Matriarch Movement

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On Matriarch Movement, host Shayla Oulette Stonechild sets out to amplify Indigenous voices from Canada to Turtle Island and beyond. In her interviews, she highlights issues that Indigenous people face while challenging the mainstream narrative surrounding Indigenous identity. By showcasing Indigenous role models with a focus on our matriarchs and two spirit voices, language revitalization, sustainability, and reclamation, Shayla’s mission is to inspire the next seven generations.

  1. Plant Medicine, Reciprocity & Indigenous Futurism with Robin Wall Kimmerer

    23 HR AGO

    Plant Medicine, Reciprocity & Indigenous Futurism with Robin Wall Kimmerer

    In this enlightening conversation, host Shayla Oulette Stonechild and renowned author Robin Wall Kimmerer explore the profound connections between Indigenous wisdom, language, and the natural world. You Robin shares her journey understanding the strength of the earth through plants and the importance of intergenerational knowledge. They discuss the responsibility we have towards the land, the healing power of nature, and the significance of curiosity in fostering relationships with the environment. The conversation also touches on the challenges of urban living, the importance of rituals for resilience, and the concept of two-eyed seeing, which integrates Indigenous and Western knowledge systems. Robin emphasizes the need for a grassroots movement to support the environment and advocates for the idea of 'land back' as a means of healing and restoration. More About Robin and Her Work: Robin Wall Kimmerer is a mother, scientist, decorated professor, and enrolled member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. She is the author of  Bud Finds Her Gift, The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World, Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants, which has earned Kimmerer wide acclaim. Her first book, Gathering Moss: A Natural and Cultural History of Mosses, was awarded the John Burroughs Medal for outstanding nature writing, and her other work has appeared in Orion, Whole Terrain, and numerous scientific journals. In 2022, Braiding Sweetgrass was adapted for young adults by Monique Gray Smith. This new edition reinforces how wider ecological understanding stems from listening to the earth’s oldest teachers: the plants around us.  Her website: robinwallkimmerer.com Her Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robinwallkimmerer/ Her movement Plant, Baby, Plant: plantbabyplant.com Photo credit: John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation Chapters: (00:00) Introduction to Indigenous Wisdom and Healing (03:22) The Power of Language and Medicine (05:14) Childhood Connections to Nature (08:01) Responsibility Towards the Land (11:33) Intergenerational Knowledge and Healing (14:24) Embodied Healing Through Nature (17:53) Curiosity and Connection with the Natural World (20:30) Finding Grounding in Urban Spaces (24:42) Rituals for Resilience and Service (27:07) Two-Eyed Seeing and Indigenous Knowledge (29:24) Indigenous Futurism and Land Back Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    37 min
  2. Copper Canoe Woman: Vina Brown

    2 FEB

    Copper Canoe Woman: Vina Brown

    Shayla Oulette Stonechild interviews Vina Brown, an entrepreneur and artist known as Copper Canoe Woman. Vina shares her journey of healing through art and entrepreneurship, emphasizing the significance of her name and cultural heritage. She discusses the impact of trauma, the importance of cultural humility, and the role of art in healing. Vina also highlights her "Generational Love" collection, inspired by her matriarchs, and her nonprofit, Rooted Resiliency, which focuses on community wellness. She stresses the need for grace, self-acceptance, and the power of transforming pain into empowerment. Vina encourages support through her social media and community initiatives. More About Vina Brown: Vina Brown is Nuučaan̓uɫ and Haíłzaqv, so her art reflects that. As a mother, trauma informed yoga teacher, and a full-time artist, Vina exudes a deep understanding of the world around her. Originally a beader, Vina follows the words of her Grandmother and adapts to materials as the world expands. Outside of work, she’s traveling between homelands, spending time raising her tiny human, and thinking through the next collection. https://www.coppercanoewoman.com/ https://www.instagram.com/coppercanoewoman/ https://www.rootedresiliency.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 4m

