Under The Same Sky

UnderTheSameSky

Under The Same Sky is an Indigenous-focused podcast exploring reconciliation, early learning, culture, education, and community through honest conversations and shared stories. This podcast creates space for learning, listening, and meaningful dialogue—because reconciliation begins with relationships.

Episodes

  1. Sep 29

    UTSS S1E8: The Culture of Childcare || Season Finale

    Hosts: Faith Hale, Sophia Peltier In this episode, hosts Faith and Sophia explore the evolution of early childhood education, the importance of cultural foundations, and the journey towards reconciliation and purpose in community building. Key Topics The importance of cultural foundations in early childhood educationThe evolution of Ontario's childcare policies from Day Nurseries Act to Child Care and Early Years ActThe role of Indigenous teachings and seven-generation thinking in shaping future policiesThe impact of mental health supports and teacher well-being in early childhood settingsThe significance of community, reconciliation, and purpose in building a healthy future for children and familiesThe need to integrate cultural and spiritual practices into early childhood educationOntario's childcare policies have evolved significantly since 2014, emphasizing professionalization and fundingReconciliation involves understanding and honoring Indigenous teachings and seven-generation thinkingSupporting teachers' mental health is crucial for quality care and sustainable work environmentsBuilding community and purpose in childcare creates a foundation for healthy families and future generations"We need to create healing in the lodge of childcare.""A teaching of seven generations is, know, every decision you make now.""Under the same sky, we all exist and how do we come together?" Chapters 00:00 Introduction and episode overview 01:59 The importance of cultural foundations in early childhood education 04:10 Ontario's evolving childcare policies and professionalization 05:59 The role of Indigenous teachings and seven-generation thinking 07:48 Supporting mental health and well-being of educators 09:54 Community, reconciliation, and purpose in childcare1 2:08 Personal reflections on relationships and leadership 13:58 Moving forward with purpose and community engagement https://www.facebook.com/underthesameskypodcast https://www.reconciliationwithpurpose.com/

  2. Sep 22

    S1 SPECIAL EPISODE: Orange Shirt Day

    Orange Shirt Day, Truth and Reconciliation, and Why “Every Child Matters” Hosts: Faith Hale, Sophia Peltier Key topics In this episode, the hosts explain how Orange Shirt Day began with Phyllis Jack Webstad’s childhood experience of having her orange shirt taken away at residential school.They connect that story to the broader history of residential schools in Canada, which operated from the 1830s to 1996 and forcibly removed about 150,000 Indigenous children from their families.The discussion emphasizes that residential schooling was not just schooling, but a policy designed to strip children of language, culture, family support, and identity.The speakers push back on denial and minimization, stressing that even if experiences varied, the system itself caused deep harm and left lasting trauma.They note the relationship between Orange Shirt Day on September 30 and Canada’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, underscoring that the day is meant for reflection, awareness, and remembrance.The episode frames reconciliation as a living process shaped by truth, healing, forgiveness, and responsibility to future generations.Local community observances are highlighted, including events in Amherstburg, Windsor Essex, Chatham Kent, Sarnia Lambton, and First Nations communities.The conversation also points to practical community expressions of solidarity such as orange shirts, orange donuts, orange cookies, murals, language signs, art walks, drumming, round dances, and vendor gatherings.The speakers encourage people to support Indigenous-owned businesses and research where their purchases go, especially when buying Orange Shirt Day apparel.They close by calling on governments and communities to put children first and to continue building awareness, allyship, and safer communities. Timestamps 00:00 - Opening on Orange Shirt Day and why truth and reconciliation matter00:55 - Residential schools, cultural loss, and the meaning of Phyllis Jack Webstad’s story02:48 - The scale of residential schools and the trauma of children being taken away03:26 - “Take the Indian out of the child” and why the policy was harmful by design04:50 - Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada05:47 - Intergenerational trauma and why the impact is still felt today07:09 - Personal reflections on wearing orange and community responses08:43 - Why the movement is about survival, healing, and saying Indigenous people are still here09:12 - Community events across municipalities and how people can get involved10:45 - Why schools, colleges, and age-appropriate education matter11:11 - Belonging, truth, and why the movement started spreading organically12:27 - Reconciliation, early years, and the need to address trauma in communities13:22 - Honoring Phyllis Webstad and her grandmother as part of the story14:00 - Truth, forgiveness, and building safe communities for future generations15:09 - Community celebrations, murals, language, and visible acts of remembrance16:20 - Intergenerational healing and creating safe places for families17:18 - Supporting Indigenous businesses and doing your research before buying18:36 - Grassroots fundraising and reinvesting into education and community work19:06 - Gratitude to collaborators and a call to keep raising awareness20:09 - Putting children first and leaving a legacy of action, not silence https://orangeshirtday.org/about/phyllis-story/ https://reconciliationwithpurpose.com/ https://www.facebook.com/underthesameskypodcast/

