Indigenous Medicine Stories: Anishinaabe mshkiki nwii-dbaaddaan

Darrel Manitowabi

Indigenous Medicine Stories Podcast is a collaboration between AMS Healthcare and the Jason A. Hannah Chair in the History of Indigenous Health and Indigenous Traditional Medicine at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine University. Indigenous Medicine Stories aims to educate health professionals and the public about Indigenous healing. The podcast will highlight the lived experiences of Indigenous Knowledge holders, healers, and Elders and help professionals who practice Indigenous healing. Since time immemorial, Indigenous Peoples held a knowledge system of wellness, healing, and medicine. Colonial processes such as Treaties, the Reserve system, the Indian Act of Canada, Residential Schools, child welfare policies, racism, discrimination, and excluding Indigenous healing in Western biomedicine and education have attempted to erase this knowledge system. Furthermore, until recently, the health education professions have played a role by excluding Indigenous knowledge from the curriculum. Also known as Anishinaabe mshkiki nwii- dbaaddaan ("I'm going to talk about Indigenous medicine") in Anishinaaabemowin, medicine stories explore the perseverance and holism of Indigenous well-being and healing practices through the lived experiences of practitioners. About AMS Healthcare Our work advances a Canadian healthcare system through innovation and technology while remaining rooted in compassion and our medical history. We convene networks, develop leaders, and fund crucial medical history, healthcare research, education, and clinical practice activities. Our work helps improve care for all Canadians. For more information, contact Anne Avery at Anne.Avery@amshealthcare.ca. About the Jason A. Hannah Chair. Through a permanent endowment, the Jason A. Hannah Chairs teach the history of medicine in healthcare education. Dr. Darrel Manitowabi is the inaugural Hannah Chair in the History of Indigenous Health and Indigenous Traditional Medicine at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine University, Sudbury Campus. His research in the history of Indigenous health situates the place of the Anishinaabe language and knowledge in conceptualizing holistic well-being and ill health. For more information, contact Dr. Darrel Manitowabi at dmanitowabi@nosm.ca

  1. Jun 10

    Indigenous Sovereignty and Community Leadership w/ Gordon Peters

    This episode features Councillor Gordon Peters.  Councillor Gordon Peters is a member of the Turtle Clan and is Lunaapeew (Lenape) from Eelünaapéewi Lahkéewiit (Delaware Nation). He currently serves as a Councillor for Eelünaapéewi Lahkéewiit. Councillor Peters has worked with First Nations in both political and non-political capacities for more than four decades, applying his extensive organizing knowledge to promote and advance Indigenous sovereignty. He formerly served as Deputy Grand Chief, an elected position within the Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians (AIAI). He also served as Ontario Regional Chief for the Assembly of First Nations for 12 years and as head of the AIAI for four years. He is an author and educator and is frequently invited to speak on issues related to First Nations communities, economic development, and cultural development. In addition to his work with the AIAI and the Assembly of First Nations, Councillor Peters was instrumental in the creation of the Centre for Indigenous Sovereignty, a non-profit corporation that prioritizes the development and implementation of First Nations initiatives focused on rebuilding Indigenous communities. Through his work at the Centre, Councillor Peters has also played a key role in preserving the Lunaapeew language in the Delaware Nation in southwestern Ontario. Due to the pervasive and ongoing effects of racism and colonialism in Canada, earlier generations were discouraged from passing along this critical component of Lunaapeew culture and identity. Over the past decade, Councillor Peters has worked with Elder Dianne Snake, the last fluent speaker of Lunaapeew, to train a new generation of speakers. Through this collaborative process, Lunaapeew is now taught to youth in Delaware Nation schools. http://amshealthcare.ca/

    30 min

  2. May 13

    Research, Responsibility, and Indigenous Health w/ Dr. Bernice Downey

    This episode features Dr. Bernice Downey. Dr. Downey is a woman of Ojibwe and Celtic heritage, a mother, and a grandmother. She is a medical anthropologist whose current research interests include Indigenous women's heart health, health literacy, Indigenous Traditional Knowledge, and health and research system reform for Indigenous populations. She is a Heart & Stroke Foundation-CIHR Early Career Chair in Indigenous Women's Heart and Brain Health. She is also the inaugural Associate Dean, Indigenous Health for the Faculty of Health Sciences, and a former Acting Director of the McMaster Indigenous Research Institute. Dr. Downey has participated in multiple national and international Indigenous research policy initiatives, including serving as a two-term member of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research's Institute of Aboriginal Health Advisory Board, helping plan and participate in the International Network of Indigenous Health Knowledge Development, and serving as Chief Executive Officer of the National Aboriginal Health Organization, whose mandate included a strong research and knowledge translation focus. As part of her post-doctoral fellowship role with the Department of Graduate Studies at McMaster, Dr. Downey led the development of the innovative Indigenous Undergraduate Summer Research Scholars Program and the McMaster Indigenous Research Institute.

