey working with Indigenous youth across the prairies. From creating safe, empowering spaces outside the classroom to now transforming what education look like within it, we reflect on the deep importance of holding space, speaking the truth, breaking harmful stereotypes and exploring difficult topics. We talk about the realities Indigenous youth face, including systemic barriers and the ongoing struggle to access necessities, and how they continue to face these challenges with strength and resilience.   This conversation is a powerful reminder that real change beings by listening, making room for and walking alongside young people as they find their path.

S3 EP19 Reclaiming the Narrative – Indigenous Youth, Power & Accountability

In this special episode of the Courageous Conversation Series, host Gabrielle Fayant from A7G is joined by Brittany Matthews from the Caring Society and Koral Hamilton from Feathers of Hope for a critical conversation on Indigenous youth leadership, the importance and effects of data sovereignty and the urgent need for accountability in Canada’s policies and actions. Together, they explore how youth are shaping advocacy and policy, not just as participants but as powerful leaders demanding systemic change. The discussion challenges how Canada can stop being a repeat offender and start building a future rooted in long term accountability.   Tune in for a powerful dialogue on how youth are not only speaking truth to power but also reclaiming it.

S3 E18: Beyond Allyship: Youth Engagement and Co-Conspiratorship in Child Welfare

What does youth engagement look like in child welfare reform and work? In this special guest episode we are joined by John Sharpe, Executive Director of Partners for Youth in New Brunswick, to explore what it means to move beyond tokenism and step into authentic allyship and co-conspiratorship with young people.

S3 E7: What Happens When Families of Disabled Children Can’t Access the Support They Need?

What happens when families of disabled children can’t access the support they need—and child welfare becomes the last resort? In this Special Guest episode of Beyond Binaries: Our Stories, Our Worlds, Our Futures, co-hosts Cheyanne Ratnam and Rachelle Matatawabin sit down with Irwin Elman, former Ontario Provincial Child Advocate and current President of Defence for Children International-Canada, to explore the troubling intersection of child welfare and disabilities.