Our Storytellers

Our Storytellers

Welcome to Our Storytellers, a podcast dedicated to the preservation and celebration of Indigenous oral history and the profound knowledge gained through lived experiences. In each episode, we embark on a captivating journey into the heart of Indigenous cultures, guided by the voices of elders, knowledge keepers, activists, artists, and everyday community members. Together, we explore the rich tapestry of Indigenous heritage, unveiling the wisdom, struggles, and triumphs that have shaped these extraordinary storytellers.

  1. 2D AGO

    Latash Nahanee - Kahtou News, Blanche Macdonald and Media Sovereignty

    On this episode of Our Storytellers, we are joined by Squamish journalist and educator, Latash Nahanee. Latash speaks about growing up in the village of Eslha7an and the different worlds that shaped him. He contrasts his experience in Roman Catholic schools with time spent in the Longhouse, where he first heard the drums and began attending ceremony at 13. He reflects on the influence of his mother, who supported the family through cedar basket weaving, and his father, a community leader and handyman who emphasized hard work on their family farm.He also discusses his path through education and media, from developing an interest in English literature to becoming CEO of Kahtou News, guided by mentor Blanche Macdonald. Latash shares stories from his career, including interviewing public figures, and speaks plainly about colonization, cultural strength, and accountability. He closes by offering advice for future generations and dedicating the conversation to his grandchildren.This episode is part of our special series supported by the Indigenous Screen Office, highlighting voices connected to the Squamish Nation. We are incredibly grateful to Latash for his wisdom, his stories, and for sharing his guidance for the next generation.This podcast is brought to you by the Indigenous Screen Office:https://iso-bea.ca/ISO’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indigenousscreen/X: https://x.com/screen_officeFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ISO.BEA/Follow Our SocialsTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ourstorytellersInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourstorytellers/?hl=en%E2%81%A0Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Our-Storytellers/61551840299922/?_rdrYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAOD4F24xePk1OcYxInkS1wContent Warning: This episode contains discussions of the Catholic church and school system, as well as brief mentions of addiction and overdose within the community. Please take care while listening. If you need support, the Hope for Wellness helpline offers immediate help 24/7 at 1-855-242-3310 or online at hopeforwellness.ca. Timestamps:(00:00) Introduction(11:13) Growing Up(39:12) Kahtou News & Blanche McDonald (47:41) Spirituality(01:01:43) Matriarchy (01:16:29) Ceremony

    1h 32m

  2. MAR 8

    Leena Minifie - The Good Canadian, Creative Curiosity, Resilience

    On this episode of Our Storytellers, we sit down with Gitxaala storyteller and filmmaker, Leena Minifie. Leena grew up between Prince Rupert and Kitimat and describes herself as a curious, energetic child with a deep love for art. From copying dance moves on TV to joining a breakdancing crew at six-years-old, creativity shaped her early life. Leena’s curiosity pushed her to cold-call media companies and create her own opportunities in the media space. In this conversation, Leena reflects on her career journey from music promotion to co-producing/co-directing the documentary The Good Canadian. She talks about turning the camera back on non-Indigenous people and institutions to examine systemic racism, the resilience it took to co-direct the CBC 5th Estate documentary and producing on Bones of Crows while the discovery of unmarked graves, and her refusal to be boxed in creatively. She also shares how comedy has become part of her search for balance. Watch the Good Canadian:CBC Gem: https://gem.cbc.ca/the-good-canadianAPTN: https://www.aptn.org/media-centre/shows/the-good-canadian/ Leena’s Links:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leenaminifie/?hl=enStories First: https://www.storiesfirst.ca/ Follow Our Socials Tiktok: Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ourstorytellers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourstorytellers/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Our-Storytellers-61551840299922/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAOD4F24xePk1OcYxInkS1w Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of the residential school system, the discovery of unmarked graves, and systemic racism. Please take care while listening. If you need support, the Hope for Wellness helpline offers immediate help 24/7 at 1-855-242-3310 or online at hopeforwellness.ca. Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction (05:04) Early Life (13:52) Teenage Years (17:36) Breaking into Media (24:52) The Good Canadian (48:00) Storytelling (57:22) Ceremony (01:10:07) Comedy (01:14:09) Closing

    1h 16m

  3. MAR 1

    Dehlia Nahanee - Chénchenstway, Faith and Supporting One Another

    On this episode of Our Storytellers, we sit down with Nisga'a and Squamish Elder, Dehlia Nahanee. Dehlia grew up in the Nass Valley village of Nisga’a nation before roads and electricity, surrounded by family, stories, and culture. She shares memories of village life, from wild horses running through town to evenings by the stove listening to her grandmother’s teachings that blended faith and tradition. In this conversation, Dehlia reflects on leaving the north for school, the loss of her language, and the path her education took her on. She shares how she met her husband, her journey into becoming an Elder, and the teaching of Chenchenstway, the canoe philosophy of supporting one another through life’s challenges. This episode is part of our special series supported by the Indigenous Screen Office, highlighting voices connected to the Squamish Nation. We are incredibly grateful to Dehlia for sharing her story with us. This podcast is brought to you by the Indigenous Screen Office:https://iso-bea.ca/ ISO’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indigenousscreen/ X: https://x.com/screen_office Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ISO.BEA/ Follow Our Socials Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ourstorytellers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourstorytellers/?hl=en%E2%81%A0 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Our-Storytellers/61551840299922/?_rdr Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAOD4F24xePk1OcYxInkS1w Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of colonial schooling systems, the loss of Indigenous languages, and historical trauma. Please take care while listening. If you need support, the Hope for Wellness helpline offers immediate help 24/7 at 1-855-242-3310 or online at hopeforwellness.ca. Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction (05:09) Early Life (20:53) Family History (41:31) Community Child-Rearing (53:55) Moving South (58:17) Academic Journey & Culture Shock (01:06:37) The Teaching of Chenchenstway (01:15:45) Closing

