Best Firstnations Podcasts (2025)

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Dec. 9, 2025—Dozens of Indigenous artifacts long held by Vatican begin journey home 8:52

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1h ago8:52

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Our lead story: held overseas for over a century, dozens of items belonging to Indigenous peoples in Canada began their repatriation from the Vatican over the weekend. >Interstitial: zapsplat.comBy APTN

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Dec. 8, 2025—Concern for Saskatoon's growing unhoused population as temps drop 7:22

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Our lead story: as colder weather sets in across the Prairies, concern mounts in Saskatoon over a growing number of people without stable housing, some of them from First Nations north of the city.By APTN

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Dec. 5, 2025—AFN meeting wraps up discussing major projects, First Nations infrastructure gap 9:03

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Our lead story: as the Assembly of First Nations winter meeting wraps up in Ottawa, a panel discussion on economic partnerships features chiefs and federal cabinet ministers.By APTN

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Dec. 4, 2025—Ontario chiefs sceptical of federal promise of clean water legislation 10:18

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Our lead story: at a press conference on Parliament Hill, some Ontario chiefs express scepticism about renewed federal promises of clean water legislation for First Nations.By APTN

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Jesse McCormick: We Can’t Build Canada Strong Without Building Trust First 8:23

5d ago8:23

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Canada is racing to build the infrastructure that will shape its economic and political future. But moving faster means little unless the systems guiding that development are strong enough to be trusted. Independent lawyer and consultant Jesse McCormick argues that making any meaningful progress with Canada’s major projects will require building tr…

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Dec. 3, 2025—Feds/Alberta pipeline MOU does not go over well at AFN meeting 9:13

2d ago9:13

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Our lead story: at day one of the Assembly of First Nations winter meeting in Ottawa, last week's federal/Alberta tar sands pipeline MOU does not go over well with chiefs on the floor.By APTN

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Dec. 2, 2025—Three years after her murder, landfill search for Ashlee Shingoose's remains begins 6:11

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Our lead story: the search of a Winnipeg-area landfill begins for the remains of 30-year-old mother of three Ashlee Shingoose—one of four First Nations women murdered over three years ago by a now-convicted serial killer.By APTN

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Dec. 1, 2025—Ross River Dena Council opposes $4B Yukon–BC Grid Connect proposal 8:46

8d ago8:46

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Our featured story: the Ross River Dena Council speaks out against the proposed $4 billion 'Yukon–British Columbia Grid Connect' project, touted by the Carney government as one of its initial "nation-building" priorities.By APTN

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November 28, 2025—Criticism of federal/AB MOU signing on proposed bitumen pipeline to BC 9:56

7d ago9:56

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Our lead story: with a MOU on a new proposed tar-sands-to-B.C. pipeline now signed, some slam the conditions of the federal/Alberta memorandum of understanding as excessive, while others claim there should have been more attached.By APTN

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November 27, 2025—Talk of proposed tar sands pipeline to BC criticized by some First Nations 9:15

12d ago9:15

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Our lead story: an anticipated federal/Alberta memorandum of understanding regarding a proposed pipeline from the tar sands to the west coast sparks concerns from both British Columbia and First Nations.By APTN

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November 26, 2025—Community consultation report on Manitoba Red Dress Alert system 9:30

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Our lead story: Manitoba's Red Dress Alert system takes one step closer to reality with the release of a final report on community consultations.By APTN

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November 25, 2025—AFN council says new Alberta laws threaten safety of two-spirit Indigenous youth 6:39

14d ago6:39

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Our featured story: the Assembly of First Nations 2SLGBTQQIA council claims new Alberta laws affecting young trans individuals—laws exempt from Charter-based court challenges for 5 years under the so-called notwithstanding clause—directly threaten the safety of Indigenous youth in the province.By APTN

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November 24, 2025—Family of missing Natanis Merasty remain hopeful she'll be found 7:42

15d ago7:42

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Our lead story: a candlelight vigil near the Alberta legislature is held in honour of Natanis Merasty, the missing 24-year-old from Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation, last seen in Edmonton this past May.By APTN

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November 21, 2025—Latest on alleged misspending of Kanesatake pandemic funds 10:10

14d ago10:10

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Our lead story: new and significant developments concerning allegations of misspending of federal Covid-19 relief funds at the Mohawk community of Kanesatake.By APTN

