In this episode of the Matriarch Movement podcast, host Shayla Ouellette Stonechild speaks with Kaitlin B. Curtice, an award-winning author and poet. They explore themes of identity, belonging, and the intersection of Indigenous spirituality and Christianity. Kaitlin shares her journey in reclaiming her Potawatomi identity, the importance of rituals in her spiritual practice, and her approach to writing and storytelling. The conversation also delves into the concept of resistance, defining it in...
Jun 30, 2025•43 min•Season 5Ep. 5
*Episode Disclaimer* This episode mentions suicide and discusses a journey to sobriety; the content may be triggering for some and listener discretion is advised. In this episode of the Matriarch Movement podcast, host Shayla Oulette Stonechild engages in a heartfelt conversation with Braden Kadlun, an Inuk content creator and advocate for Indigenous culture. They discuss Braden's journey of healing and sobriety, the importance of matriarchs in Indigenous communities, and the role of social medi...
Jun 16, 2025•33 min•Season 5Ep. 4
In this conversation, Shayla Ouellette Stonechild interviews Dr. Lyla June Johnston, an Indigenous musician, scholar, and community organizer. Dr. Johnston shares her journey of overcoming trauma and addiction, emphasizing the importance of prayer and connection to Creator in her healing process. She discusses the significance of service to the community and how education can be a powerful tool for Indigenous empowerment. Lyla advocates for building alternative systems that honor Indigenous valu...
Jun 02, 2025•42 min•Season 5Ep. 3
In this conversation, Shayla Ouellette Stonechild interviews Sherri Mitchell, an Indigenous author, attorney, and activist. They discuss the concept of rematriation, Sherri's personal journey and connection to the land, the changes in Indigenous representation, and the impact of technology on our connection to nature. Sherri shares her insights on the importance of collective healing and the role of Indigenous women and Two-Spirit people in leadership. They also explore the significance of Indig...
May 19, 2025•57 min•Season 5Ep. 2
Host Shayla Oulette Stonechild is back with a new season and special guest, the just-elected Tréchelle Bunn; the first woman and youngest Chief of BirdTail Sioux Dakota Nation. They discuss Tréchelle's historic election, her journey of leadership, the influence of matriarchs in her life, and her advocacy for Indigenous women and girls. Tréchelle shares her experiences growing up between two cultures, the importance of community support, and her vision for the future. The conversation also highli...
May 05, 2025•42 min•Season 5Ep. 1
The future of Indigenous entrepreneurship looks like a circular economy. But how do we get there? Jacqueline Jennings, entrepreneur coach and startup strategist, joins the Matriarch Movement to lay everything on the table about what it takes to be an Indigenous entrepreneur. She also unpacks the relationship between financial decision-makers, pan-indigeneity, rematriation and what the next generation of Indigenous entrepreneurs looks like. Thanks for checking out this episode of the Matriarch Mo...
Nov 25, 2024•44 min•Season 4Ep. 13
Host Shayla Ouellette Stonechild interviews Indigenous fashion trailblazer Himikalas Pam Baker. They discuss Baker's journey into fashion, her experiences in fashion school as a single mother, and the cultural influences that have shaped her designs. The conversation also touches on the significance of the red dress in raising awareness for missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, and the challenges faced by Indigenous designers in the industry. Baker emphasizes the importance of mentors...
Nov 18, 2024•35 min•Season 4Ep. 12
What happens when Indigenous creatives are recognized in the mainstream? Cynthia Lickers-Sage, community-building powerhouse and co-founder of the renowned ImagineNATIVE Film and Media Arts Festival, joins Matriarch Movement to share how a long-standing relationship to storytelling has helped create so many internationally recognized gatherings of Indigenous creators. She discusses what it meant to see the first Indigenous film festival qualify a film for Oscar consideration, how fast an artist'...
Nov 11, 2024•40 min•Season 4Ep. 11
What would happen if we stopped following the Gregorian calendar – January to December – and instead, we reclaimed our relationship to time living by the 13 moons? Best-selling Author of “You Are the Medicine”, “The Sacred Medicine Oracle” and Indigenous healer, Asha Frost, joins the Matriarch Movement podcast and discusses the impact of following the calendar of the 13 moons, and why there seems to be more reclamation and acceptance around Indigenous ways of healing these days. She also pulls s...
Nov 04, 2024•36 min•Season 4Ep. 10
Host Shayla Ouellette Stonechild interviews Lauren Good Day, a multi-award-winning Indigenous artist and fashion designer. They discuss the significance of matriarchy in Indigenous cultures, Lauren's journey into fashion, and the essence of her brand, which honours cultural heritage through art and design. Lauren shares her creative process, the challenges she faces as an Indigenous entrepreneur, and offers advice to young Indigenous creatives. Together, they highlight the importance of cultural...
