Apisheesh: A Cree Learning Podcast

Episode 8: Dr. Kevin Brousseau

Kevin Brousseau’s interest in linguistics was sparked as a child when he browsed a list of Proto-Indo-European roots in a dictionary. A member of the Cree First Nation of Waswanipi in northern Quebec, Kevin went on to develop dictionaries of his own in the Cree language, including the Dictionary of Moose Cree. As a 35-year-old, he switched paths and went to medical school and now practices family medicine in Oujé-Bougoumou. In this episode, Kevin talks about his journey growing up not speaking Cree but hearing it, studying linguistics, and surviving a brain tumour while going to medical school. Later, he talks about how dialects evolve, how Cree is different from English, and a suggestion on what communities can do to preserve the language. Also, Lenny shares the excitement of niska pîsîm (goose moon, aka April) and the impending arriving of Canada geese to the James Bay coast. He talks about doing conjugation exercises on Learn Moose Cree online learning platform and how his syllabics have improved. About our guest: Kevin Brousseau is a lexicographer of Cree known for his dictionaries of Moose Cree and East Cree. He also maintains a lexical database on the Abitibi dialect of Anishinabe with plans to publish a dictionary. In the past he has undertaken linguistic fieldwork in other Cree dialects such as Eastern Swampy Cree, Atikamekw, and Western Innu. Aside from lexicography, his interests include dialectology and historical linguistics. He is a Wāswānipīwiyiniw (Waswanipi Cree) and lives in Oujé-Bougoumou, a small Cree community where he practices full-time as a family doctor. Lexical Roots of Old Cree – An Etymological Dictionary. University of Ottawa Press, or Amazon and Indigo. Or go to www.oldcree.com [http://www.oldcree.com/] Moose Cree dictionary: www.moosecree.ca [http://www.moosecree.ca/] or contact geraldine.govender@moosecree.com [geraldine.govender@moosecree.com] Blog: https://creelanguage.wordpress.com [https://creelanguage.wordpress.com/] Apisheesh is supported by the Indigenous Screen Office [https://www.facebook.com/ISO.BEA?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZUKAip0-Vo4YvM3dfWGpgPS_q7ygvRtHJTtmFzmjGKeoBO27A46k40z_uXkqO7zFpNCz_snP5iM0gHG5_ZsrA8XUIr-Xjf_S2Yv1kxUiFdr5_umr0jzS0PlCUm-LFkX7hD6hbNjK7DNpHQcGdvDWMdGP7XK_JG1KYz785YApwMvzMILSomYD0oYhiZ8Tk30K3hPGZjzxNOzmh7U-oED2N7F&__tn__=-%5DK-R] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Episode 7: Jules Spence

If you grew up or lived on the James Bay area for the past 40 years, then you’ve heard the voice of Jules Spence on the radio. And if you’ve been to a community gathering in the region that featured live music, chances are you’ve also heard his guitar playing as he belts out classic rock tunes.  Originally from Fort Albany First Nation, Jules is a broadcaster with Wawatay Radio based in Timmins, providing daily programs in Cree to the James Bay communities and Timmins area. And he is currently the lead guitarist and singer of the rock band, the Swamp Rockers. Jules also played lead guitar in the beloved James Bay classic song, “Pretty Girl” by the late John Larry Rodrique. In this episode, Jules talks about that performance and the legacy of John Rodrique. He also talks about growing up in Fort Albany, becoming a musician (including playing the bongos), and how he started his broadcasting career.  Meanwhile, Lenny discusses his experience with Learn Moose Cree, the online learning platform launched by Moose Cree First Nation in partnership with Learning Foundry, as mentioned in the last episode with Geraldine Govender. He also talks about his appearance on Wawatay Radio with Jules, where he prepared a statement in Cree. He compares the translation he developed on his own to the one provided by his mom. Wawatay Native Communications Society: https://wawataynews.ca [https://wawataynews.ca/] Wawatay Radio Network available at 106.7 FM in the James Bay and Timmins region, or 89.9 FM in northwestern Ontario. Can also be found on radio apps like Simple Radio. Learn Moose Cree soft launch post: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1csS5TmK4F/ [https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1csS5TmK4F/] “Pretty Girl” by John Larry Rodrique. Used with permission. Live performance video: https://youtu.be/D25cNn8Efns?si=jpzC7rzMHig78nqZ [https://youtu.be/D25cNn8Efns?si=jpzC7rzMHig78nqZ] Apisheesh is supported by the Indigenous Screen Office [https://www.facebook.com/ISO.BEA?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZUKAip0-Vo4YvM3dfWGpgPS_q7ygvRtHJTtmFzmjGKeoBO27A46k40z_uXkqO7zFpNCz_snP5iM0gHG5_ZsrA8XUIr-Xjf_S2Yv1kxUiFdr5_umr0jzS0PlCUm-LFkX7hD6hbNjK7DNpHQcGdvDWMdGP7XK_JG1KYz785YApwMvzMILSomYD0oYhiZ8Tk30K3hPGZjzxNOzmh7U-oED2N7F&__tn__=-%5DK-R] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Episode 6: Geraldine Govender

