Bemaadizijig Ganoonindwaa: Talking to People

AnishinabekNation

Anishinaabekwe Lisa Abel hosts the official Anishinabek Nation podcast, which focuses on initiatives and issues throughout Anishinabek Nation territory. Tune in to explore Anishinaabe governance, lands and resources, language revitalization, health, politics, and much more with featured guests! Visit us at www.anishinabek.ca.

  1. 6d ago

    Unpacking Operation Rainbow, Part 2 with Fred Bellefeuille, Patrick Madahbee and Glen Hare

    This episode of Bemaadizijig Ganoonindwaa concludes our two-part series on Operation Rainbow, the controversial MNR undercover investigation conducted on Manitoulin Island in the late 1980s. Anishinabek Nation Legal Director Fred Bellefeuille, Anishinabek Nation Commissioner on Governance Patrick Madahbee and M'Chigeeng First Nation Gimaa Glen Hare reflect on the legacy of Operation Rainbow, the ongoing exercise of Aboriginal and Treaty rights to hunt, fish, and gather, and how the Anishinabek Nation Governance Agreement is advancing First Nations self-determination and jurisdiction. This podcast is produced by the Communications Department at the Anishinabek Nation. Transcript: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/tfapvrwbx2amv5am/S03E03_Operation_Rainbow_Pt2_Transcript_2026-08-27.pdf Music: “Minou Pimatiswen” by Nigel Irwin and Bryden Gwiss Kiwenzie, “Over The North” by Shauna Seeteenak, and “Down in the Valley” by Graeme Jones, provided by Nagamo Publishing.

  2. Jun 5

    Unpacking Operation Rainbow, Part 1 with Glen Hare and Patrick Madahbee

    Unpacking Operation Rainbow, Part 1: Glen Hare and Patrick Madahbee on a controversial 1980s Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources sting operation and the fight for Anishinabek harvesting rights on Manitoulin Island. In this episode of Bemaadizijig Ganoonindwaa, host Lisa Abel explores the lasting impact of Operation Rainbow, a controversial undercover investigation conducted by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources on Manitoulin Island in the late 1980s. Featuring firsthand perspectives from former Anishinabek Nation leaders Glen Hare and Patrick Madahbee, the conversation traces how the operation, widely viewed by Anishinabek First Nations as entrapment, disrupted lives, strained relationships, and deepened tensions over Aboriginal and Treaty rights to harvest natural resources. Together, they reflect on the broader historical context of government interference, the cultural and community-based approaches to hunting and fishing, and the enduring legacy of mistrust that continues to shape relationships today. This podcast is produced by the Communications Department at the Anishinabek Nation. Transcript: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/cr9uhnyte4gdzpts/S03E02_Operation_Rainbow_Transcript_2026-06-05.pdf Music:  “Minou Pimatiswen” by Nigel Irwin and Bryden Gwiss Kiwenzie, and “Down in the Valley” by Graeme Jonez, provided by Nagamo Publishing. And, "Leaving Home" by Kevin MacLeod, Licensed under Creative Commons by Attribution 4.0.

  3. May 14

    Diabetes Care in First Nations with Shelly Livingston and Donald Corbiere

    In this episode of Bemaadizijig Ganoonindwaa, host Lisa Abel speaks with Anishinabek health professionals Shelly Livingston and Donald Corbiere about diabetes in First Nations. Together, they go beyond the medical side to share personal stories and community experiences, exploring how diabetes is connected to history, culture, and daily life. They also talk about challenges like access to care and healthy food, while highlighting the importance of traditional knowledge, family support, and community-led approaches to help people live well with diabetes. This podcast is produced by the Communications Department at the Anishinabek Nation. Transcript: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/y6ydxsgtdtax7apj/S03E01_Diabetes_Transcript_2026-05-14.pdf Music: Minou-Pimatiswen by Nigel Irwin and Chippewa Travellers, and Hard Beginnings by Greyson Gritt, provided by Nagamo Publishing. Links and Resources: Indigenous Diabetes Health Circle https://idhc.life/ National Indigenous Diabetes Association https://nada.ca/ Diabetes Canada https://diabetes.ca/about-diabetes Anishinabek Nation hosts 4th Annual Diabetes Conference https://anishinabeknews.ca/2026/05/anishinabek-nation-hosts-4th-annual-diabetes-conference/