  3. 19 JAN

    Shina Nova: Navigating Identity as an Inuk Creator

    In this episode of the Matriarch Movement podcast, host Shayla Oulette Stonechild welcomes Shina Nova, an Inuk creator from Tiohtià:ke /Montréal, who shares her journey becoming a content creator rooted in Inuit culture. Shina discusses the importance of representation, her relationship with her first matriarch, her mother, and the challenges she faces as an Inuk creator in a big city. The conversation also touches on the significance of language revitalization, the impact of social media, and advice for young Indigenous women looking to share their voices online. Shina and Shayla explore the importance of disconnecting from technology to reconnect with oneself through movement and nature. They discuss the personal significance of tattoos as symbols of growth and identity, particularly in relation to Inuit womanhood. The dialogue shifts to mental health, emphasizing the need for open discussions within Indigenous communities and the journey of healing.  Shina Nova is an Inuk creator based in Montreal, Canada. She uses her platform to share and celebrate Inuit culture, language, and traditions while advocating for Indigenous representation. Through storytelling and lifestyle content, she fosters awareness and educates her audience on the realities of Indigenous communities—breaking stereotypes and reclaiming space in the digital and media landscapes. Beyond her advocacy, Shina is also a beauty and fashion enthusiast, embracing her femininity while staying true to her roots. Photo credit: Kevin Millet https://www.instagram.com/shinanova/ https://www.youtube.com/@shinanovaYT https://www.tiktok.com/@shinanova Recent highlights / work: Featured in Clin D’oeil Featured in TIME 100 Creators 2025 Speaking engagement at Inuit Youth Summit/Qarjuit Youth Council's 10th anniversary Speaking engagement at the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness Speaking engagement at the Opportunity Fair in Kahnawà:ke Speaking engagement at WAVES with OCIL Participation in a community walk with Collectif de la Petite Enfance Partnership with CBC for Truth and Reconciliation Thanks for checking out this episode of the Matriarch Movement podcast! If you enjoyed the conversation, please leave a comment and thumbs-up on YouTube, or leave a five star review on your favourite podcast app! Find Shayla Oulette Stonechild on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/shayla0h/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Find more about Matriarch Movement at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://matriarchmovement.ca/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ This podcast is produced by Women in Media Network ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.womeninmedia.network/show/matriarch-movement/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    40 min
  4. Chyana Marie Sage’s ‘Soft as Bones’: Healing Through Indigenous Storytelling

    10/11/2025

    Chyana Marie Sage’s ‘Soft as Bones’: Healing Through Indigenous Storytelling

    Host Shayla Oulette Stonechild hosts Chyana Marie Sage on the Matriarch Movement Podcast, discussing her new book ‘Soft as Bones,’ which has become a national bestseller. Chyana shares her journey from a tumultuous childhood marked by abuse and intergenerational trauma to becoming a renowned storyteller. She emphasizes the importance of cultural roots, storytelling, and healing through writing and ceremony. Chyana also discusses her foundation's mission to create spaces for Indigenous storytelling and her ongoing projects, including a novel adaptation and a short film. The conversation highlights the power of Indigenous storytelling in healing and community building. More about Chyana Marie Sage: Chyana Marie Sage is a Cree, Métis, and Salish writer from Edmonton, Alberta. She has an MFA in creative nonfiction from Columbia University and lives in New York City. Chyana loves to travel and be with nature. She shares the pain of growing up with her father, a crack dealer who went to prison for molesting her older sister. In revisiting her family's history, Chyana examines the legacy of generational abuse, which began with her father's father, who was forcibly removed from his family by the residential schools and Sixties Scoop programs. Yet hers is also a story of hope, as it was the traditions of her people that saved her life, healing one small piece in the mosaic that makes up the dark past of colonialism shared by Indigenous people throughout Turtle Island. https://www.instagram.com/softasbones/ https://storestock.massybooks.com/item/temoIPlhFAidq8S_8vUqOw/⁠ https://chyanamariesage.com/ Thanks for checking out this episode of the Matriarch Movement podcast! If you enjoyed the conversation, please leave a comment and thumbs-up on YouTube, or leave a five star review on your favourite podcast app! Find Shayla Oulette Stonechild on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/shayla0h/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Find more about Matriarch Movement at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://matriarchmovement.ca/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ This podcast is produced by Women in Media Network ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.womeninmedia.network/show/matriarch-movement/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1 hr
  5. The Good Canadian: Leena Minifie on Systemic Injustice in Canada