    51 min

  3. Apr 8

    Walking Between Worlds: Indigenous Healing and Mental Health w/ Dr. Christopher Mushquash

    This episode features Dr. Christopher Mushquash.  Dr. Mushquash is a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Mental Health and Addiction, and Professor in the Department of Psychology at Lakehead University and the Division of Human Sciences at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine University. He is also Vice President Research at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre and Chief Scientist and Chief Operating Officer at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute. He is the Director of the Centre for Rural and Northern Health Research at Lakehead University. In addition to his academic appointments, Dr. Mushquash is a registered clinical psychologist providing assessment, intervention, and consultation services for First Nations children, adolescents, and adults at Dilico Anishinabek Family Care. In 2025, Dr. Mushquash was inducted as a Fellow in the Royal Society of Canada. Dr. Mushquash is Anishinawbe (Ojibway) and a member of Pawgwasheeng (Pays Plat First Nation). https://amshealthcare.ca/

    32 min

  4. Mar 11

    Wholistic Wellness: Reclaiming Indigenous Knowledge and Community Care w/ Gus Hill

    This episode features Dr. Gus Hill, who earned his PhD in Social Work from Wilfrid Laurier University in 2008, following his MSW from Laurier and a BSW in Indigenous Social Work from Laurentian University. Gus is a Full Professor and Hallman Research Chair in Child and Family Wellness. He teaches in the Indigenous Field of Study at the MSW and PhD levels in the Faculty of Social Work at Laurier. His research practice is guided by OCAP (Ownership, Control, Access, and Possession) and relational accountability, and generally focuses on improving the well-being of Indigenous peoples in Canada. His research is guided by wholism and a commitment to placing control of Indigenous knowledge firmly in the hands of Indigenous communities. Dr. Hill's current work focuses on Indigenous family wholistic wellness, Indigenous community capacity building, Indigenous community engagement with water safety and protection, and Indigenous worker wholistic wellness. https://amshealthcare.ca/

    48 min

  5. Feb 11

    Walking with Community: Health, Family, and Responsibility w/ Dr. Pamela Williamson

    This episode features Dr. Pamela Williamson, a member of Moose Deer Point First Nation and the Sturgeon Clan (N'me N'Dodem). She was raised on, and currently lives on, Mnidoo Mnising (Manitoulin Island), Ontario. She is the mother of three adult children and two grandchildren, and has been married for over 46 years. Prior to retiring from full-time work, Dr. Williamson served as the Senior Administrator of Noojmowin Teg Health Centre, an Indigenous primary health care organization composed of a multidisciplinary team serving First Nation and Indigenous community members across Espanola and the Manitoulin Island District. In this role, she worked closely with the seven First Nations and other local primary health partners to support the health needs of First Nation individuals and families, successfully advocating for a number of Indigenous health priorities and initiatives. Currently, Dr. Williamson focuses her energies and skills as an entrepreneur and Indigenous consultant. She also volunteers on diverse boards and councils at the national, provincial, and regional levels. Her passion remains advocating for and supporting the priorities of First Nations, particularly in the area of holistic health and well-being. https://amshealthcare.ca/

    43 min

  6. Jan 14

    Conversations from the Southwestern Ontario First Nations & Inuit Cultural Practitioner Gathering

    This episode features Liz Akiwenzie, Dr. Nicole Redvers, Pam Plain, Joanne Jackson, Glenna Jacobs, Toni Murphy, and R. Doug George, recorded at the Southwestern Ontario First Nations and Inuit Cultural Practitioner Gathering. Liz Akiwenzie was raised in Chippewa of Nawash and lives in southwestern Ontario. She is Ojibway on her father's side and Oneida on her mother's side. Her spirit names are Nistangekwe (Understanding Woman) in Ojibway and Day^ya yut do La doe (She Who Reasons and Sees Both Sides) in Oneida. With over 40 years of learning in cultural ways of being, she is recognized as a Knowledge Keeper and Cultural Educator, supporting healing, education, and reconnection for individuals, families, and communities. Dr. Nicole Redvers is a member of the Denı́nu Kų́ę́ First Nation in the Northwest Territories and serves as Associate Professor, Western Research Chair, and Director of Indigenous Planetary Health at Western University. She works nationally and internationally to advance Indigenous perspectives in human and planetary health research and practice. Nicole is the author of The Science of the Sacred: Bridging Global Indigenous Medicine Systems and Modern Scientific Principles. Pam Plain, spirit name White Cedar Bark Woman, is Anishinaabe from Aamjiwnaang First Nation and Eagle Clan. She holds a Master of Social Work and has worked since 2006 in trauma, grief, child welfare, and mental health, grounding her practice in Indigenous worldviews and Two-Eyed Seeing. Since retiring in 2022, she offers private counselling and consulting services rooted in holistic and culturally based healing. Joanne Jackson is Eagle Clan from Kettle & Stony Point First Nation and has spent many years learning from Elders and traditional healers. She is entrusted to conduct Indigenous healing practices and ceremonies and provides cultural teachings to support wellness journeys. Joanne holds a Master's degree in Social Work and has over 30 years of experience in counselling, crisis work, and community healing. Glenna Jacobs is Ojibway and Pottawatomi from Bkejwanong Territory (Walpole Island), of the Crane Clan, with the Anishnaabe name Soaring Eagle Woman. Her lifelong journey in cultural healing, social work, and traditional practices led her to create community-based and private healing programs supporting Indigenous wellness. She now operates Nookmis Path to Reconnection, guiding individuals through trauma release and spiritual, emotional, and physical healing. Toni Murphy is a Registered Nurse from Bkejwanong Territory (Walpole Island) and a lifelong advocate for Indigenous community health and well-being. She is President of the Southwest Home & Community Care Network Association, supporting healthcare services across more than 40 First Nations communities. Toni serves as a bridge between Indigenous and Western healthcare systems, embodying the principles of Two-Eyed Seeing. R. Doug George is Potawatomi/Chippewa from Kettle & Stony Point First Nation and serves as Senior Program Manager of Traditional Healing at SOAHAC. With over 20 years of experience, he supports Anishnaabe wellness through culturally grounded healing programs and community engagement. Doug is dedicated to strengthening connections between traditional knowledge and contemporary healthcare in support of balance and reconciliation. amshealthcare.ca

