RAD Story Lodge

RAD Network

Welcome to the RAD Story Lodge, a space where we share stories of land, culture and hope.  Here, we explore pathways to bring abundance and financial sustainability to Indigenous land stewardship. In this podcast, we demystify concepts like ‘nature-based solutions’ and hear how Indigenous communities are advancing regenerative economies in their territories. Join us and hear from land and water stewards who are redefining conservation, restoring land relationships, and reasserting Indigenous rights.   The RAD Story Lodge is hosted by RAD (Restore, Assert and Defend) Network. Learn more on our website, sign up for our mailing list, and drop us a line to connect or share a story. Website:  https://radnetwork.ca/ Mailing List: http://eepurl.com/iNvdM6 To connect or share a story: https://radnetwork.ca/connect-with-us/

Episodes

  1. Jun 3

    The Living Legacy of the Birchbark Canoe

    Welcome to the RAD Story Lodge. In this special episode, Amberly Quakegesic sits down with master birchbark canoe builder Chuck Commanda. Chuck speaks to the legacy of birch bark canoes which, for millennia, have carried families, stories, trade, ceremony, survival, and a way of seeing the world rooted in relationship with the land. As Chuck begins stepping into retirement, Amberly now walks alongside Chuck as his apprentice. Together, they reflect on the importance of keeping the knowledge alive for future generations–both how to build canoes and how to rebuild our relationship with the land. The RAD Story Lodge is hosted by RAD Network. We seek to center Indigenous rights and leadership within conservation finance and nature-based solutions. Learn more about RAD Network here.  This episode was produced by Karim Rizkallah and hosted by Amberly Quakegesic, with music by Digging Roots. The RAD Story Lodge is made possible with funding from Environment and Climate Change Canada. Links:  Blog - Reflection from Amberly: https://landneedsguardians.ca/latest/once-a-guardian-always-a-guardianChuck Commanda Instagram: @birchbarkcanoeman Wahkohtowin Canoe Build video: https://youtu.be/zCsgW7PtDqs?si=6YxFYTxPQdoiu3To Blog from 2020 - The first canoe build: https://landneedsguardians.ca/latest/building-a-canoe-strengthening-guardianship RAD Network website: https://radnetwork.ca/RAD Network mailing list: http://eepurl.com/iNvdM6RAD Network socials: Instagram, LinkedIn, FacebookDigging Roots: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6jXRPYI1uhTRJKuetXMRpj?si=ncoOz3VdSwe_p0fqpXtdag

    36 min

  2. Apr 7

    “Nature has always held the solutions.” - Val Courtois

    Welcome to the RAD Story Lodge. This episode features a conversation with Valérie Courtois, Executive Director of the Indigenous Leadership Initiative (ILI) and a leading expert on the national movement of Indigenous-led conservation and stewardship building across Canada.  The RAD Story Lodge is hosted by RAD Network – a network that seeks to center Indigenous rights and leadership within conservation finance and nature-based solutions. Learn more about RAD Network here.  This episode was produced by Arina Isaeva (Wolf Eye Productions) and hosted by Amberly Quakegesic, with music by Digging Roots. The RAD Story Lodge is made possible with funding from Environment and Climate Change Canada. Links:  RAD Network website: https://radnetwork.ca/RAD Network mailing list: http://eepurl.com/iNvdM6RAD Network socials: Instagram, LinkedIn, FacebookILI website: https://www.ilinationhood.ca/ ILI socials: LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, InstagramValérie Courtois bio: https://www.ilinationhood.ca/leadership-team/valerie-courtois Indigenous Guardians: https://www.ilinationhood.ca/guardians Digging Roots: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6jXRPYI1uhTRJKuetXMRpj?si=ncoOz3VdSwe_p0fqpXtdag

    27 min

  3. Mar 23

    Roots of a Stewardship Economy - Part 2: Wahkohtowin

    Welcome to the RAD Story Lodge, a podcast hosted by RAD Network. In this episode we hear about Wahkohtowin Development’s efforts to cultivate an Indigenous stewardship economy in Treaty 9 territory. In partnership with Mikro-Tek, Wahkohtowin is applying mycorrhizal fungi to tree seedlings to improve forest health and tap into a new revenue stream from carbon finance.  David Flood and Leigh Fox bring us to the heart of the vision: where Indigenous stewardship drives economic sovereignty and opportunity, calling young people home to work in meaningful roles in their communities. Adrian Perreault offers her firsthand perspective of what it meant to her to take part in the work as a Guardian and her journey bringing that knowledge home to her community. Listen to Part 1: The Fungal Factor to learn more about Mikro-Tek and their innovative mycorrhizal technology.  This episode was produced by Arina Isaeva (Wolf Eye Productions) and co-hosted by Randi Russell, Amberly Quakegesic and Delta Flood, with music by Digging Roots.  Links: Linked episode: Roots of a Stewardship Economy - Part 1: The Fungal FactorVideo: Wahkohtowin & Mikro-TekWahkohtowin website: www.wahkohtowin.com Mikro-Tek website: https://www.mikro-tek.com/ RAD Network resources: https://radnetwork.ca/tools-and-reports/RAD Network mailing list: http://eepurl.com/iNvdM6RAD Network socials: Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook

