Relentless Indigenous Woman Podcast

Relentless Indigenous Woman

Welcome to the Relentless Indigenous Woman podcast—a space for uncensored and unapologetic conversations on the lived realities of Indigenous Peoples.   Hosted by Dr. Candace Manitopyes, a proud Moose Cree First Nation educator, advocate, and scholar, this podcast invites you to listen, grow, and take meaningful action. With a community of over 750,000 followers across social media, Dr. Manitopyes has become a powerful voice in bold Indigenous education, truth-telling, and solidarity. Here, education becomes rebellion. Resistance. Revolution. Whether you are an Indigenous listener or an ally committed to learning, this podcast exists to challenge, inspire, and empower.  www.relentlessindigenouswoman.ca

  1. 5d ago

    Ep. 57: Embracing Boldness: Ryan Breezy's Journey in Indigenous Fashion

    In this episode of the June IndigiQueer series, host Dr. Candace welcomes the talented and iconic Ryan Breezy, a Diné and Southern San Juan Paiute model and makeup artist.  Join them as they explore the vibrant world of Indigenous fashion, the importance of representation, and the journey of self-discovery through art and culture.  Listeners will be inspired by Ryan's commitment to community and the way he embraces his identity with boldness. He emphasizes the significance of uplifting Indigenous voices and creating inclusive spaces where everyone feels seen and valued. The conversation also delves into the challenges Ryan has faced, including imposter syndrome, and how he has learned to embrace his uniqueness and share his story with others. Ryan shares his experiences in the fashion industry, the significance of community, and how he unapolegetically embraces his identity with boldness and authenticity. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that celebrates Indigenous voices and creativity! - Relentless Questions How has being queer and Indigenous shaped the questions you ask in academia and in life that colonial institutions are often unwilling or unable to ask?What does it mean to reclaim queerness not as a modern import or identity category, but as a sacred, pre-colonial way of being and relating that many Indigenous nations already held in deep relationship with the land?Relentless Actions Sit with grief and pause when needed. Allow grief to be a generative space rather than rushing productivity. Check in relationally with yourself (through therapy, internal dialogue, or ceremony) so that the work you bring forward comes from depth instead of performance or avoidance.Pull the next thread. When engaging with patriarchy, feminism, or any colonial structure, keep asking the deeper question: Where did this come from? Move beyond surface-level analysis into the roots in Christian colonial frameworks, and actively reconnect with your own ancestral knowledge and responsibilities — whether you are Indigenous or a settler.Relentless Resources Follow Ryan Breezy to see his boldness in fashion and in life grow in real-time at @ryanbreezy2 on Instagram Follow Dr. Autumn Black Deer (@DrBlackDeer on Instagram and LinkedIn) — for sharp, anti-colonial, relational scholarship at the intersections of queerness, Indigenous sovereignty, abolition, and child welfare.Send Us a Text with Your Thoughts or Questions! Join the RIW Patreon Community  RIW Website Music Produced by Award-Winning Anishnaabe DJ Boogey the Beat

    57 min

  2. Jun 3

    Ep. 56: Unpacking Queerness and Indigenous Identity Beyond the Binaries with Dr. Autumn BlackDeer

    Our June IndigiQueer series kicks off with Dr. Candace Manitopyes and Dr. Autumn BlackDeer as they explore Indigenous queerness, decolonization, grief, identity, academia, and liberation beyond colonial binaries. They unpack how colonial systems shaped modern understandings of gender, sexuality, and what it means to reclaim Indigenous ways of being rooted in sovereignty. Dr. Autumn shares openly about grief after losing her mother, learning to write again, navigating academia as a queer Indigenous scholar, and refusing to compartmentalize herself in professional spaces.  Dr. Candace and Dr. Autumn also discuss the impact of Christian colonial frameworks, the violence of binaries, Indigenous understandings of queerness before colonization, and why liberation must always be collective. - Relentless Questions What colonial narratives about identity, gender, power, or belonging have I inherited, and what happens when I begin asking the next question?In what ways have I compartmentalized parts of myself to survive systems that were never built for relational, collective humanity?Relentless Actions Spend time reconnecting to relationship with land, community, ancestry, language, ceremony, creativity, or the parts of yourself that colonial systems taught you to silence.Pull at one thread. Choose one belief, assumption, or “normal” social expectation and ask where it came from, who benefits from it, and who is harmed by it.Relentless Resources Learn more about Indigenous understandings of gender and sexuality by researching Two-Spirit histories, teachings, and community-led resources from Indigenous nations and knowledge keepers.Explore relational and decolonial healing practices such as Internal Family Systems (IFS), grief work, land-based learning, and Indigenous scholarship focused on sovereignty, abolition, and collective liberation.Send Us a Text with Your Thoughts or Questions! Join the RIW Patreon Community  RIW Website Music Produced by Award-Winning Anishnaabe DJ Boogey the Beat