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November 20, 2025—Recently-elected Nunavut MLAs choose territorial premier 8:25

15d ago8:25

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Our lead story: a look at the new premier and speaker chosen by Nunavut's recently-elected 21-member territorial legislature. >Interstitial: ZapSplat.comBy APTN

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Pacinthe Mattar: DEI and Anti-Palestinian Racism 7:22

16d ago7:22

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The adoption of DEI, or diversity, equity, and inclusion, is often framed as progress, but for some, it functions as nothing more than corporate strategy. For journalist Pacinthe Mattar, nowhere are the limits—and failures—of DEI more stark than in relation to Palestine. She shares how the “Palestine exception” plays out in newsrooms, schools, and …

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November 19, 2025—Enviro groups join Cold Lake First Nations to demand halt to proposed tar sands carbon capture project 10:01

16d ago10:01

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Our lead story: environmental groups line up alongside the chief of the Cold Lake First Nations in Alberta to demand a halt to a tar sands carbon capture proposal, the Pathways Alliance Project.By APTN

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November 18, 2025—Carney becomes first sitting PM to attend event marking Métis leader Louis Riel's execution 8:24

17d ago8:24

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Our lead story: at a ceremony in Manitoba, Mark Carney becomes the first sitting prime minister to attend event commemorating anniversary of Métis leader Louis Riel's execution by the Canadian state.By APTN

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November 17, 2025—1st-degree murder charges laid in death of Mekhi Pelly of Grassy Narrows 9:16

18d ago9:16

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Our lead story: new charges laid in the death of 21-year-old Grassy Narrows First Nation man Mekhi Pelly, with Terrance Cherry, 24, of Kenora now facing charges of first-degree murder as well as committing an indignity to a dead body.By APTN

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November 14, 2025—Carney gov't proposes more infrastructure to be fast-tracked by Major Projects Office 10:15

21d ago10:15

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Our lead story: PM Mark Carney proposes six more large-scale infrastructure projects—three of which would, if built, directly impact Indigenous peoples—supported by a so-called Major Projects Office meant to fast track the regulatory process.By APTN

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November 13, 2025—Release of convicted killer catches First Nations victims' families by surprise 10:17

22d ago10:17

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Our lead story: following news of the statutory release of Shawn Lamb—convicted in 2013 for killing two First Nations women in Winnipeg—family members of the victims are in shock, saying they had no warning it would happen. >Interstitial: zapsplat.comBy APTN

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November 12, 2025—Dakota chief charged with 1984 sexual assault; Winnipeg cop pleads guilty to multiple offences 7:17

23d ago7:17

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Our featured story: Manitoba RCMP announce sexual assault charges dating back to 1984 against Chief Vincent Tacan, just days before this week's election on the Sioux Valley Dakota Nation. >Interstitial: zapsplat.comBy APTN

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November 11, 2025—Indigenous Veterans Day commemorations held across Canada 11:54

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A special Remembrance Day edition of the Brief centres on commemorations of Indigenous Veterans Day (observed every November 8th) in different parts of Canada.By APTN

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November 10, 2025—Bill meant to end sex-based discrimination in Indian Act debated at Senate committee 9:00

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Our lead story: as some senators push to add the second-generation Status cut off to Bill S-2's removal of sex-based discrimination from the Indian Act, the Indigenous Services minister wants the bill to go forward as is.By APTN

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November 7, 2025—RCMP officers cleared in 2024 shooting death of Wetaskiwin teen Hoss Lightning Saddleback 7:17

28d ago7:17

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Our lead story: the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) clears two RCMP officers in the August 2024 shooting death of 15-year-old Hoss Lightning Saddleback in Wetaskiwin, AB.By APTN

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November 6, 2025—New Carney budget gets mixed reviews from Indigenous organizations 8:35

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Our lead story: heavy on infrastructure investments, this week's new federal budget gets mixed reviews from Indigenous organizations.By APTN

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Bardia Sinaee: Poetry Versus The Machine 8:52

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What happens to poetry—and art at large—in a world shaped by algorithms? Poet Bardia Sinaee considers what it means to live in a time dominated by data and celebrates poetry’s ability to offer meaning where machines cannot. Sinaee spoke at The Walrus Talks Cultural Futures on April 30, 2024. To register for upcoming events happening online or in a …