    34 min

  4. Mar 4

    Roots of a Stewardship Economy - Part 1: The Fungal Factor

    Welcome to the RAD Story Lodge. In this episode, Mark Kean (Mikro-Tek) tells us about a nature-based technology that's growing the roots of an Indigenous stewardship economy in Treaty 9 territory. Mikro-Tek and Wahkohtowin Development are partnering to apply mycorrhizal fungi to tree seedlings in the Boreal Forest as a herbicide alternative and nature-based climate solution. Join us in the Story Lodge and stay tuned for a follow-up episode, where we’ll hear more on what this means for Indigenous rights, jurisdiction and Guardians. The RAD Story Lodge is hosted by RAD Network–a network that seeks to center Indigenous rights and leadership within conservation finance and nature-based solutions. Learn more about the RAD Network at radnetwork.ca.  This episode was produced by Arina Isaeva (Wolf Eye Productions), hosted by Amberly Quakegesic and introduced by Randi Russell, with music by Digging Roots.  Links: https://www.mikro-tek.com/ Dr. Suzanne Simmard TEDTalk on how trees communicate and share resources using mycorrhizal networks: https://www.ted.com/talks/suzanne_simard_how_trees_talk_to_each_other RAD Network website: https://radnetwork.ca/RAD Network mailing list: http://eepurl.com/iNvdM6RAD Network socials: Instagram, LinkedIn, FacebookRAD Linktree: https://linktr.ee/radnetwork

    37 min

  5. 12/18/2025

    Land Back: The Wabanaki Forest

    Welcome to the RAD Story Lodge. This episode features a conversation about the Wabanaki Forest, Climate, and Land Back Partnership. Delta Flood speaks with Darran O’Leary (Passamaquoddy Recognition Group Inc.), Stephanie Merrill (Nature Trust of New Brunswick) and Anne Herteis (Community Forests International). Listen in to hear about a unique collaboration between three Indigenous Nations and two environmental organizations who have joined forces to protect 9000 acres of endangered Wabanaki Forest through the establishment of an IPCA (Indigenous Protected and Conserved/Cultural Area).  The RAD Story Lodge is hosted by RAD (Restore, Assert and Defend) Network, a network that seeks to center Indigenous rights and leadership within conservation finance and nature-based solutions. Learn more about the RAD Network here.  This episode was produced by Arina Isaeva (Wolf Eye Productions), hosted by Delta Flood and introduced by Randi Russell, with music by Digging Roots.  The RAD Story Lodge is made possible with funding from Environment and Climate Change Canada. Links:  RAD Network website: https://radnetwork.ca/RAD Network mailing list: http://eepurl.com/iNvdM6RAD Network socials: Instagram, LinkedIn, FacebookRAD Linktree: https://linktr.ee/radnetwork Indigenous Lands Symposium: https://www.wahkohtowin.com/indigenous-lands-symposium-2026

    40 min

  6. 12/09/2025

    What is RAD? Part 2

    In Episode 2, “What is RAD? Part 2”, we continue introducing you to the RAD Network Leadership Circle, who share what brought them to this work and why this moment matters. Hear from Dani Warren (Great Bear Carbon), Terry Dorward (IISAAK OLAM Foundation) and Gwen Bridge (Gwen Bridge Consulting), who share their perspectives on ‘nature-based solutions’ and the collective purpose that brought the RAD Network together. The RAD Story Lodge is hosted by RAD (Restore, Assert and Defend) Network, a network that seeks to centre Indigenous rights and leadership within conservation finance and nature-based solutions.  This episode was produced by Karim Rizkallah and Randi Russell, with music by Digging Roots. The RAD Story Lodge is made possible with funding from Environment and Climate Change Canada. Links:  RAD Network website: https://radnetwork.ca/RAD Network mailing list: http://eepurl.com/iNvdM6RAD Network socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/radnetwork_/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/restore-assert-defend-rad-network/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Wz6M5rv5k/?mibextid=wwXIfr RAD Linktree: https://linktr.ee/radnetwork Digging Roots: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6jXRPYI1uhTRJKuetXMRpj?si=ncoOz3VdSwe_p0fqpXtdag