    27/10/2025

    The Good Canadian: Leena Minifie on Systemic Injustice in Canada

    In this episode of the Matriarch Movement podcast, host Shayla Ouellette Stonechild interviews Lena Minifie (Gitxaala/British), a Vancouver-based film and television producer. They discuss Lena's latest documentary, 'The Good Canadian,' which explores systemic injustices faced by Indigenous peoples in Canada. The conversation delves into the documentary's reception, the selection of interviewees, the emotional toll of filmmaking, and the importance of collaboration and trust in storytelling. Lena shares her personal connection to the issues presented in the film and emphasizes the need for self-care during the production process. The discussion also touches on the definitions of reconciliation, calls to action for viewers, and advice for storytellers. Lena expresses her hopes for the future of Indigenous storytelling and the importance of matriarchy in her culture. More About Leena Minifie: Her work includes producing Bones of Crows, Lily Gladstone: Far Out There, and British Columbia - An Untold History. An award-winning series producer, Leena has led impact campaigns for Indian Horse, The Grizzlies, and The New Corporation. She’s a Reelworld Producers Program fellow and 2024 Trailblazer. Leena’s upcoming directorial debut is THE GOOD CANADIAN, an investigative feature documentary that she has co-directed for APTN/CBC. WEBSITE: thegoodcanadian.film Chapters (00:00) Introduction to Lena Minifie and Her Work (01:11) The Good Canadian: A Documentary Overview (04:10) Audience Reception and Intentions (06:08) Interviewee Selection and Perspectives (09:10) Exploring Systemic Injustices (11:30) Filming Process and Emotional Impact (14:24) Collaboration and Trust in Storytelling (18:01) Personal Connection to the Stories (20:58) Self-Care During the Documentary Process (25:10) Navigating Discomfort in Conversations (30:41) Defining Reconciliation in 2025 (31:26) Calls to Action for Viewers (34:34) Advice for Indigenous Viewers (36:36) The Future of Indigenous Storytelling Thanks for checking out this episode of the Matriarch Movement podcast! If you enjoyed the conversation, please leave a comment and thumbs-up on YouTube, or leave a five star review on your favourite podcast app! Find Shayla Oulette Stonechild on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/shayla0h/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Find more about Matriarch Movement at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://matriarchmovement.ca/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ This podcast is produced by Women in Media Network ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.womeninmedia.network/show/matriarch-movement/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    44 min
  6. Minister Gull-Masty: Matriarchy in Indigenous Leadership

    22/09/2025

    Minister Gull-Masty: Matriarchy in Indigenous Leadership

    In this episode of the Matriarch Movement podcast, host Shayla Oulette Stonechild speaks with the Honourable Mandy Gull-Masty, Canada's first Indigenous Minister of Indigenous Services. They discuss the importance of Indigenous leadership, the role of Indigenous Services Canada, and the challenges faced by Indigenous communities. The minister shares her personal journey to leadership, the significance of matriarchs in her life, and the need for holistic approaches to health and well-being for Indigenous women and girls. The conversation also touches on the vision for Indigenous futurism and the importance of representation in all aspects of society, including policy-making. She offers advice for Indigenous youth aspiring to enter politics highlighting the importance of community engagement. Ahead of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, she discusses the need for healing, and the critical issues surrounding child welfare and Jordan's Principle.  More About Minister Gull-Masty The Honourable Mandy Gull-Masty, member of the Cree Nation of Waswanipi, was elected as the Member of Parliament for Abitibi—Baie-James—Nunavik—Eeyou on April 28, 2025. On May 13, 2025, she was appointed Minister of Indigenous Services, becoming the first Indigenous person to hold this role. Gull-Masty began her political career in 2014 when she was elected Deputy Chief of the Cree Nation of Waswanipi, where she held key portfolios including finance, housing, mining, and administration. In 2017, she later served as the Deputy Grand Chief of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/Cree Nation Government, and in 2021, she made history as the first woman elected Grand Chief of the Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee)/Cree Nation Government representing the Cree people in Northern Quebec. During her time as Grand Chief from 2021 to 2025, Minister Gull-Masty was recognized for her leadership in expanding protected lands, advancing moose conservation initiatives, revitalizing Cree language and culture, and promoting transparent governance and economic planning across the region and for promoting Indigenous women’s leadership. As Minister of Indigenous Services, Gull Masty brings a wealth of experience in Indigenous governance, environmental stewardship, and community-led development. https://www.canada.ca/en/government/ministers/mandy-gull-masty.html  https://www.instagram.com/mandygullmastymp/ https://www.instagram.com/mandyingaround/  Thanks for checking out this episode of the Matriarch Movement podcast! If you enjoyed the conversation, please leave a comment and thumbs-up on YouTube, or leave a five star review on your favourite podcast app! Find Shayla Oulette Stonechild on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/shayla0h/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Find more about Matriarch Movement at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://matriarchmovement.ca/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ This podcast is produced by Women in Media Network ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.womeninmedia.network/show/matriarch-movement/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    49 min
  7. Dr. Amy Cardinal Christianson on Reclaiming Indigenous Fire Practices