  4. Apr 14

    Finding Percy, part 2 with Claire Onabigon and Kelsey Anger

    In Part 2 of Finding Percy, Claire Onabigon continues her decades-long search for her uncle Percy Onabigon. With the support of researcher Kelsey Anger, they uncover long-hidden records that trace Percy’s movements through residential school and multiple institutions in southern Ontario. Their work reveals the conditions he lived in, how he was moved without family knowledge, and that he died of tuberculosis far from home. Despite federal refusals and heavy bureaucratic barriers, Claire and her community persist and ultimately secure provincial support to exhume Percy, confirm his identity, and prepare for his return to Long Lake #58 First Nation. This episode follows the emotional ceremonies, the allies who stepped forward, and the collective effort that finally brought Percy Onabigon home after 60 years. * Some of the content of this episode may be upsetting to some listeners. Hope for Wellness Helpline: 1-855-242-3310. Hope for Wellness Helpline is available 24/7 to all Indigenous people across Canada, whether you prefer to talk to someone on the phone or online. This podcast is produced by the Communications Department at the Anishinabek Nation. Transcript: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/u2tzwidi6qirmcwb/Finding_Percy_pt2_Transcript_Final_2026-04-14.pdf Music: Minou-Pimatiswen by Nigel Irwin and Chippewa Travellers, and The Longest Route by Justin Delorme, provided by Nagamo Publishing.  Links and Resources: Anishinabek Nation – Indian Residential, Day and Industrial Schools https://anishinabek.ca/irs/ National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation https://nctr.ca/ Residential Schools Missing Children Community Support Fund https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1622742779529/1628608766235 Ontario Archives – Records related to Indigenous Peoples https://www.archives.gov.on.ca/topic/records-related-to-indigenous-peoples/ Office of the Independent Special Interlocutor for Missing Children and Unmarked Graves and Burial Sites associated with Indian Residential Schools https://osi-bis.ca/ Truth and Reconciliation Final Report Volume 4 - Canada's Residential Schools: Missing Children and Unmarked Burials  https://nctr.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Volume_4_Missing_Children_English_Web.pdf Oxford County Archives shares “The Long Road Back: Bringing Percy Home” https://www.oxfordcounty.ca/news/posts/new-memorial-display-reflects-on-oxford-county-s-connection-to-the-legacy-of-residential-schools/

  5. Mar 26

    Finding Percy - Pt.1 with Claire Onabigon and Kelsey Anger

    Percy Onabigon, an Anishinabe boy from Long Lake #58 First Nation, was taken to a residential school in 1946 and, within months, was transferred without explanation to institutions in southern Ontario, where he lived and eventually passed on without ever seeing his family again. Driven by her family’s enduring love and memory of Percy, his niece Claire Onabigon located his gravesite in Woodstock in 2010. But with no supports, no records, and no government mechanisms to help families searching for lost children who went missing from residential schools, she could go no further. Against the backdrop of growing national awareness about the legacy of residential schools and unmarked burials, Claire eventually connected with Kelsey Anger of the Anishinabek Nation’s Reconciliation Department, whose research helped uncover institutional records and begin piecing together Percy’s missing years. Part 1 of this 2-episode series lays the emotional and historical foundation for the journey to understand what happened to Percy, and the efforts to finally bring him home. * Some of the content of this episode may be upsetting to some listeners. Hope for Wellness Helpline: 1-855-242-3310. Hope for Wellness Helpline is available 24/7 to all Indigenous people across Canada, whether you prefer to talk to someone on the phone or online. This podcast is produced by the Communications Department at the Anishinabek Nation. Transcript: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/5yj6kp96whduh6s8/ONABIGON_2026-03-26_FINAL.pdf Music: Minou-Pimatiswen by Nigel Irwin and Chippewa Travellers, The Longest Route by Justin Delorme, and Cousins by Wolf Saga/Chippewa Travellers, provided by Nagamo Publishing.  Effects: IndigoBunting and Freesound Community, provided by Pixabay.  Links and Resources: Anishinabek Nation – Indian Residential, Day and Industrial Schools https://anishinabek.ca/irs/ National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation https://nctr.ca/ Residential Schools Missing Children Community Support Fund https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1622742779529/1628608766235 Ontario Archives – Records related to Indigenous Peoples https://www.archives.gov.on.ca/topic/records-related-to-indigenous-peoples/ Office of the Independent Special Interlocutor for Missing Children and Unmarked Graves and Burial Sites associated with Indian Residential Schools https://osi-bis.ca/