  3. Sep 15

    UTSS S1E7: Family Life and Perspectives

    Hosts: Faith Hale and Sophia Peltier Summary This episode explores the evolving concept of family, leadership, and community from Indigenous and multicultural perspectives. The hosts share personal stories, cultural insights, and practical approaches to redefining family and building supportive communities. Key Topics: Evolving definitions of family across cultures The importance of support systems and community Indigenous teachings and the medicine wheel Intergenerational trauma and healing Reconciliation and cultural understanding Titles Redefining Family: Indigenous Perspectives on Community and Support Building Supportive Villages: The Future of Family and Leadership Chapters 00:00 Introduction: Leadership, Women, and Family Dynamics 00:25 Changing Perspectives on Family and Society 01:23 Personal Stories and Cultural Insights on Family 02:20 Redefining Family in Indigenous and Newcomer Contexts 03:18 Support Systems for Women and Families Today 04:44 Decisions and Conscious Parenting 05:14 Welcoming Newcomer Families and Cultural Diversity 06:10 The Concept of Family in Indigenous Worldview 07:39 Children, Family, and Intergenerational Trauma 09:07 Family Structures and Community Support 10:36 Inclusive Definitions of Family and Guardianship 12:03 Cultural Understanding and Trust in Family Care 13:01 Investing in Future Generations and Community 14:24 The Village as a Support System 15:24 The Medicine Wheel and Balance in Life 17:19 Grounding in Cultural Teachings and Reconciliation 18:16 Closing Remarks and Future Conversations

  4. Aug 18

    UTSS S1E5: Responsibilities in Relationships

    Summary In this episode, Faith and Sophia explore the deep connections between early childhood development, Indigenous teachings, and community roles, emphasizing reconciliation and the importance of cultural understanding in caregiving. Keywords: early childhood, Indigenous teachings, reconciliation, community roles, child development, cultural understanding, intergenerational trauma, family responsibilities, leadership, holistic care Key Topics The significance of Indigenous teachings like the Goswenta and life cycle in child developmentThe importance of community involvement and cultural understanding in early learningRoles and responsibilities across generations in Indigenous and non-Indigenous communitiesThe impact of intergenerational trauma and the path to healing through caregivingThe value of love, trust, respect, and responsibility in building healthy families and communities Hosts: Faith Hale and Sophia Peltier Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the episode and guest backgrounds 01:59 The significance of Indigenous teachings and the land 03:54 Roles and responsibilities in community and family 06:00 The importance of early childhood education and cultural practices 08:00 Reconciliation as a purpose and community celebration 10:02 The cycle of life and intergenerational roles 12:06 Building healthy families and community involvement 13:58 The future of leadership and reconciliation 16:05 Closing thoughts and next steps for community and cultural work

  5. Aug 4

    UTSS S1E4: Reconciliation in the Early Years

    Summary: In this episode, Faith and Sophia explore the deep connections between early childhood education, community partnerships, reconciliation, and cultural identity. They share personal stories, discuss the importance of balance, and highlight how collaborative efforts can foster healing and growth for children and families. Keywords: early childhood education, community partnerships, reconciliation, cultural identity, Indigenous knowledge, child care, family support, trauma, community healing Hosts: Faith Hale, Sophia Peltier Key Topics The role of community partnerships in early childhood educationThe importance of reconciliation and cultural identityBalancing work, family, and community supportThe impact of intergenerational trauma on childrenThe significance of Indigenous knowledge and practicesCreating environments that support community involvementThe value of relationships and reciprocity in careThe evolution of early childhood policies and fundingThe importance of love and celebration in learningBuilding peace and trust in early education settings Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to the podcast and speakers 02:23 Challenges and opportunities in early childhood policies 04:50 Personal stories of resilience and community support 07:02 The journey of reconciliation and collective purpose 09:12 The power of relationships and reciprocity 10:04 The role of culture and tradition in healing 10:29 Balancing policies, funding, and community needs 10:55 The importance of love, celebration, and shared purpose 11:24 Looking ahead: future directions in early childhood and reconciliation 11:53 Closing thoughts and community call to action

  6. Jul 21

    UTSS S1E3: What School Means Today

    Summary: In this episode, Faith and Sophia explore the deep connections between early childhood education, cultural identity, community, and reconciliation. They share personal stories, discuss the importance of relationship-building, and emphasize the role of community in nurturing future generations. Hosts: Faith Hale and Sophia Peltier Keywords: early childhood education, reconciliation, community, cultural identity, parenting, Indigenous teachings, policy, child care, social justice. Key Topics The importance of relationship-building in early childhoodCultural identity and Indigenous teachings in educationThe role of community and family in child developmentPolicy and funding in early childhood educationIntergenerational trauma and healing through careReconciliation starts with understanding and respecting cultural roots.Community and family are the foundation of effective early learning.Investing in early childhood is investing in future generations.Relationship-building and play are essential in reconciliation.Policies should support holistic and culturally relevant education. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and episode overview 00:30 The meaning of reconciliation and community 01:00 Personal stories and cultural identity 01:59 The village as a foundation for early learning 03:00 The role of policy and funding in early childhood 03:52 Building safe and inclusive environments for children 05:09 Intergenerational trauma and healing through care 06:00 The importance of relationship and play in reconciliation 06:56 The journey of community involvement and support 07:55 Reflecting on cultural teachings and future generations 09:04 Closing thoughts and call to action

About

Under The Same Sky is an Indigenous-focused podcast exploring reconciliation, early learning, culture, education, and community through honest conversations and shared stories. This podcast creates space for learning, listening, and meaningful dialogue—because reconciliation begins with relationships.