Culture is Healing

CheckingIn
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Culture is healing, a safe space for conversation on Indigenous-led healing and community. This podcast holds space for Indigenous health and wellness leaders to share their cultural teachings and lived experiences. These conversations are for anyone who feels connected to Indigenous approaches to healing. We explore how cultural traditions and community connection support mental, emotional, and spiritual health. This podcast is hosted by CheckingIn, Community Relationship Manager, George Harris Jr. who is a Stz’uminus Nation member.

  1. Stepping Into Leadership for the Next Generation with Tanille Johnston

    6D AGO

    Stepping Into Leadership for the Next Generation with Tanille Johnston

    For our final episode of Season 4 George sits down with Tanille Johnston. Tanille is the first Indigenous person to ever have their name represented on a federal political party's leadership ballot in Canadian history.  This episode explores the role of ceremony, the teachings of elders, and the responsibility of embracing our individual gifts—not just for personal growth, but for the wellbeing of the community and future generations.  Tanille also shares her journey into political leadership, reminding us that representation, advocacy, and cultural pride are powerful acts of healing in action.

    40 min
  2. #40 - Creating Safe Spaces for Young Athletes with Mateo Kostering

    FEB 24

    #40 - Creating Safe Spaces for Young Athletes with Mateo Kostering

    George sits down with Mateo Kostering — proud member of the Musgamagw Dzawada’enuxw Nation and the ’Namgis Nation — founder of the Indigenous Athletics Academy, and lifelong athlete whose journey from community tournaments to semi-pro coaching has been guided by discipline, culture, and service.  Mateo shares why resilience must be practiced daily, why winning isn’t the only measure of success, and how sport can reconnect young people to identity, belonging, and purpose.  This conversation is a grounded reminder that when you show up as yourself, remain consistent and build strong communities around youth, you’re not just developing athletes — you’re shaping confident leaders for the next generation.

    58 min

  3. FEB 17

    #39 - Learning to Speak Up Without Holding Back with Sonya Williams

    What does it mean to carry culture into everyday life — not just in ceremony, but in how we speak, lead, parent, and show up for community?   In this episode of Culture is Healing, Sonya Williams (Councillor, Education Coordinator, and Education Committee Chair, Sq’éwlets First Nation ) shares reflections on leadership, family teachings, and the importance of using your voice. She speaks about the responsibility of not walking away with words left unsaid, and how speaking up can be an act of care for community.   The conversation also touches on the role of technology in preserving language and traditions, the pride in creating tools for future generations, and the vital role women hold in cultural leadership. Through personal stories and lived experience, Sonya offers insights on balance, faith, and the everyday lessons that shape who we become.   At its heart, this episode is about connection — to family, to community, and to cultural roots. A thoughtful listen for anyone reflecting on leadership, identity, and the impact of sharing what’s on your heart.

    45 min

  4. FEB 10

    #38 - Turning Care Into Meaningful Action with Deana Gill

    What helps a young person believe in their future? Sometimes it starts with a coach, a ceremony, or one trusted relationship. In this episode, Deana Gill shares how sport, culture, and mentorship are creating real change for Indigenous youth and communities. From her early days in child protection to leading Hope and Health, she reflects on what she’s learned about showing up with humility, building trust, and creating spaces where young people feel they belong. This conversation moves beyond big ideas about reconciliation and into what it looks like in action — relationships, cultural safety, and giving youth the support to dream bigger for themselves. A listen for anyone who cares about youth, community, and the kind of allyship that is built over time.

    52 min
  5. #37 - Why Vulnerability Builds Stronger Communities with Josh Drummond

    FEB 3

    #37 - Why Vulnerability Builds Stronger Communities with Josh Drummond

    Josh shares his story honestly in this one. Josh Drummond (therapist and close friend of George) speaks openly about growing up Indigenous without being raised with his culture.  He shares his experiences in child protection work, and the added layers of care, pain, and responsibility that come with supporting Indigenous families through healing.  This conversation comes back to reconnecting with culture and what that can look like for different people.

    36 min
  6. #36 - Why You’re Not Meant to Do Life Alone with William Taylor

    JAN 27

    #36 - Why You’re Not Meant to Do Life Alone with William Taylor

    George sits down with his mentor and educator William Taylor! Drawing on teachings from elders, storytelling, and decades of experience in education, William shares the most meaningful teachings he’s received. George and William touch on how cultural ceremonies and mentorship are grounded in love and support.  This conversation encourages you to reflect on your own gifts and how they can strengthen both learning and community.

    1 hr
  7. #35 - Becoming A Good Ancestor with Jessica Johnson

    JAN 20

    #35 - Becoming A Good Ancestor with Jessica Johnson

    George Harris Jr. and Jessica Johnson discuss what culturally grounded education requires of educators beyond good intentions. This episode focuses on how teachers can navigate community protocols with care, support language- and land-based learning, and understand belonging as a responsibility rather than an outcome.

    1h 9m
  8. #34 - Including Indigenous Perspectives in Decisions with Leah George-Wilson

    JAN 13

    #34 - Including Indigenous Perspectives in Decisions with Leah George-Wilson

    George Harris Jr. talks with Leah George-Wilson, four-term Chief of the Tsleil-Waututh Nation, about how ceremonies, elders, and ancestral connections guide personal and community well-being. They explore the responsibility we all share to learn Indigenous histories, the power of cultural practices to heal from trauma, and why including Indigenous voices in decision-making matters now more than ever.

    58 min
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About

Culture is healing, a safe space for conversation on Indigenous-led healing and community. This podcast holds space for Indigenous health and wellness leaders to share their cultural teachings and lived experiences. These conversations are for anyone who feels connected to Indigenous approaches to healing. We explore how cultural traditions and community connection support mental, emotional, and spiritual health. This podcast is hosted by CheckingIn, Community Relationship Manager, George Harris Jr. who is a Stz’uminus Nation member.

Information

  • Creator
    CheckingIn
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    41
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Culture is Healing

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