  6. Feb 20

    Human Trafficking Awareness with Anishinabek Police Service

    Indigenous girls, women and Two‑Spirit people are disproportionately targeted by human traffickers. Detective Sergeant Matti Primeau and Crime Analyst Jessica Restoule of the Anishinabek Police Service explain what human trafficking is, and how traffickers use in-person and online tactics to prey on a person’s vulnerabilities. We discuss the importance of sharing protective tools with young people and providing supports for survivors. We also hear how a First Nations police service can be effective in addressing Indigenous human trafficking because it combines deep community knowledge, cultural understanding, and trusted relationships with strong intelligence‑gathering and multi‑jurisdictional collaboration. * Some of the content of this episode may be upsetting to some listeners. Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-833-900-1010. You can reach out 24/7 — whether you’re being trafficked, you know someone who is, or you’re a trafficking survivor. Hope for Wellness Helpline: 1-855-242-3310. Hope for Wellness Helpline is available 24/7 to all Indigenous people across Canada, whether you prefer to talk to someone on the phone or online.  This podcast is produced by the Communications Department at the Anishinabek Nation.  Transcript: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/5rp9frxe78uau9bb/APS_Human_Trafficking_Transcript_2026-02-20.pdf Music: Minou-Pimatisiwin by Nigel Irwin and Chippewa Travellers, and Falling Forward by Justin Delorme, provided by Nagamo Publishing.  Links and Resources:  Anishinabek Police Service – Human Trafficking  https://www.anishinabekpolice.ca/staying-safe/human-trafficking Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline  https://canadianhumantraffickinghotline.ca/ 1-833-900-1010 Hotline available 24 hours a day, seven days a week Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking https://ccteht.ca/ Victim Services  https://victimservicesontario.ca/ Ontario’s Anti-Human Trafficking Strategy 2025-2030  Ontario’s anti-human trafficking strategy 2025–2030 | ontario.ca Kids Help Phone – Human trafficking: how to recognize the signs https://kidshelpphone.ca/get-info/human-trafficking-how-recognize-signs/