In 2014, Moose Cree First Nation launched the first edition of the Dictionary of Moose Cree which featured 6,000 Cree to English entries in the community’s unique L-dialect. The dictionary now has more than 34,000 Cree entries after the fourth edition was launched in December. The dictionary’s development is led by Geraldine Govender, director of language and culture for Moose Cree First Nation. In this episode, Geraldine discussed how the dictionary came to be despite limited resources. She also talks about growing up Moose Factory and attending school down south, bringing ceremonial and cultural traditions back to her community, and upcoming language revitalization projects, including an online learning platform to be launched next month. Also, host Lenny Carpenter shares Cree words related to the Great Moon (February) and Valentine’s Day, discusses watching his niece’s children play in the Mushkegowuk Cup hockey tournament, and how grief and mourning have interrupted his learning progress. This episode marks the halfway point of this podcast project and we’re looking for your input. Send us any ideas for segments, features and possible guests for the next six episodes! And leave feedback and reviews on how we can improve the podcast. You can send us a message on our website, social media accounts like Facebook and Instagram (@apisheeshpodcast) or email: apisheesh@gmail.com [apisheesh@gmail.com] About our guest: Geraldine Govender is a member of Moose Cree First Nation and resides in Moose Factory, Ontario. Over the span of 45 years, she has held several senior management positions in regional social and health organizations. Graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Native Studies from Trent University, Geraldine moved back to Moose Factory in 1980. She was instrumental in generating an interest in and revival of the Cree culture and traditional spirituality among young adults and youths and has helped to bring ceremonies to Moose Factory and workshops that recognize the role of our elders and the cultural knowledge that they hold.  Geraldine is currently the Director of Language & Cultural Programs at Moose Cree First Nation. Working with elders and linguists, she has led the team in publishing four editions of the Moose Cree Dictionary, a Moose Cree Grammar, a storybook as well as eight children’s readers and the development of three language apps. Moose Cree online dictionary and community language project info: https://moosecree.ca/dictionary/ [https://moosecree.ca/dictionary/] The dictionary is free for all Moose Cree members and available for purchase for non-members. Request form available at https://moosecree.ca/request-form/ [https://moosecree.ca/request-form/] Apisheesh is supported by the Indigenous Screen Office [https://www.facebook.com/ISO.BEA?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZUKAip0-Vo4YvM3dfWGpgPS_q7ygvRtHJTtmFzmjGKeoBO27A46k40z_uXkqO7zFpNCz_snP5iM0gHG5_ZsrA8XUIr-Xjf_S2Yv1kxUiFdr5_umr0jzS0PlCUm-LFkX7hD6hbNjK7DNpHQcGdvDWMdGP7XK_JG1KYz785YApwMvzMILSomYD0oYhiZ8Tk30K3hPGZjzxNOzmh7U-oED2N7F&__tn__=-%5DK-R] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Episode 5: Adrian Sutherland