    1h 17m

  4. FEB 15

    Frances Nahanee - Remembering Khatsilano, Squamish History, Oral Tradition

    On this episode of Our Storytellers, we sit down with Squamish Nation matriarch Frances Nahanee.  In this conversation, she takes us back to her childhood on the Mission Reserve, where she grew up in a small wartime house alongside her fourteen siblings. She shares heartfelt memories of her parents. Her father was a resourceful man who meticulously recorded ancestral names and histories for elders like August Jack Khatsahlano and Andy Paull. Her mother is described as a powerhouse grounded in prayer, who always made room for extended family despite experiencing her own early hardships and the tragedy of losing her sister at a residential school. Fran opens up about her unique path, from moving to Sechelt and opening a Native gift shop with the support of the Sechelt Nation, to eventually buying the business and passing it down as a legacy to her son. She reflects deeply on Coast Salish genealogy, the traditional protocols of sharing ancestral names, and the profound importance of youth learning their language and songs for holistic wellness. This podcast is brought to you by the Indigenous Screen Office:https://iso-bea.ca/ISO’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indigenousscreen/ X: https://x.com/screen_office Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ISO.BEA/ Follow Our Socials Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ourstorytellers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourstorytellers/?hl=en%E2%81%A0 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Our-Storytellers/61551840299922/?_rdr Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAOD4F24xePk1OcYxInkS1w Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of Indian residential schools, intergenerational trauma, and colonial impacts. Please take care while listening. If you need support, the Hope for Wellness helpline is available 24/7 at 1-855-242-3310 or online at hopeforwellness.ca. Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction (05:19) Childhood (31:18) Entrepreneurship (38:48) Kinship, Naming Protocols & Cultural Laws (57:58) Traditional Teachings & Sustainable Stewardship (01:03:51) August Jack & Major Matthews (01:23:40) Ceremony (01:43:47) Closing

    1h 43m

  5. FEB 1

    Christine Baker - Squamish Matriarch, Global Travel and Resilience

    On this episode of Our Storytellers, we sit down with Squamish Nation matriarch, Christine Baker. Christine carries a deep connection to the land and waters of her territory. As the daughter of the late Chief Simon Baker (Khot-La-Cha), she shares incredible stories of a childhood defined by hard work and the rhythm of the tides. She describes life on the Capilano reserve, recounting days spent harvesting clams and crabs on the shore, picking berries to support the family, and the lessons of discipline and care instilled by her parents. In this conversation, Christine takes us through the different chapters of her life; from her years working in the local canneries to her travels around the world as a cultural ambassador, sharing Squamish songs and culture in places like Germany and New Zealand. She reflects on the resilience required to overcome the impacts of residential school, the importance of knowing your family tree, and the joy of seeing her culture revitalize through her children and grandchildren. This episode is part of our special series supported by the Indigenous Screen Office, highlighting voices connected to the Squamish Nation. We are incredibly grateful to Christine for her generosity, her humour, and for sharing her journey with us. This podcast is brought to you by the Indigenous Screen Office:⁠https://iso-bea.ca/⁠ISO’s Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/indigenousscreen/⁠X: ⁠https://x.com/screen_office⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/ISO.BEA/ ⁠Follow Our Socials Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ourstorytellers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourstorytellers/?hl=en%E2%81%A0 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Our-Storytellers/61551840299922/?_rdr Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAOD4F24xePk1OcYxInkS1w Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of Indian residential schools, intergenerational trauma, and colonial impacts. Please take care while listening. If you need support, the Hope for Wellness helpline is available 24/7 at 1-855-242-3310 or online at hopeforwellness.ca. Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction (02:15) Early Life (08:40) Chief Simon & Emily Baker (15:20) Cultural Ambassador (26:50) Working in the Cannery (33:15) Community (42:55) Next Generations (47:10) Closing

