Nôhcimihk | Into The Bush Podcast Jordyn Burnouf

Episode 1 | Economic Hostages with Melina Laboucan-Massimo


In this episode, we hear from Melina Laboucan-Massimo, environmental activist and host of APTN’s, Power to the People, . Melina will share her experience growing up in northern Alberta, discussing the barriers communities face in the energy and environmental sector, and help us to understand the correlation between MMIWG2S+ and the fossil fuel industry. To close this heavy discussion, Melina shares her advice on healing justice and a pathway forward. 



Melina Laboucan-Massimo is Lubicon Cree from Northern Alberta. She has worked on social, environmental and climate justice issues for the past 20 years. Melina is the Just Transition Director at Indigenous Climate Action, the Founder of Sacred Earth Solar and a Fellow at the David Suzuki Foundation. She is also the Host of a new TV series called Power to the People which profiles renewable energy, food security and eco-housing projects in Indigenous communities across Canada.


Facing firsthand impacts of the Alberta tar sands in her traditional territory, Melina has been a vocal advocate for Indigenous rights and environmental justice. For over a decade, Melina worked as a Climate and Energy Campaigner with Greenpeace Canada and the Indigenous Environmental Network internationally. She has written for a variety of publications and produced short documentaries on the tar sands, climate change, water issues and Indigenous cultural revitalization. Melina has studied, campaigned and worked in Brazil, Australia, Mexico, Canada and across Europe focusing on resource extraction, climate change impacts, media literacy and Indigenous rights & responsibilities.


Melina also works on the issue of Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women in Canada after the suspicious death of her sister Bella whose case still remains unsolved. Melina currently serves on the boards of Seeding Sovereignty and NDN Collective as well as the executive steering committee of the Indigenous Clean Energy Social Enterprise.


You can follow Melina's journey through her socials, website, and catch Power to the People on APTN. All links to resources mentioned in the show can be found below:


Instagram: @Melina_Miyowapan
Twitter: @Melina_mlmSacred Earth SolarIndigenous Climate Action

Articles & ResourcesCBC: Bella Marie Laboucan-McLeanAPTN: It felt like there was no end to the screaming sadness: one sister’s take on #mmiwGrist: Making the connections on tar-sands pollution, racism, and sexismAPB Speakers: On the Pervasiveness of Western Culture - Melina Laboucan-MassimoMMIWG2S+ SupportsNational Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and GirlsMMIWG2S+ Calls for Justice
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Episode 3 | The Aunty of Antarctica with Danii Kehler

In episode number three, we are joined by the Aunty of Antarctica, Danii Kehler. As we navigate the systemic barriers Indigenous and marginalized people face, Danii teaches us the importance art and culture play in her story. Danii shares her experience growing up an urban native, rooted in culture and ceremony through her kohkum's (grandmother's) teachings, to venturing to a continent where few have explored. This is just the tip of the iceberg! (I couldn't not tell this joke, c'mon)

Danii Kehler is a Plains Cree woman from the Kawacatoose First Nation on Treaty 4 territory and is a recent graduate from the Edwards School of Business in Business Management. In the Fall of 2024, Danii will be entering the School of Environment and Sustainability at the University of Saskatchewan to complete a Master's in Energy Security.

She is an Indigenous artist focused on the resiliency of Indigenous people healing from intergenerational trauma by deconstructing colonial structures and reclaiming an Indigenous narrative. Danii shares stories through her art by showcasing the true beauty and meaning of Indigenous culture and people. Danii is the Manager of SevenGen Energy, an Indigenous Youth Council tackling climate change by empowering and equipping Indigenous youth.

She is also the “first” First Nations person from Canada to be a participant of the 2041 ClimateForce Antarctic Expedition becoming an Ambassador for the Antarctic, charged with making a stand in the fight against anthropogenic climate change. Danii is now a part of the team that is working to see protection and justice for Antarctica!



Find her art on IG!

Instagram: @kehlervisions



Resources: https://canada-ny.com/mobilizing-indigenous-youth-for-a-just-energy-transition/https://www.facebook.com/CECconnect/videos/danielle-kehler-at-cop28/706920257825947/

Episode 2 | Laws of Nature with Tāwhiao McMaster 🎙️

As a descendant of the rapid flowing waters of Whanganui, and the silent waters of Waikato in Aotearoa New Zealand, Tāwhiao navigates the waters they ventured to bring honour back to the river. 🌊

Join Jordyn and Tawhiao as they discuss the impacts of colonization, and the resiliency of Indigenous nations around the world. 🌳



Tāwhiao holds a Bachelor of Law (conjoint), Major in Law and a Major in Tikanga Māori / Māori Cultural Studies. As well as a Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Māori and Pacific Development. Tāwhiao is on the legal team that fought a century long battle to gain human rights for the lifegiving Whanganui River where he calls home. A legal consultant, a tribal leader, and a firm lover of cultural language, arts and practices.

He uri au nō ngā wai e rua e rere mai i Te Kāhui Maunga. Ko Waikato taniwharau, i a piko he taniwha. Me ko Te Awa Tupua o Whanganui, kei kō iti atu rā te kōrero; ko au te awa ko te awa ko au.

Flowing from the Clan of Mountains are two mighty rivers that I descend from. Waikato of a hundred leaders, where every bend there is a chief. And the sacred Whanganui, where its people say; I am the River and the River is me.



Socials & Resources
New Zealand Herald: Tāwhiao McMaster ready for new challenges at Ngā Tāngata Tiaki o Whanganui Trust


The Guardian: Saving the Whanganui: can personhood rescue a river?


New Zealand Parliament: Innovative bill protects Whanganui River with legal personhood