    14 min

  7. 11/28/2025

    What is RAD? Part 1

    Welcome to the RAD Story Lodge. In this episode, we introduce the RAD Leadership Circle who share what brought them to this work and why this moment matters. Listen along to hear from the brilliant people paddling the RAD Network canoe. Episode 1, “What is RAD? - Part 1”, features David Flood (Wahkohtowin Development), Sam Whiteye (Carolinian Canada) and Steven Nitah (Nature for Justice). Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll hear from Gwen Bridge (Gwen Bridge Consulting), Terry Dorward (IISAAK OLAM Foundation), and Dani Warren (Great Bear Carbon).  The RAD Story Lodge is hosted by RAD (Restore, Assert and Defend) Network, a network that seeks to centre Indigenous rights and leadership within conservation finance and nature-based solutions.  This episode was produced by Karim Rizkallah and Randi Russell, with music by Digging Roots. The RAD Story Lodge is made possible with funding from Environment and Climate Change Canada. Links:  RAD Network website: https://radnetwork.ca/RAD Network mailing list: http://eepurl.com/iNvdM6RAD Network socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/radnetwork_/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/restore-assert-defend-rad-network/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Wz6M5rv5k/?mibextid=wwXIfr RAD Linktree: https://linktr.ee/radnetwork Digging Roots: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6jXRPYI1uhTRJKuetXMRpj?si=ncoOz3VdSwe_p0fqpXtdag

    16 min

  8. 04/17/2023

    From the Archives: The path so far – with Steven Nitah

    From Our Archives: This pilot episode was produced in 2023 as part of the RAD Network Moccasin Telegraph, now known as the RAD Story Lodge. In this episode we hear from Steven Nitah, a member of the RAD Network’s Leadership Circle and a proud member of Łutsël K’é Dene First Nation.  Steven served as Chief in 2008 and was the Nation’s lead negotiator in the creation of the Thaidene Nëné Indigenous Protected Area—one of the largest protected areas in North America.  Steven has also been an active member of the Indigenous Leadership Initiative (ILI) for over a decade, and recently embarked on a new role with Nature For Justice.  In this episode, Steven shares his perspective as a core member of the Indigenous Circle of Experts (ICE), contributing to We Rise Together, a landmark report on achieving Canada’s conservation goals through the creation of Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs) in the spirit and practice of reconciliation.  This led to the creation of the Conservation through Reconciliation Partnership, from which the RAD Network is now emerging.  Steven notes that Indigenous peoples make up about 5% of the world’s population, but steward 80% of the remaining biodiversity on Earth, highlighting that “we’re proven to be the best caretakers of nature; the world needs that”.  Steven speaks of the intent for the RAD Network to help build tools to ensure that Indigenous rights, responsibilities and value systems are centered in nature based solutions and other conservation finance pathways that support IPCAs.  Music by Lexin_Music from Pixabay. Keywords: restore, assert, defend, Indigenous, Canada, Turtle Island, environment, climate, reconciliation

    20 min

  9. 04/15/2023

    From the Archives: Reconnection, Indigenous sovereignty and love – with David Flood

    From Our Archives: This pilot episode was produced in 2023 as part of the RAD Network Moccasin Telegraph, now known as the RAD Story Lodge. We connected with David Flood, a member of the RAD Network’s Leadership Group. David is the General Manager of Wahkohtowin Development GPI. and an Advisor to the Indigenous Leadership Initiative. David has 30 years of experience as an Indigenous practitioner with a background in forestry, forest management, science, and land use planning. In this episode, David reflects on his journey of reconnecting with his Indigenous roots and his advocacy for Indigenous rights. He shares about his role as the General Manager of Wahkohtowin Development General Partnership, a social enterprise owned by the Chapleau Cree, Missanabie Cree and Brunswick House First Nations.  We hear how Wahkohtowin is working to  empower First Nations to participate fully in forestry and environmental planning, and how the benefits of this partnership go back to the communities. David also discusses his involvement with the Indigenous Leadership Initiative and its mission to support nation-building across Canada in a non-political fashion. Music by Lexin_Music from Pixabay. Keywords: restore, assert, defend, Indigenous, Canada, Turtle Island, environment, climate, reconciliation

    20 min
  • 9 Episodes

About

Welcome to the RAD Story Lodge, a space where we share stories of land, culture and hope.  Here, we explore pathways to bring abundance and financial sustainability to Indigenous land stewardship. In this podcast, we demystify concepts like ‘nature-based solutions’ and hear how Indigenous communities are advancing regenerative economies in their territories. Join us and hear from land and water stewards who are redefining conservation, restoring land relationships, and reasserting Indigenous rights.   The RAD Story Lodge is hosted by RAD (Restore, Assert and Defend) Network. Learn more on our website, sign up for our mailing list, and drop us a line to connect or share a story. Website:  https://radnetwork.ca/ Mailing List: http://eepurl.com/iNvdM6 To connect or share a story: https://radnetwork.ca/connect-with-us/

Information

  • Creator
    RAD Network
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 RAD Story Lodge
  • Show Website
    RAD Story Lodge