    1h 44m

  6. JAN 18

    Victoria Michels - Life Story, Canoe Pulling and Ceremony

    On this episode of Our Storytellers, we sit down with Squamish Nation matriarch, Victoria Michels. In this conversation, she takes us back to her childhood on the Mission Reserve, sharing memories of her parents, her father, a dedicated longshoreman who provided for his family with quiet strength, and her mother, a residential school survivor whose spirit remained unbroken despite the hardships she endured. Victoria opens up about her own diverse journey, from breaking barriers as a female longshoreman to advocating for her people as a Native Courtworker and serving with the Squamish Nation Trust. She reflects deeply on the impacts of residential schools, the healing power of ceremony. This episode is part of our special series supported by the Indigenous Screen Office, highlighting voices connected to the Squamish Nation.  This podcast is brought to you by the Indigenous Screen Office: https://iso-bea.ca/ ISO’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indigenousscreen/ X: https://x.com/screen_office Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ISO.BEA/ Follow Our Socials Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ourstorytellers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourstorytellers/?hl=en%E2%81%A0 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Our-Storytellers/61551840299922/?_rdr Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAOD4F24xePk1OcYxInkS1w Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of Indian residential schools, intergenerational trauma, and colonial impacts. Please take care while listening. If you need support, the Hope for Wellness helpline is available 24/7 at 1-855-242-3310 or online at hopeforwellness.ca.

    1h 49m

  7. JAN 5

    John Spence - Grandfather Stories, Art and Growth

    On this episode of Our Storytellers, we are joined by Squamish artist and carver, John Spence. John’s story is a powerful testament to the human spirit's capacity for healing and transformation. In this raw and honest conversation, he takes us back to his childhood on the Capilano reserve, sharing memories of playing tree tag in the vine maples and fishing day and night on the river. He reflects on the deep influence of his grandfather, the late Chief Simon Baker, who taught him culture, spirituality, and the importance of kindness. John also opens up about his journey through intergenerational trauma, anger, and addiction. From making amends for past mistakes (including a memorable story involving a stolen generator and a carved raven) to passing on the carving tradition to his five sons, John’s journey is one of resilience, redemption, and deep love for his family. This episode is part of our special series supported by the Indigenous Screen Office, highlighting voices connected to the Squamish Nation. We are incredibly grateful to John for his vulnerability, his humour, and for sharing his powerful message of hope. This podcast is brought to you by the Indigenous Screen Office: https://iso-bea.ca/ ISO’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indigenousscreen/ X: https://x.com/screen_office Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ISO.BEA/ Follow Our Socials Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ourstorytellers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourstorytellers/?hl=en%E2%81%A0 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Our-Storytellers/61551840299922/?_rdr Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAOD4F24xePk1OcYxInkS1w Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of Indian residential schools, physical and mental abuse, addiction, and incarceration. Please take care while listening. If you need support, the Hope for Wellness helpline offers immediate help 24/7 at 1-855-242-3310 or online at hopeforwellness.ca. Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction  (02:52) Childhood (07:44) Parents (14:09) Chief Simon Baker  (19:39) Memories of Grandmother Emily  (39:30) Environmental Changes (52:00) Incarceration (01:01:35) Ceremony (01:09:49) Understanding Addiction & Trauma  (01:49:51) Advice for the Next Generation  (02:05:19) Closing

    2h 13m

  8. 2025-12-22

    Angie Dawson - Weaving, Education, and Resilience

    On this episode of Our Storytellers, we sit down with Squamish Nation matriarch, Angie Dawson. In this conversation, she takes us back to her childhood on the Capilano reserve, painting a vivid picture of life in a home with ten family members. Angie opens up about her incredible educational journey, returning to university at age 50 to earn her Graduate Diploma and Master’s degree. She discusses her relentless advocacy for Indigenous-based curriculum and her refusal to accept the status quo in the education system. We also dive into her passion for wool weaving, from her early days learning to creating massive commissioned pieces for the 2010 Winter Olympics and Simon Fraser University. This is a story about breaking barriers, the drive to get stuff done, and the vital importance of passing knowledge down to the next generation. This episode is part of our special series supported by the Indigenous Screen Office, highlighting voices connected to the Squamish Nation. We are so grateful to Angie for sharing her journey, her humor, and her unwavering strength with us. This podcast is brought to you by the Indigenous Screen Office:https://iso-bea.ca/ISO’s Instagram: instagram.com/indigenousscreen X: https://x.com/screen_officeFacebook: facebook.com/iso.bea Follow Our SocialsTiktok: Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ourstorytellersInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourstorytellers/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Our-Storytellers-61551840299922/ Timestamps:(00:00) Introduction (01:50) Childhood on the Capilano Reserve (12:15) Family & Parents’ History (29:20) School Days & Challenges (32:45) Returning to Education (47:30) Learning to Weave (01:03:55) The Wool Woven Quarter Bag (01:19:15) Weaving Connections in Mexico (01:24:55) Advice for the Next Generation (01:37:32) What Ceremony Means Today (01:43:20) Thoughts on Leadership & Inclusion (01:48:40) Dedication & Closing

    1h 55m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to Our Storytellers, a podcast dedicated to the preservation and celebration of Indigenous oral history and the profound knowledge gained through lived experiences. In each episode, we embark on a captivating journey into the heart of Indigenous cultures, guided by the voices of elders, knowledge keepers, activists, artists, and everyday community members. Together, we explore the rich tapestry of Indigenous heritage, unveiling the wisdom, struggles, and triumphs that have shaped these extraordinary storytellers.

Information

  • Creator
    Our Storytellers
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    48
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Our Storytellers
  • Show Website
    Our Storytellers