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November 5, 2025—Carney budget offers little new spending on Indigenous-specific priorities 9:36

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Our lead story: the Carney government's new federal budget makes big investments in defence, housing and infrastructure, but offers little in the way of new spending on Indigenous-specific priorities.By APTN

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November 4, 2025—'The fight of our life': Mikisew Cree urge feds to reject release of toxic tar sands tailings 7:34

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Our lead story: Mikisew Cree First Nation in northern Alberta calls on the Carney government to reject the proposed release of toxic tar sands tailings into the environment.By APTN

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November 3, 2025—Canadian Armed Forces apologize to personnel suffering racism and harassment 6:37

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Our lead story: at a semi-public ceremony, the Canadian Armed Forces issues an apology to members of minority groups who suffered racism and harassment while serving.By APTN

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Dr. Jan Hare: The Role of Teachers 10:27

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Teachers play a significant role in the lives of youth, shaping not just what they learn, but who they become. Yet, across Canada, schools are facing unprecedented teacher turnover due to demanding workloads, complex student needs, and the lingering effects of COVID-19. Dr. Jan Hare, Dean of Education at the University of British Columbia, highligh…

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Rachel Doran: Canada’s Electrification Opportunity 8:16

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You could be forgiven, listening to the news these days, for thinking the electrification economy is dead. And yet, over the next two years, 95 percent of the world’s electricity growth demand is going to be met by renewables. Rachel Doran, executive director of Clean Energy Canada, examines the shifting energy landscape and identifies four obstacl…

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Cyndi Gilbert: How The Bike Brigade Fosters a Culture of Community Care 13:42

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Community isn’t just built through service. It’s sustained through shared purpose, trust, and care. Cyndi Gilbert is a board member and logistics coordinator at The Bike Brigade. This special episode of The Conversation Piece features content from her presentation at The Walrus Talks: Reimagining Volunteerism, supported by The Belonging Forum, an i…

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Vinod Rajasekaran: Prioritizing Wellbeing in the Volunteer Sector 12:18

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Well-being can no longer be an afterthought for volunteers and non-profit workers. Vinod Rajasekaran is the CEO and editor-in-chief of Future of Good. This special episode of The Conversation Piece features content from his presentation at The Walrus Talks: Reimagining Volunteerism, supported by The Belonging Forum, an initiative of the Samuel Cent…

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Kasandra James: Reimagining More Diverse Stories of Volunteerism 12:13

4M ago12:13

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Embracing creative, reciprocal, and culturally-rooted community-building models can help marginalized communities easily navigate the often complicated system of volunteerism. Kassandra James is the director of programs at Volunteer Toronto. This special episode of The Conversation Piece features content from her presentation at The Walrus Talks: R…

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Suman Roy: Volunteer Programs Must Respect the Needs of Volunteers 10:25

5M ago10:25

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How can organizations that rely on the labour of volunteers make the experience of volunteering more meaningful? Suman Roy is the founder and CEO of the grassroots organization Feed Scarborough. This special episode of The Conversation Piece features content from his presentation at The Walrus Talks: Reimagining Volunteerism, supported by The Belon…

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Darrell Pinto: Finding Purpose Through Volunteering 8:58

5M ago8:58

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Volunteer work is more than just a resume booster. It’s a source of identity, pride, and purpose. Darrell Pinto is the director of employment at Jumpstart Refugee Talent. This special episode of The Conversation Piece features content from his presentation at The Walrus Talks: Reimagining Volunteerism, supported by The Belonging Forum, an initiativ…

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Susan Pinker: Volunteerism’s Impact on Health, Happiness, and Longevity 11:14

5M ago11:14

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The science behind social connection is clear: volunteerism and face-to-face contact with our community members are essential for our well-being. Susan Pinker is a psychologist and author of the book The Village Effect. This special episode of The Conversation Piece features content from her presentation at The Walrus Talks: Reimagining Volunteeris…

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Sara Lyons: Canada’s National Volunteer Action Strategy 11:42

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Canada’s volunteer sector is in crisis. How can the culture of volunteerism be restored? Sara Lyons is the chief strategy and advancement officer at Volunteer Canada. This special episode of The Conversation Piece features content from her presentation at The Walrus Talks: Reimagining Volunteerism, supported by The Belonging Forum, an initiative of…