    08/09/2025

    Dr. Amy Cardinal Christianson on Reclaiming Indigenous Fire Practices

    Host Shayla Oulette Stonechild welcomes guest Dr. Amy Cardinal Christianson to discuss the significance of fire in Indigenous culture and its power in reconnecting us to the land amidst climate change. She shares her journey in bridging Indigenous knowledge with Western science and the challenges faced in reclaiming traditional fire practices. They explore the revival of traditional fire stewardship practices, the need for Indigenous leadership in fire management, and the role of matriarchs in these efforts.  More About Dr. Amy Cardinal Christianson and her work: Dr. Amy Cardinal Christianson is Métis and grew up in Treaty 8 territory (northern Alberta, Canada). Her Métis relations are the Cardinal (Peeaysis Band) and Laboucane (Laboucane Settlement) families. She currently lives near Rocky Mountain House in Treaty 6 (central Alberta).  Christianson was formerly a Research Scientist with the Canadian Forest Service (Natural Resources Canada) and an Indigenous Fire Specialist in the National Fire Management Division of Parks Canada. Christianson works with Indigenous Nations across Canada on fire stewardship practices like cultural burning and collaborates with Indigenous peoples from around the world on decolonising land management. She also studies wildfire evacuations and advocates for Indigenous wildland firefighters.  https://www.ilinationhood.ca/team-members/amy-cardinal-christianson She is the co-author of the books, First Nations Wildfire Evacuations: A guide for communities and external agencies and Blazing the Trail: Celebrating Indigenous Fire Stewardship.  Christianson also cohosts the Good Fire podcast, which looks at Indigenous fire use around the world. https://thunderbirdcollective.ca/ https://yourforestpodcast.com/good-fire-podcast/2019/9/2/welcome-to-good-fire https://www.ilinationhood.ca/publications https://www.youtube.com/@indigenousleadershipinitiative/ https://www.ubcpress.ca/first-nations-wildfire-evacuations Thanks for checking out this episode of the Matriarch Movement podcast! If you enjoyed the conversation, please leave a comment and thumbs-up on YouTube, or leave a five star review on your favourite podcast app! Find Shayla Oulette Stonechild on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/shayla0h/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Find more about Matriarch Movement at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://matriarchmovement.ca/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ This podcast is produced by Women in Media Network ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.womeninmedia.network/show/matriarch-movement/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    46 min
  8. Lorelei Williams: Advocacy for Missing & Murdered Indigenous  Women & Girls (MMIWG)

    25/08/2025

    Lorelei Williams: Advocacy for Missing & Murdered Indigenous  Women & Girls (MMIWG)

    *Disclaimer* This episode discusses sensitive topics including violence against missing and murdered Indigenous women, children and two spirit people which some listeners may find triggering. Listener discretion is advised. In this episode of the Matriarch Movement podcast, host Shayla Oulette Stonechild speaks with Lorelei Williams, a passionate advocate for Indigenous rights and justice for missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls (MMIWG). Lorelei shares her personal experiences with violence and loss in her family, which have shaped her advocacy work. She discusses the systemic issues surrounding MMIWG, the role of racism in law enforcement, and the importance of community healing through initiatives like Butterflies in Spirit, a dance group that raises awareness and honors the lives of those lost. The conversation highlights the emotional impact of their performances and the collective healing that occurs through dance, as well as the ongoing challenges and aspirations for change in the fight against violence towards Indigenous women and girls. More About Lorelei Williams Lorelei Williams is a passionate advocate for Indigenous rights and a dedicated voice for missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. Born in Mission, BC and raised in Vancouver, BC Canada, Lorelei is from Skatin Nations, BC on her mother’s side and Sts’ailes aka Chehalis, BC on her father’s side.  Driven by her own family’s experiences of loss and resilience, Lorelei has become a prominent figure in the movement for justice and healing. She is known for her tireless work with organizations and committees such as the Vancouver Aboriginal Community Policing Centre, the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women’s Coalition, the Sisterwatch Committee, West Coast Leaf, the National Security Transparency Advisory Group, Sovereign Bodies Institute in California and the National and International Brigades in Mexico.   Lorelei is the founder of Butterflies in Spirit, a dance group that raises awareness about Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and LGBTQQIA+ and the Disappeared through powerful performances. Her advocacy work has taken her around the world, across Canada, the United States, Latin America, and around Europe, more specifically, Graz, Austria, Rome, Italy, Cannes and Paris, France. Lorelei has gone as far as Mexico, Colombia, and Europe to speak at conferences, rallies, and events to shed light on the systemic issues facing Indigenous communities in Canada.  https://www.instagram.com/butterfliesinspirit/ Thanks for checking out this episode of the Matriarch Movement podcast! If you enjoyed the conversation, please leave a comment and thumbs-up on YouTube, or leave a five star review on your favourite podcast app! Find Shayla Oulette Stonechild on Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/shayla0h/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Find more about Matriarch Movement at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://matriarchmovement.ca/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ This podcast is produced by Women in Media Network ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.womeninmedia.network/show/matriarch-movement/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    42 min
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On Matriarch Movement, host Shayla Oulette Stonechild sets out to amplify Indigenous voices from Canada to Turtle Island and beyond. In her interviews, she highlights issues that Indigenous people face while challenging the mainstream narrative surrounding Indigenous identity. By showcasing Indigenous role models with a focus on our matriarchs and two spirit voices, language revitalization, sustainability, and reclamation, Shayla’s mission is to inspire the next seven generations.

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