In this episode, Lenny shares the Cree words for January, Happy New Year, and briefly discusses the Cree cycle of life. He talks about watching the Apple TV+ show Chief of War, a historical drama series featuring Indigenous Hawaiians before colonization and how they speak Ōlelo Hawaiʻi, the Indigenous Hawaiian language, in the show. He also talks about the CBC Indigenous article about the podcast published on Christmas Eve. Lenny shares his learning update, where he is using flashcards and the space repetition system as prescribed in the book Fluent Forever by Gabriel Wyner. He breaks down the system and how he is progressing. He speaks with Adrian Sutherland, a musician and newly minted author from Attawapiskat First Nation. Adrian shares his journey going out on the land, his first music performance, writing songs in Cree, and writing his first book, “The Work of Our Hands: A Cree Meditation on the Real World” which was just published. He shares a Cree lesson at the end. About Adrian Sutherland: Adrian is a roots-rocker-with-heart from the remote village of Attawapiskat in Ontario’s Far North. His melding of roots, rock, folk, and blues creates a signature sound and style all his own, drawing inspiration from his life, the land, and his Cree language and culture.             Adrian earned JUNO nominations in 2022 and 2025, and won ‘Best Americana Album’ from the 2025 World Entertainment Awards in Los Angeles. His sophomore solo album Precious Diamonds was recorded in Nashville with GRAMMY-winner Colin Linden, and released in 2024. Named one of the ‘Top 100 Albums of 2024’ by CKUA Radio, it features two songs in Cree – marking the first time Adrian is making music in his first language. Lead single Notawe (Father) reached #1 on the internationally recognized Indigenous Music Countdown, and ranked in the ‘Top 100 Songs of 2023’ by CBC Music. Before his solo career, Adrian was the singer and songwriter for the band, Midnight Shine, releasing three albums.             Adrian recently completed writing his first book for Penguin Random House Canada. “The Work of Our Hands: A Cree Meditation on the Real World” was released on December 30, 2025, and gives readers a glimpse into his extraordinary life in Attawapiskat.             As one of the only professional recording artists who lives in an isolated fly-in community, Adrian carries first-hand insight and perspective on many of today’s most important issues facing First Nations. During this time of reconciliation, he is hopeful for Canadians to walk together in love and respect. https://adriansutherlandmusic.com [https://adriansutherlandmusic.com/] https://www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/671056/the-work-of-our-hands-by-adrian-sutherland/9780735241695 [https://www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/671056/the-work-of-our-hands-by-adrian-sutherland/9780735241695] I Am Not Afraid – Adrian Sutherland (2025) Kiyash – Adrian Sutherland (2024) Notowe (Father) – Adrian Sutherland (2023) Heart of Gold – Midnight Shine (2018) James Bay – Midnight Shine (2013) Cree terms shared at the start of the episode - Ashay kišêpâpîwâtakinam - it’s now January. kišêpâpîwâtakinam– Great shedding needle moon. Mino-oshki-pipoon – good new winter. In our culture, the new year starts in mikisiwi-peesim (eagle moon), or March, when siikwin (spring) is starting  Eastern Swampy & Moose Cree Dictionary - https://dictionary.moosecree.atlas-ling.ca/#!/help [https://dictionary.moosecree.atlas-ling.ca/#!/help] Fluent Forever by Gabriel Wyner - https://fluentforeverbook.com [https://fluentforeverbook.com/] 625 Word List - https://blog.fluent-forever.com/appendix5/ [https://blog.fluent-forever.com/appendix5/] Spaced Repetition Resources - https://blog.fluent-forever.com/chapter2/ [https://blog.fluent-forever.com/chapter2/] Chief of War - https://tv.apple.com/ca/show/chief-of-war/umc.cmc.6ag0zq020ielwv7m83v8r4dkw [https://tv.apple.com/ca/show/chief-of-war/umc.cmc.6ag0zq020ielwv7m83v8r4dkw] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Episode 4: Greg Spence

Lenny describes his progress from reading and repeating Cree stories from a book (“atalohkana nesta tipacimowina or Cree Legends and Narratives: from the West Coast of James Bay”) and recordings. He also shares his venture into learning linguistics and research into language learning methods. Then he speaks with Greg Spence, a Cree expert originally from Fort Albany. Greg talks about learning music as a youth and starting the Spence Band, working as a Cree translator, Omushkego vs. inninew vs. anishnaabe as self-identifying terms, and the benefits of learning Cree syllabics. Lenny also discusses the podcast being featured in several media outlets in recent weeks and that he created a Substack for the podcast. Sign up to receive updates about episode drops and news directly to your email inbox. No registration required. apisheeshpodcast.substack.com About the guest:  Greg Spence is a community organizer, educator, and musician based in Moose Factory. Originally from Fort Albany, Greg has decades of experience working as a Cree translator and teacher and continues to be consulted about the Cree language and culture. He founded and coordinated Cree Fest, an annual cultural festival hosted in different Mushkegowuk communities every summer for more than 20 years. Greg also plays bass and guitar and over the years has performed live across the region. About the host:  Lenny Carpenter is a member of Attawapiskat First Nation who grew up in the James Bay community of Moosonee. He has a background in media having worked as a report/editor with Wawatay News, an intern at CBC Thunder Bay, a program manager at Journalists for Human Rights. He was most recently a Gladue Writer and Gladue Manager with Nishnawbe Aski Legal Services.  Apisheesh is supported by the Indigenous Screen Office. Links to resources described: Atalohkana nesta tipacimowina or Cree Legends and Narratives: from the West Coast of James Bay [https://uofmpress.ca/books/cree-legends-and-narratives-from-the-west-coast-of-james-bay] Becoming Fluent: How Cognitive Science Can Help Adults Learn a Foreign Language [https://mitpress.mit.edu/9780262529808/becoming-fluent/] by Richard Roberts and Roger Kreuz Fluent Forever: How to Learn Any Language Fast and Never Forget It [https://fluent-forever.com/book/] by Gabriel Wyner How Language Works: How Babies Babble, Words Change Meaning, and Languages Live or Die [https://www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/383325/how-language-works-by-david-crystal/9780141015521] by David Clear ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.