    49 min

  3. May 27

    Ep. 55: Finding Our Way Back to Authenticity Beyond Colonialism with Artist & Author Steph Littlebird

    Join us for a deeply meaningful conversation about the power of art and the healing it brings. Steph Littlebird shares how art became a safe space in her life; a way to process her experiences, express herself, and find her voice when words weren’t always accessible. What began as a personal outlet has grown into impactful work that resonates with others at a global scale; offering connection, validation, and a sense of not being alone.  The two discuss the idea that many people carry an innate connection to the land, something often felt but not always understood. Through an unapologetic lens, this conversation highlights the importance of remembering that we are not separate from the earth, but part of it. The episode also touches on the realities of colonization, disconnection, and the challenges of navigating a fast-paced, reactive world. It offers a gentle invitation to slow down, embrace nuance, and create space for deeper reflection and emotional understanding. At its core, this conversation is healing, on both an individual and collective level. It speaks to reclaiming connection and finding our way back to something more grounded and authentic A powerful reminder that the most important work is simply remembering who we are. - Relentless Actions  1. Reconnect with the Land. Take a moment this week to step outside and be present with the land. Sit, walk, breathe… and simply listen. There is wisdom there that meets you exactly where you are. 2. Begin Telling Your Story. In whatever way feels safe and right for you—write it down, speak it out loud, create something. Your story matters and reclaiming it is a powerful act. Relentless Reflection  1. What does truth feel like in my body, and when do I notice myself moving away from it? Let this guide you back to your intuition and inner knowing. 2. What story within me is ready to be expressed, even in the smallest way? There is no right or wrong way to begin (the only wrong answer is a dishonest one) Relentless Resources 1. You are the Land by Steph Littlebird  2. Indigenous Screen Office (ISO) A key resource dedicated to supporting Indigenous creators in film, television, and digital media. They offer funding, training, and resources for those wanting to step into storytelling and media in a meaningful way. Send Us a Text with Your Thoughts or Questions! Join the RIW Patreon Community  RIW Website Music Produced by Award-Winning Anishnaabe DJ Boogey the Beat

    47 min

  4. May 20

    Ep. 54: Reclaiming the Body: Sovereignty, Healing & the Erotic with Dr. Savage Bear

    What happens when the story shifts from trauma to sovereignty, from survival to power? The conversation between Dr. Savage Bear and Dr. Candace invites listeners into a deeply honest exploration of what it means to reclaim the body, rewrite inherited narratives, and return to Indigenous ways of knowing. Moving beyond the weight of deficit-based stories, it centres strength, Ancestry, and the truth that healing must hold both pain and possibility. At the heart of this dialogue is body sovereignty as a lived, felt experience. Through reflections on sexuality, ceremony, and connection, it challenges shame and calls for a return to presence, relationality, and accountability to self, to community, and to all our relations. It asks the listener to consider: what shifts when awareness turns into action? When healing moves out of the mind and into the body? Rooted in lived experience, this episode is a powerful reminder that reclamation is ongoing; of voice, of body, of identity. And that within Indigenous women lives a legacy of resilience, knowledge, and undeniable power. Relentless Actions Start from strength, not deficit.  When reflecting on your story or your work, consciously begin from a place of strength, ancestry, and resilience, not just hardship.What wisdom, beauty, or power already exists here? Reframe your narrative in a way that honours both truth and possibility.  Turn awareness into action: Choose one small, intentional action that aligns with your values; something that moves beyond conversation. This could be setting a boundary, engaging in ceremony, supporting community, or changing a daily habit. Close the gap between what you know and how you live.Relentless Reflections Am I telling my story from a place of strength, or from a place of survival?Where in my life am I being called to move from awareness into action?Relentless Resources Power in my Blood - Dr. Savage's award-winning PhD dissertation“Pleasure Activism” – Adrienne Maree Brown Explores the connection between pleasure, healing, and liberation. Send Us a Text with Your Thoughts or Questions! Join the RIW Patreon Community  RIW Website Music Produced by Award-Winning Anishnaabe DJ Boogey the Beat