  7. Jan 9

    Indigenous Data Sovereignty with Rylee Restoule

    In November 2025, the Anishinabek Nation Chiefs in Assembly resolved to move forward with a relationship agreement between the Anishinabek Nation and the Health Sciences North Research Institute. The partners plan to develop research protocols in collaboration with our interested member First Nations. Research protocols are tools that First Nations can use to assert their own data sovereignty and ensure that research in their communities respects Indigenous methods, and is aligned with their goals. To learn more about Indigenous data sovereignty, I spoke with Rylee Restoule, the Coordinator of Indigenous Health Research at the Health Sciences North Research Institute. We talked about why it’s so important for First Nations to have a say in research and create their own data governance plans, as well as how Rylee’s connection to her Anishinaabe community, culture and language helps her to advocate for research that is strengths-based and respects our worldviews. This podcast is produced by the Communications Department at the Anishinabek Nation. Transcript: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/hithbkean9s7kjvr/2026-01-09_Rylee_Restoule_Bemaadizijig_Ganoonindwaa.pdf Music: Minou-Pimatisiwin by Nigel Irwin and Chippewa Travellers, and A Very Warm Welcome by Justin Delorme, provided by Nagamo Publishing. Guest Bio:  Rylee Restoule is a PhD student, researcher, advocate, and youth representative from Dokis First Nation. She is Francophone living in rural Northern Ontario. She has been crowned Miss Kikendaad 2025-2026. She works as the Health Sciences North Foundation (HSNF) Clinical Research Coordinator of Indigenous Health at Health Sciences North Research Institute (HSNRI). Rylee is an Anishinaabemowin learner, and student of the 2025-2026 Biidwewdamowaad Nimkiig Biidaabang cohort with Ninaatigoons Learning.  Her PhD research at the University of Saskatchewan is about “Informing health policy with the teachings of the tikanaagan to improve perinatal care and birthing practices for First Nations families in Northern Ontario.”  Rylee is passionate about research-backed health policy and encouraging youth to feel empowered within their culture! Links and Resources:  Health Sciences North Research Institute https://hsnsudbury.ca/en/Research The First Nations Principles of OCAP https://fnigc.ca/ocap-training/ Indigenous Data Sovereignty and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People https://www.lib.sfu.ca/help/publish/research-data-management/indigenous-data-sovereignty Tri-Council Policy Statement on Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans (TCPS-2) https://ethics.gc.ca/eng/policy-politique_tcps2-eptc2_2022.html Manitoulin Anishinaabek Research Review Committee https://nthc.ca/programs-services/projects-research/research-ethics/ Wajashk Creations  https://www.instagram.com/wajashkcreations/

  8. 12/12/2025

    Kinomaage Waapkong with Keith Knott

    Curve Lake First Nation is seeking to become the primary caretaker of Kinomaage Waapkong, also known as the Teaching Rocks, at Petroglyphs Provincial Park. Former Curve Lake First Nation Gimaa Keith Knott discusses the history and significance of Kinomaage Waapkong, a sacred site to the local Michi Saagiig people, that has faced incursions from geologists, academics, and the province of Ontario since the 1950s. This podcast is produced by the Communications Department at the Anishinabek Nation. Transcript: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/sxmzrkz264783ery/2025-12-12_Kinomaage_Waapkong_Keith_Knott.pdf Music: “Minou-Pimatiswen” by Nigel Irwin and Chippewa Travellers, “Animjiwan” by Daniel Monkman, “Those Who Came Before” by Mike Bern, “Down in the Valley” by Graeme Jonez, “Thoughts Will Wander” and “Star Shower” by Justin Delorme, provided by Nagamo Publishing. Grand Entry Song by Medicine Lodge Singers.  Links and Resources:  Kinomaage Waapkong – The Teaching Rocks https://www.heritage-matters.ca/articles/kinomaage-waapkong-the-teaching-rocks Curve Lake First Nation seeks to be caretaker for Kinomaage Waapkong https://anishinabeknews.ca/2025/06/curve-lake-first-nation-seeks-to-be-caretaker-for-kinomaage-waapkong/ Keeping the Kinoomaag Waapkong sacred in modern times https://anishinabeknews.ca/2025/05/keeping-the-kinoomaag-waapkong-sacred-in-modern-times/ DJ Fife Petroglyphs Provincial Park Ontario https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSzLjsNIYzU #Heritage Stories – Interview with Anne Taylor https://www.facebook.com/ontarioparks/videos/heritagestories-interview-with-anne-taylor/424704029329574/ Kinoomaagewapkong – Teaching Rocks https://www.facebook.com/curvelakefirstnation/videos/kinoomaagewapkong-teaching-rocks/444277207525415/ Curve Lake First Nation https://curvelakefirstnation.ca/ Petroglyphs Provincial Park https://www.ontarioparks.ca/park/petroglyphs

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Anishinaabekwe Lisa Abel hosts the official Anishinabek Nation podcast, which focuses on initiatives and issues throughout Anishinabek Nation territory. Tune in to explore Anishinaabe governance, lands and resources, language revitalization, health, politics, and much more with featured guests! Visit us at www.anishinabek.ca.

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