    42 min

  7. 12/03/2025

    Two-Eyed Seeing: A Path Toward Balance, Healing, and Kinship w/ Albert Marshall

    This episode features Dr. Albert Marshall, Mi'kmaq Elder and co-creator of Two-Eyed Seeing. Dr. Marshall is a respected Elder from the Moose Clan of the Mi'kmaw Nation and lives in the community of Eskasoni in Unama'ki (Cape Breton), Nova Scotia. A fluent speaker of the Mi'kmaq language, he is a passionate advocate for cross-cultural understanding, healing, and our collective responsibility to care for all beings and our Earth Mother. He is recognized as the "designated voice" for Mi'kmaw Elders of Unama'ki on environmental matters. Dr. Marshall is the co-creator of the influential guiding principle Etuaptumk, or Two-Eyed Seeing, which calls for bringing together Indigenous ways of knowing with Western knowledge systems for the benefit of all. He has received numerous honours, including honorary doctoral degrees and diplomas, the Indspire Lifetime Achievement Award, and, most recently, appointment as an Officer of the Order of Canada for his tireless work in preserving, strengthening, and sharing Mi'kmaq culture, values, and knowledge. http://amshealthcare.ca/

    36 min

  8. 11/12/2025

    Western Medicine Meets Indigenous Healing w/ Dr. Annelind Wakegijig

    This episode features Dr. Annelind Wakegijig, an Anishinaabe family physician and the Lead Physician at the Baawaating Family Health Team in Batchewana First Nation near Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. A graduate of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, she has dedicated her career to improving health outcomes in Indigenous communities through culturally safe and community-based care. Dr. Wakegijig is deeply committed to integrating Indigenous knowledge systems and healing practices within Western medical frameworks. Her work emphasizes relationship-based medicine building trust, respect, and understanding between patients and providers while recognizing the importance of land, language, and spirit in holistic wellness. Through her leadership, she continues to advocate for reconciliation in healthcare by creating space for Indigenous voices, ceremony, and traditional medicine within both clinical and educational settings. http://amshealthcare.ca/

    36 min
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About

Indigenous Medicine Stories Podcast is a collaboration between AMS Healthcare and the Jason A. Hannah Chair in the History of Indigenous Health and Indigenous Traditional Medicine at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine University. Indigenous Medicine Stories aims to educate health professionals and the public about Indigenous healing. The podcast will highlight the lived experiences of Indigenous Knowledge holders, healers, and Elders and help professionals who practice Indigenous healing. Since time immemorial, Indigenous Peoples held a knowledge system of wellness, healing, and medicine. Colonial processes such as Treaties, the Reserve system, the Indian Act of Canada, Residential Schools, child welfare policies, racism, discrimination, and excluding Indigenous healing in Western biomedicine and education have attempted to erase this knowledge system. Furthermore, until recently, the health education professions have played a role by excluding Indigenous knowledge from the curriculum. Also known as Anishinaabe mshkiki nwii- dbaaddaan ("I'm going to talk about Indigenous medicine") in Anishinaaabemowin, medicine stories explore the perseverance and holism of Indigenous well-being and healing practices through the lived experiences of practitioners. About AMS Healthcare Our work advances a Canadian healthcare system through innovation and technology while remaining rooted in compassion and our medical history. We convene networks, develop leaders, and fund crucial medical history, healthcare research, education, and clinical practice activities. Our work helps improve care for all Canadians. For more information, contact Anne Avery at Anne.Avery@amshealthcare.ca. About the Jason A. Hannah Chair. Through a permanent endowment, the Jason A. Hannah Chairs teach the history of medicine in healthcare education. Dr. Darrel Manitowabi is the inaugural Hannah Chair in the History of Indigenous Health and Indigenous Traditional Medicine at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine University, Sudbury Campus. His research in the history of Indigenous health situates the place of the Anishinaabe language and knowledge in conceptualizing holistic well-being and ill health. For more information, contact Dr. Darrel Manitowabi at dmanitowabi@nosm.ca

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