In a vault below a museum in St. John’s sit the remains of a Beothuk woman named Demasduit. Rosanna travels to Newfoundland and Labrador to hear her story and how it informs the complicated history of North America’s oldest city. Demasduit was abducted in life and in death – her skull taken to Europe for study and then locked away for nearly 200 years. We explore a city known for its colourful houses and robust military and communications history, with the on-going story of Demasduit in mind....
Jun 20, 2025•54 min
The Kilaut, or Inuit drum, is bigger than many hand drums – but small enough to be wielded by its drum dancers. Rosanna heads to St. John’s Newfoundland and Labrador to learn about a tradition that was almost lost due to colonial bans on cultural practices and expressions. She meets singers, drummers and dancers who are reclaiming and sharing this cherished Inuit tradition.
Jun 13, 2025•51 min
As wildfires devastate communities, it can be hard to see fire as a tool for good. Guided by Indigenous stewards, fire can also be a force for renewal. Dr. Amy Cardinal Christianson is working to bring back cultural burning practices that colonization once outlawed. She says these fires are good for community and for the land – and can even help prevent wildfires. Rosanna speaks to fire researchers and a fire keeper about the role fire plays in Indigenous land stewardship, ceremony and culture....
Jun 05, 2025•52 min
Cree teachings tell us that difference is not a deficit – and autistic children are a gift. This week Rosanna sits down with Indigenous healthcare professionals who are celebrating our differences, whether it’s putting an Indigenous lens on autism research or broadening the circle to better support and care for our Two-Spirit kin. Through stories of strength, culture, and compassion, this episode highlights how celebrating identity improves health outcomes and builds thriving communities.
May 30, 2025•50 min
The Tuscarora are in a race against time to save the red wolves which once numbered in the thousands. Only a handful remain due to highway fatalities. A solution was in the works until the Trump administration froze all federal funding, driving the red wolf closer to extinction. Rosanna speaks with conservationists fighting to save and support wolves on Tuscarora territory and across Turtle Island.
May 23, 2025•46 min
Canada's first Inuk professional classical singer quit her beloved job as a teacher to pursue music fulltime. Now she's raking in the awards — including Indigenous Artist of the Year at the East Coast Music Awards. Rosanna hits the red carpet with Deantha Edmunds and the other Indigenous nominees to celebrate their success and hear what drives their passion for music and story.
May 16, 2025•35 min
When Theland Kicknosway was seven years old he had a dream of hoop dancing in the rainbow. A few years later that dream became a reality when he discovered LED hoops. This week Rosanna hears from hoop dancers who are keeping the tradition alive and helping it evolve for future generations.
May 09, 2025•54 min
Every week a group of elders gather at a Friendship Centre in St. John’s. They first came here several decades ago looking for connection – and they continue to find it, while also offering cultural supports to all who visit. This week Rosanna hears from people with a long relationship with friendship centres who describe the evolution of a cultural movement and how its foundation is inspiring new generations and iterations of these community hubs across Turtle Island.
Apr 25, 2025•54 min
For David A. Robertson, anxiety and depression are some of the little monsters he’s learning to live with. He sits down with Rosanna to share how his latest book All the Little Monsters: How I Learned to Live with Anxiety has been helping him to heal, build community and break the silence around mental health struggles.
Apr 17, 2025•54 min
Andrea Landry says she’s Anishinaabe, not Canadian, and that’s why she won’t be voting in the Canadian election. Today Rosanna sits down with three activists and political advocates who are using their voices to push for change. For some it means voting and holding candidates to account. For others, there is more power in focusing their energy on family and community.
Apr 11, 2025•52 min
The Great Bear Rainforest is the only place you’ll find the Spirit Bear – a courageous protector of that land. Rosanna hears from a “Spirit Bear Whisperer” on how the rare species is using its tough love to change the hearts and minds of those who visit the territory. Join us for stories and lessons from our bear relatives in the latest edition of our occasional series, Sacred Seven.
