Gwekwaadziwin Miikan

Gwekwaadziwin Miikan

Gwekwaadziwin Miikan is a land-based mental health and addictions program in Northeastern Ontario. This podcast explores the challenges, tribulations and opportunities within the field and shares stories of success and resilience.

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

    2025-12-02

    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 academicsHow staff prepare youth (and themselves) for extended time on the landThe importance of small-group living, mentorship, and developing basic life skillsFamily involvement, long-term treatment, and aftercare supportsPine River’s growth, outreach work, and commitments around equity and cultural humilityThe value of collaboration between programs like Pine River and Gwekwaadziwin MiikanDan 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/

    54 min
  2. Rooted in Gwekwaadziwin: Season 2, Episode 5 - Dr. Brenda Restoule

    2025-11-25

    Rooted in Gwekwaadziwin: Season 2, Episode 5 - Dr. Brenda Restoule

    In this episode of Rooted in Gwekwaadziwin, Sam and Matt sit down with Dr. Brenda M. Restoule, CEO of the First Peoples Wellness Circle (FPWC) and one of the leading voices in Indigenous mental wellness across the country. Brenda, from Dokis First Nation and Eagle Clan, has spent decades supporting communities, helpers, and wellness teams through culturally grounded approaches that centre Indigenous knowledge, land, and community strengths. As a clinical psychologist and national leader, her work has helped shape the First Nations Mental Wellness Continuum Framework and guide the development of culturally safe, community-driven mental wellness systems. This conversation explores: The roots of Brenda’s work in Anishinabek territoryHow culture, land, and identity form the foundation for wellnessThe growth of Indigenous mental wellness teams across the countryThe role of the First Peoples Wellness Circle in supporting helpers and communitiesHow we strengthen cultural safety and community-based healingListeners can explore FPWC’s Knowledge Exchange and Resource Sharing Hub — an accessible, custom-curated space designed specifically for the Indigenous mental wellness workforce. The Resource Hub offers training materials, tools, frameworks, and cultural resources to support helpers and Wellness Teams in their work: 👉 Resource Hub: https://resourcehub.fpwc.ca/ And don’t miss FPWC’s own powerful series: 🎙️ pihtikwê: Visits with First Nations Psychologists Mobilizing Indigenous knowledge on trauma repair, addiction recovery, community survivance, and care. 👉 https://fpwc.ca/pihtikwe-podcast/ A powerful conversation with a national leader whose vision continues to influence the future of Indigenous mental wellness.

    1h 21m

About

Gwekwaadziwin Miikan is a land-based mental health and addictions program in Northeastern Ontario. This podcast explores the challenges, tribulations and opportunities within the field and shares stories of success and resilience.