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Chief Kluane Adamek: Land, Water, and Belonging 8:26

6M ago8:26

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Finding belonging isn’t just about building connections with people—it’s also about nurturing our relationships with the natural world. Chief Kluane Adamek is the Yukon regional chief of the Assembly of First Nations. This special episode of The Conversation Piece features content from her presentation at The Walrus Talks at Home: Indigenous Perspe…

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Kelly Lendsay: Indigenous Workplace Belonging 7:11

6M ago7:11

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What does it mean to belong in the workplace? Kelly Lendsay is the president and CEO of Indigenous Works and the chief executive transformation officer of Luminary. This special episode of The Conversation Piece features content from his presentation at The Walrus Talks at Home: Indigenous Perspectives on Belonging, supported by The Belonging Forum…

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Dr. Becky Cook: Rebuilding Indigenous Autonomy, Nationhood, and Belonging 8:58

6M ago8:58

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Colonial policies have long undermined traditional Indigenous education systems. How can communities come together to reclaim this knowledge? Dr. Becky Cook is the lands monitoring manager of Misipawistik Cree Nation. This special episode of The Conversation Piece features content from her presentation at The Walrus Talks at Home: Indigenous Perspe…

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Camryn Dewar: Finding Belonging Through Indigenous Opera 7:07

6M ago7:07

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Meaningful representation in creative spaces can help facilitate a strong sense of belonging and community. Camryn Dewar is a Métis opera and classical singer. This special episode of The Conversation Piece features content from her presentation at The Walrus Talks at Home: Indigenous Perspectives on Belonging, supported by The Belonging Forum, an …

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Kahir Lalji: The Importance of Culturally Relevant Social Prescribing 7:59

6M ago7:59

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How might personalized, culturally-specific interventions shape more effective responses to social isolation? Kahir Lalji is the provincial director of government relations and community engagement at United Way British Columbia. This special episode of The Conversation Piece features content from his presentation at The Walrus Talks at Home: Rx Be…

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Diana Rose: Social Prescribing in Action 7:59

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Social prescribing is empowering vulnerable communities to cultivate a sense of agency through relationship building and resourcefulness. Diana Rose is a link worker with Healthy Aging Alberta and Family and Community Support Services for Wheatland County and the town of Strathmore. This special episode of The Conversation Piece features content fr…

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Dr. Kate Mulligan: Focusing on What Matters to Us 6:34

6M ago6:34

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With new evidence emerging about the impact of connection on health, social prescribing is bridging the gap between clinical care and community care. Dr. Kate Mulligan is a health geographer, an assistant professor at the University of Toronto, and the scientific director at the Canadian Institute for Social Prescribing. This special episode of The…

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Kim Samuel: Social Prescribing and the Four Ps of Belonging 7:49

6M ago7:49

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How does social prescribing allow us to reimagine systems of care and build societies where no one is left out or left behind? Kim Samuel is the founder of The Belonging Forum. This special episode of The Conversation Piece features content from her presentation at The Walrus Talks at Home: Rx Belonging, supported by The Belonging Forum, an initiat…

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Samantha Reusch: Why Civic Leaders Need to Listen to Youth 9:25

8M ago9:25

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There’s a lot of talk about voter turnout ahead of Canada’s upcoming federal election, especially when it comes to young Canadians. But low turnout isn’t always an indicator of indifference. Sometimes, it’s a signal that people feel left out. Samantha Reusch, executive director of Apathy is Boring, underscores how creating pathways for Gen Z and mi…

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Kishone Roy: Tackling Generational Gentrification 8:50

8M ago8:50

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There is a growing generational divide in Canada’s housing landscape, one that’s not only pushing young people out of their communities but also leaving seniors behind. Housing advocate and author Kishone Roy outlines some of the key factors intensifying what they call “generational gentrification” and emphasizes the importance of reimagining housi…

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Justin Ling: Three Factors Behind Increased Polarization in Canada 7:40

9M ago7:40

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Canada’s political landscape is becoming increasingly divided, making it harder than ever to navigate public discourse productively. Investigative journalist and author Justin Ling highlights three of the major factors intensifying polarization in Canada—and shares what everyday citizens can do to push back against it. Ling spoke at The Walrus Talk…