    46 min

  5. May 13

    Ep. 53: The Legacy and Voice of Tantoo Cardinal

    In this compelling episode, Tantoo Cardinal shares a deeply honest and reflective look into her life, her legacy, and the truth behind Indigenous storytelling. With a career spanning decades, Tantoo speaks from a place of purpose, rooted in truth, resilience, and responsibility to her people. She opens up about the realities of growing up in a world shaped by colonization, where Indigenous identity was often diminished or misunderstood, and how those early experiences sharpened her awareness and intuition. Rather than being drawn to the glamour of the film industry, Tantoo was called to it as a way to reclaim stories, restore dignity, and challenge harmful narratives that had long been imposed on Indigenous communities. Throughout the conversation, she shares the importance of staying grounded, through connection to the land, listening to one’s inner voice, and honouring the guidance of ancestors. She speaks candidly about the challenges of navigating an industry that was not built for Indigenous voices, and the strength it takes to remain authentic within it. This episode is both a reflection and a call forward, inviting listeners to reconnect with their roots, question the narratives they’ve been taught, and begin telling their own stories. It’s a powerful reminder that truth, when carried with intention, has the ability to shift not only stories, but entire generations.  - Chapters (02:17) What is currently inspiring Tantoo right now (11:13) Stories were being told about what an indigenous person is (18:40) Young people now think they want to be stars or to be rich (32:07) Shame holds us back because we're scared of making a mistake (36:17) Advice for indigenous youth who are dreaming about pursuing an acting career (41:18) Stay grounded in land, respect others, and take care of yourself (46:33) The future of indigenous storytelling - Relentless Actions  1. Reconnect with the Land Take a moment this week to step outside and be present with the land. Sit, walk, breathe… and simply listen. There is wisdom there that meets you exactly where you are. 2. Begin Telling Your Story In whatever way feels safe and right for you—write it down, speak it out loud, create something. Your story matters and reclaiming it is a powerful act. Relentless Reflections  1. What does truth feel like in my body, and when do I notice myself moving away from it? Let this guide you back to your intuition and inner knowing. 2. What story within me is ready to be expressed, even in the smallest way? There is no right or wrong way to begin, just an invitation to start. Relentless Resources 1. National Indigenous Media Arts Coalition (NIMAC) An incredible organization supporting Indigenous storytellers, artists, and filmmakers across Canada. If you feel called to storytelling, this is a space to explore opportunities, community, and support. 2. Indigenous Screen Office (ISO) A key resource dedicated to supporting Indigenous creators in film, television, and digital media. They offer funding, training, and resources for Send Us a Text with Your Thoughts or Questions! Join the RIW Patreon Community  RIW Website Music Produced by Award-Winning Anishnaabe DJ Boogey the Beat

    52 min

  6. Feb 21

    Ep. 52: Returning to the Earth: Spiritual Wisdom for Chaotic Times with Dr. Rocio Rosales Meza

    In the final episode of the winter season, Dr. Candace Manitopyes sits with Dr. Rocio Rosales Meza, a Xicana/Mexicana seer, initiated medicine woman, and psychologist whose work bridges ancestral teachings with liberation. They name the moment we’re living in—the collapse of empire, the overwhelm of digital life, and the spiritual and emotional toll of witnessing global injustice. Dr. Rocio shares how grounding in creation, tending to the Earth, and honouring the elements are what keep her centred when the world feels chaotic. Their conversation goes straight to the heart of what many are experiencing right now: the “spirit-eating” nature of colonial systems, the dysregulation caused by social media, and the exhaustion of carrying both awareness and responsibility online.  They talk openly about burnout, boundaries, and the courage it takes to hold hope when the world keeps offering reasons to despair. Dr. Rocio offers wisdom from her own collapse—losing her tenured academic career during a health crisis—and how that breaking became the doorway to her calling. Both women unravel the myths of New Age spirituality, the reality of decolonization, and the necessity of confronting our shadow without shame. This episode is a reminder that healing is spiritual work, the underworld is part of the journey, and our medicine often lives in the very places we were taught to fear. It’s an invitation to slow down, reconnect, and remember who we were before colonial conditioning told us otherwise. https://www.drrosalesmeza.com/ @dr.rosesalesmeza - Relentless Action 1. For one week, track when you override your limits, numb out online, or perform “awareness” instead of feeling — then name the body sensation underneath it. 2. Write from the part of you that feels resentful, jealous, exhausted, or ashamed, then respond from your grounded adult self without exiling what you find. Relentless Reflection 1. Where have I mistaken visibility or knowledge for actual integrity? 2. What part of me did I silence to survive systems that were never built for my wholeness? Relentless Resources 1. All About Love by bell hooks. A rigorous examination of how domination distorts love, spirituality, and community, and what it takes to confront those distortions inside ourselves. 2. Women Who Run With the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estés A deep reclamation of the instinctual feminine and the underworld journey, unpacking how culture fractures women from their wild knowing — and how to return. Send Us a Text with Your Thoughts or Questions! Join the RIW Patreon Community  RIW Website Music Produced by Award-Winning Anishnaabe DJ Boogey the Beat