Oct 29, 2024•38 min•Season 4Ep. 9
Indigenous media creators often end up in this trope of educating their audiences. It can be exhausting rehashing intergenerational trauma, reconciliation, and calls to action. More and more Indigenous creatives are looking for the space to just exist and advocate for joy, and Adeline Bird is one of them. In this episode, she joins Matriarch Movement to discuss the things that are top of mind for storytellers: where is there room for representation in the media landscape, who really “owns” the I...
Oct 21, 2024•41 min•Season 4Ep. 8
On this episode, host Shayla Ouellette Stonechild speaks with Justin Jacob Lewis, the founder of Indigenous streetwear brand Section 35. They discuss the inspiration behind the brand's name, which is derived from Section 35 of the Canadian Constitution which recognizes and protects Indigenous and treaty rights. Justin shares his journey as an Indigenous entrepreneur and the challenges he faced in the early stages of his business. He also talks about the collaboration with Roots and the importanc...
Oct 14, 2024•50 min•Season 4Ep. 7
Chelsee Pettit has spent the last number of years rethinking her relationship with money. After founding Aaniin retail inc, the first Indigenous streetwear brand with a storefront in Treaty 13 territory in Tkaronto, with only $250, she’s experienced a whirlwind journey and countless lessons of reciprocity. She joins the Matriarch Movement to discuss why it can be so hard for Indigenous entrepreneurs to find capital, saying “no” to “opportunities”, and what it means to reclaim the Indigenous econ...
Oct 07, 2024•40 min•Season 4Ep. 6
September 30th is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, as well as Orange Shirt Day, a time to honour the Indigenous children who never returned home, Survivors of residential schools, and their families and communities. In recognition of this important day, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau joined host Shayla Oulette Stonechild for a reflective conversation on how healing and empowerment through wellness can support us in navigating the necessary, but often challenging, conversations around reconcil...
Sep 30, 2024•44 min•Season 4Ep. 5
Jori Brennon is part of an exciting movement of young Indigenous artists telling stories through tradition. The talented 2Spirit, queer bead artist crafts thought-provoking accessories from bags to hair pieces and earrings, and joins the Matriarch Movement to discuss the power of storytelling in fashion. In this episode, Jori shares his insights on the intricacies and intention behind beadwork, what it means to blend modern fashion and traditional craftsmanship, and the impact of sharing it acro...
Sep 23, 2024•27 min•Season 4Ep. 4
What would it take to start seeing Indigenous fashion brands held to the same regard as Gucci, Ralph Lauren, and Prada? Lesley Hampton is at the forefront of that question. Leslie Hampton’s work as a fashion designer has been making waves across the fashion industry. She’s dressed A-listers like Lily Gladstone, and been named Forbes 30 Under 30 and Vogue’s No. 1 Canadian designer. In this episode, Leslie unpacks what it means to be a trailblazer in Indigenous Fashion, the inspiration behind her ...
Sep 16, 2024•40 min•Season 4Ep. 3
Indigenous Fashion Designer and Founder of Indigenous Fashion Arts, Sage Paul, joins the Matriarch Movement (again!) for a discussion ahead of the 2024 IFA festival and fashion show. Sage shares a behind-the-scenes look at the production of the show and how IFA is different from the mainstream Fashion Weeks. She also discusses how she got involved with the Eaton Centre in Toronto, finding trusted brands to work with in the fashion industry, and the importance of keeping community amongst it all....
Sep 09, 2024•41 min•Season 4Ep. 2
Regalia isn’t a costume, it’s a connection to self and community. Deanne Hupfield, Speaker, Pow Wow Dancer and Teacher, and Regalia-Making Instructor, joins the Matriarch Movement to have a candid conversation about her journey into pow wow dancing, regalia making, and matriarchy. Deanne shares her insights on the realities of generational trauma from the Sixties Scoop; from overcoming addiction and juvenile detention, to rebuilding her family. Thanks for checking out this episode of the Matriar...
Sep 02, 2024•37 min•Season 4Ep. 1
Indigenous peoples have overcome a lot of darkness, and we’re still able to dance. In this episode, Shayla Stonechild is joined by Jingle Dancer, Content Creator and Indigenous Advocate, Santee Siouxx, to chat about what it means to go back to the ceremony and tap into your dream state. Santee shares how finding ceremony evolved her relationship with dance, grief, and kinship. Matriarch Movement is created and hosted by Shayla Oulette Stonechild and produced by Kattie Laur. Watch the video versi...
Jan 29, 2024•42 min•Season 4Ep. 2
Advocating for Indigenous youth means you need to be tapped into a lot of different sources. For Kairyn Potts, that means not only being ultra internet-savvy, but also having a personal connection to the system that impacts Indigenous youth on a massive scale: the foster care system. Kairyn is passionate about advocating for young people, and has gained an incredible following on social media for the careful and clever content that he creates around Indigenous issues. Kai is also the co-founder ...