Apr 04, 2025•50 min
Spring is here and the warmer weather welcomes us out to the land to learn and pass along traditions from tanning hides in Whitehorse to harvesting maple sap in Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory in Ontario. Guest host Falen Johnson hears from communities all across Turtle Island, who are getting their first glimpse at a changing season and preparing for the lessons that come with it.
Mar 28, 2025•54 min
A recording of her mother’s ECG heartbeat leads Kym Gouchie’s song “Heartbeat” off her Juno nominated children’s album. It’s a nod to her Secwépemc ancestors. This week Rosanna speaks with three Juno nominees who credit their success to a history of music and storytelling passed down through their families.
Mar 20, 2025•51 min
From berry fasts to the Flower Dance, Indigenous communities are returning to ceremony and teachings that honour a menstruator’s Moon Time. Rosanna hears from three women who are changing the conversation around menstruation from what is often talked about as “dirty” or “shameful” to something sacred. It is a time of rejuvenation, selfcare and celebration.
Mar 14, 2025•50 min
Along the northern coast of Labrador there are holes in the ice where Inuit could once travel freely and access the things they need to survive. A warming planet means sea ice is disappearing and Inuit are grappling with dramatic impacts on their way of life. Rosanna speaks with elders and researchers on the significance of ice in the North and how Inuit are adapting and building resiliency in the face of a climate crisis.
Feb 28, 2025•54 min
Whether it’s inside a mall in downtown Winnipeg or on a farm beneath Toronto’s hydro lines, Indigenous helpers are creating safe community spaces that offer care, knowledge and connection. Rosanna speaks to three of these helpers who are transforming these unexpected places.
Feb 21, 2025•49 min
Indigenous wellness experts are changing the way we think about health and beauty, challenging us to look beyond ourselves and ditch the shame. Try adding a cup of nettle tea to your day, dedicating a workout to a family member or playing a game with an elder. Rosanna speaks with three women approaching wellness in new ways, guided by Indigenous knowledge.
Feb 14, 2025•51 min
Have you ever heard of ammolite? It’s a rare gemstone made of fossilized ammonite shells that can be found in Canada’s Rockies. The stone is processed by lapidary artists like Bert Tallman, who cut, shape, sand and shine it up to be set in silver or gold jewellery. Rosanna speaks with jewellery makers who are creating wearable art inspired by culture, history and their traditional territories.
Feb 07, 2025•49 min
Mahsi’ choo means “thank you” in the Gwich’in language. It’s one of hundreds of Gwich’in words that are being brought into homes around the world through Molly of Denali. Rosanna speaks with creators who know the power of educational programming and are using it to share important teachings from an Indigenous perspective to the next generation.
Jan 31, 2025•51 min
A horse’s movements can stimulate 300 of our own muscles at once, just by us sitting in a saddle. It’s one of the reasons these animals make incredible physical therapists for those with mobility challenges – but their power encompasses the emotional and spiritual parts of our health as well. Rosanna hears from two women who have built their ranches around the understanding that horses are medicine, and they’re using that healing power to help youth in their nations.
Jan 24, 2025•37 min
“Not Black enough to be Black, not red enough to be red,” Julian Taylor’s music hasn’t always leaned into all parts of the singer’s Black and Mohawk identity. Rosanna sits down with Julian and his lifelong friend (and drummer) to talk about race, identity and the power of friendship as they make music out of it all.
Jan 17, 2025•45 min
A big pipe shoots constant fire and thick smoke into the sky above Aamjiwnaang First Nation in Ontario. As a child, Beze Grey thought clouds were made in their backyard because of those flares and smokestacks. A decade later and they’re part of a group of youth taking the government to court over its failure to protect the environment around them. This week Rosanna speaks with climate warriors, including Beze Grey, who are leading the next generation of action, informed by tradition and Indigeno...
Jan 10, 2025•54 min
Canada’s Arctic was the only place the new comedy series North of North could be shot – because there’s no other way to capture the humour, culture and modernity of the people there. Rosanna speaks to four creators behind two new productions that put community at the centre of their storytelling. The documentary New Blood takes us into Blackfoot Territory and North of North gives us a glimpse of Inuit Nunangat through the fictional town of Ice Cove.
Jan 03, 2025•52 min