    1h 4m

  7. Feb 14

    Ep. 51: Navigating Medicine as a Young Cree Physician with Dr. Tara Hutchison

    In this powerful cousin episode, Dr. Candace Manitopyes welcomes her cousin, Dr. Tara Hutchison, a young Cree physician from Moose Cree First Nation, for an intimate and wide-ranging conversation about medicine, culture, identity, and the realities facing Indigenous communities today. Both women discuss the emotional labour of being Indigenous professionals in colonial systems: balancing advocacy with gentleness, resisting the pressure to be palatable, and unpacking the internal battles around perfectionism and imposter syndrome. They speak openly about therapy, burnout, and the crash that often follows major achievements, reminding listeners that success doesn’t erase vulnerability. The episode ultimately offers a portrait of two Cree women who have navigated demanding systems while staying rooted in who they are and where they come from. It celebrates community, resilience, cousinhood, and the growing wave of Indigenous people transforming medicine, education, and futures in their homelands and beyond. - Relentless Actions 1.  Write down what you carry in rooms that isn’t in your job description, then choose one thing to stop doing this month. 2.  Identify two people who understand your context without explanation and schedule a real check-in before burnout forces one. Relentless Reflection  1. Where did I learn that excellence is the price of belonging? 2. After I achieve something significant, do I let myself land or do I immediately chase the next proof of worth? Relentless Resources 1. My Grandmother’s Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending Our Hearts and Bodies 2. Your Body Is Not an Apology Workbook: Tools for Living Radical Self-Love Send Us a Text with Your Thoughts or Questions! Join the RIW Patreon Community  RIW Website Music Produced by Award-Winning Anishnaabe DJ Boogey the Beat

    51 min

  8. Feb 7

    Ep. 50: Not Your Stereotype: Rewriting Indigenous Representation with Crystle Lightning

    In this vibrant episode, Dr. Candace Manitopyes speaks with acclaimed actress, musician, and director Crystle Lightning of Enoch Cree Nation, an artist whose three-decade career has broken barriers on screen, on stage, and behind the scenes.  They get into the reality of working in film, television, and theatre—far beyond the glamor audiences see. Crystle opens up about the grit behind the craft, such as the long rehearsals, endless travel, last-minute script changes, and the discipline it takes to thrive in an industry that often expects Indigenous creators to prove themselves twice over. She talks about imposter syndrome, leading her cast with auntie-level care, and building space for emerging artists to stand confidently in rooms not built for them. The two discuss the creation of Bear Grease, the smash-hit Indigenous musical she co-created, and the wild, funny, nerve-wracking backstage moments that became the heartbeat of the show’s success. The episode ends on a powerful note: a call to action for Indigenous creatives to pursue their dreams with courage, curiosity, and community. Crystle reflects on the legacy she hopes to leave—opportunities, representation, and a path wider than the one she had to fight through. The conversation is full of laughter, truth-telling, motivation, and love for Indigenous art. It’s a celebration of what’s possible when Indigenous stories are centred, protected, and brought to life by Indigenous hands. - Relentless Reflection  Where in my own creative or professional life am I still shrinking, even though I know I’m meant to take up more space?What barriers did my younger self face that I can now remove for someone coming up behind me?Relentless Actions  Write down three tangible opportunities you can offer to another Indigenous creative this month (a connection, a recommendation, a shared resource, a skills exchange).Choose one creative risk you've been avoiding and commit to taking the first step within 72 hours—send the email, revise the script, shoot the video, publish the post.Relentless Resources Native Women in Film & Television (NWIFT) — advocacy, mentorship, and networking entirely focused on Indigenous women and gender-diverse creatives in film.Illuminative’s Storytelling Guides — free toolkits that help creators frame, protect, and elevate Indigenous narratives across industries.Send Us a Text with Your Thoughts or Questions! Join the RIW Patreon Community  RIW Website Music Produced by Award-Winning Anishnaabe DJ Boogey the Beat

    43 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.7
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Relentless Indigenous Woman podcast—a space for uncensored and unapologetic conversations on the lived realities of Indigenous Peoples.   Hosted by Dr. Candace Manitopyes, a proud Moose Cree First Nation educator, advocate, and scholar, this podcast invites you to listen, grow, and take meaningful action. With a community of over 750,000 followers across social media, Dr. Manitopyes has become a powerful voice in bold Indigenous education, truth-telling, and solidarity. Here, education becomes rebellion. Resistance. Revolution. Whether you are an Indigenous listener or an ally committed to learning, this podcast exists to challenge, inspire, and empower.  www.relentlessindigenouswoman.ca

Information

  • Creator
    Relentless Indigenous Woman
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    57
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Relentless Indigenous Woman Podcast
  • Show Website
    Relentless Indigenous Woman Podcast

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