Dec 08, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Season 4Ep. 1
What does it mean to be an “Indigenous Influencer”? Marika Sila is an Inuvialuk actress, stunt performer, and activist who also shares content with over half a million followers across Instagram and Tiktok. She and her dad blew up the internet this year showcasing traditional snow blinders made from antler. Marika joins the Matriarch Movement podcast to share an inside perspective on the nuances of being an “Indigenous Influencer”, how she approached brand deals and partnerships, and the respons...
Oct 16, 2023•44 min•Season 3Ep. 10
Lacrosse is more than a game, it’s medicine. Jeremy Thompson, professional lacrosse player from the Onondaga Nation, is known around the world for his incredible athleticism and activism within the sport of lacrosse. He joins the Matriarch Movement podcast to unpack lacrosse’s historical context and roots in indigeneity, and he shares how the sport has helped him heal. Matriarch Movement is created and hosted by Shayla Oulette Stonechild and produced by Kattie Laur. Theme music is "Sisters" by W...
Aug 28, 2023•31 min•Season 3Ep. 9
What does it mean to bring Indigeneity into colonial spaces, especially into the government? Michelle Friesen, City Councilor for the City of Whitehorse, knows a thing or two about it. In October 2021 she was elected as the first Indigenous woman to serve on Whitehorse City Council – the first Indigenous person to sit in City Council in 30 years. Early this year, Michelle and her son, Theo, were in the media after she faced complaints by fellow city council members to stop bringing her son to me...
Aug 14, 2023•43 min•Season 3Ep. 8
Growing up as an Indigenous and queer person isn’t easy. Owen Unruh, a Two-Spirit, Nêhiyaw (Plains Cree) adoptee, felt ashamed of his identity until well into adulthood which led him to a battle with addiction. He joins the podcast to discuss his experience with substance abuse and how building a community online on TikTok has helped him through his recovery. In this episode, Owen opens up about his near-death experience, and he and Shayla have a frank conversation about addiction and its impact...
Jul 31, 2023•47 min•Season 3Ep. 7
What is the role of Matriarchy in Indigenous futurism? Stephanie Peltier can tell you from experience, it’s critical. Stephanie Peltier is well known across Canada as “The Matriarch Who Raised One of Canada’s Leading Indigenous Water Activists”. As the single mother to Autumn Peltier, along with her two other daughters Naomi and Ceira, she’s experienced all of the ups and downs of supporting her family and fighting for a better world, while staying connected to community and ceremony. Stephanie ...
Jul 17, 2023•39 min•Season 3Ep. 6
How do you stay connected to Indigenous values like kinship, community and sustainability while living in a colonial society? In this episode, Jesse Wente, an award-winning, Anishinaabe writer, broadcaster, and arts leader, joins the Matriarch Movement podcast to discuss what it really looks like to be a changemaker in colonial institutions as an Indigenous person. Jesse has made a massive imprint in the Canadian arts sector, working at the CBC and TIFF, and leading the Indigenous Screen Office ...
Jul 03, 2023•58 min•Season 3Ep. 5
What does “Indigeneity” look like to you? In this episode, The Matriarch Movement podcast is joined by Shanese Indoowaaboo Steel. Shanese is an Afro-Indigenous, Fat Femme who's fought for the advancement of Indigenous and Racialized student rights within the Post-Secondary institution. Shanese also consults on curriculums and training around Black and Indigenous issues. We discuss the histories of Black and Indigenous peoples in Canada and the imprint that those histories have left. We explore t...
Jun 05, 2023•51 min•Season 3Ep. 4
For a long time it’s been non-Indigenous people telling Indigenous stories, and that means that stereotypes and a lack of humanity and empathy has been perpetuated in the media for years. Award-winning Indigenous podcaster and journalist, Connie Walker, joins the Matriarch Movement podcast to discuss her approach to trauma-informed storytelling, and what it was like to uncover the truth behind her family’s history in Canada’s residential school system. We unpack the power in giving Indigenous pe...
May 22, 2023•38 min•Season 3Ep. 3
Where do Indigenous youth find the space to be revolutionary? Riley Yesno has explored the many facets of Indigenous resurgence throughout most of her life, and has been advocating for “reconciliation” since she was 15 years old. Her time on the Prime Minister's Youth council was troubling – proudly hailing herself as a “shit disturber” – but that time still inspired her interest in native politics. Today she’s working on her PhD, studying Indigenous youth and reconciliation and hosts the podcas...
May 08, 2023•43 min•Season 3Ep. 2
What happens when Indigenous fashion is on the global stage? In February 2023, Sage Paul took seven Indigenous designers to Milan Fashion Week as a part of a three-year partnership between Indigenous Fashion Arts and White Milano, a tradeshow for international womenswear. Sage Paul is the Founding Executive and Artistic Director at Indigenous Fashion Arts, and in this episode I talk to her about her goal of increasing the visibility of Indigenous artists and the impact of partnerships like the o...
Apr 24, 2023•39 min•Season 3Ep. 1
