Raven's Call: Recent Episodes
Mike Glendale
Raven's Call is a phone call, an interview, with community people involved in meaningful pursuits. Indigenous culture, politics, and contemporary issues are the focus.
Join host Mike Glendale as he delves into the world of Indigenous governance in British Columbia, Canada. In this episode, Lou Anne Neel, a member of the Da’naxda’xw First Nation, shares her firsthand experience in the process of creating a new governance code for her nation and the challenges they faced. From the impact of the custom code to the role of UNDRIP, Lou Anne provides insights on how to achieve true sovereignty for Indigenous peoples. Don't miss this enlightening episode of Raven's Call, a podcast about Indigenous culture, politics and contemporary issues.
Bio - Lou Anne Neel
My English name is Lou-ann Neel, and I am a descendant of the Mamalillikulla, Da’nax’daxw, Ma’amtagila, ‘Namgis and Kwagiulth tribes of the Kwakwaka’wakw (Kwak’wala-speaking people). In my home territory, the Kwak’wala names I carry are K’iditle’logw; Ika’wega and Ga’axstalas. I have been designing and creating original design works for over 30 years; working first in wood carving and original painted designs and moving on to work in textiles and jewelry design. My work is greatly influenced by the work of my grandmother, Ellen Neel (Kakasolas) and my great, great grandfather, Charlie James (Yakuglas), and I consider it a great honor to be able to continue the artistic traditions of my family. In my other work, I am an arts administrator with over 25 years' experience managing arts, culture and language programs, grant / proposal writing, special event management, and community development. My Kwak’wala names are Ika’wega, Kiditle’logw, and Ga’astalaas, and I am from the Mamalillikulla, Ma’amtagila, ‘Namgis, Kwickwasutaineuk and Kwagiulth tribes of the Kwakwaka’wakw people (Kwak’wala-speaking people).
Alert Bay is my original home and I grew up in Victoria, BC. I first learned to design in our Kwakwaka’wakw style in junior high school, about grade 8, and I continue my life-long journey to learn and create works in this unique style.
My father was John Edward (Ted) Neel Jr., and was the second oldest son of my grandmother, Ellen Ka’kasolas Neel (the only Native woman carver of her era). My grandfather, Edward Lyle Neel was of Irish descent. My great-grandfather was Charlie Yakuglas James, a master carver who taught my grandmother to carve and was also a mentor to his step-son, Mungo Nakapenkum Martin.
It is truly an honor to be able to do this style of work, so I honor our traditions by creating regalia and other works that are specifically for our traditional potlatch ceremonies; but I also create contemporary works to reflect how I see the world as a Kwakwaka’wakw woman.
Follow the link to find, support, or connect with Lou Anne Neel: https://twitter.com/LouannNeel1?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor
Mike Glendale sits down with Josephine Denis, a member of the Da'nax’da'xw First Nation, to discuss the process of developing a governance code for their nation. Josephine shares her experience of empowering the community, taking steps towards truth and reconciliation, and overcoming the challenges that come with this process. Along the way, Mike discovers a deeper sense of community and a renewed sense of hope for the future of Indigenous sovereignty in British Columbia. Don't miss this powerful and enlightening conversation on Raven's Call.
Bio - Josephine Denis
I am Gweekeloug (Josephine Denis) from Tsatsisnukwami on the BC coast. It has been an amazing Honor and Journey to work on this Custom Code with a great bunch of People! There's nothing like jumping in up to my ears to get started... then I stood up! Connecting with my Band & Territory also urged me to continue developing & exploring arts and crafts. I was first introduced to beads & crafting in 1995. After a busy career supporting youth, children, women, & families, the River of Life drifted me back to beading & crafts. I have always loved working and creating, but reconnecting & learning about my Culture, motived me to start creating my "Hoops with a Story", representing Indigenous life experiences or Culture. I hope they make your heart happy! Follow the link below to support and connect with Josephine Denis and her art work: https://m.facebook.com/626325636/
Join host Mike Glendale as he delves into the world of Indigenous governance in British Columbia, Canada. In this episode, Lou Anne Neel, a member of the Da’naxda’xw First Nation, shares her firsthand experience in the process of creating a new governance code for her nation and the challenges they faced. From the impact of the custom code to the role of UNDRIP, Lou Anne provides insights on how to achieve true sovereignty for Indigenous peoples. Don't miss this enlightening episode of Raven's Call, a podcast about Indigenous culture, politics and contemporary issues.
Bio - Lou Anne Neel
My English name is Lou-ann Neel, and I am a descendant of the Mamalillikulla, Da’nax’daxw, Ma’amtagila, ‘Namgis and Kwagiulth tribes of the Kwakwaka’wakw (Kwak’wala-speaking people). In my home territory, the Kwak’wala names I carry are K’iditle’logw; Ika’wega and Ga’axstalas. I have been designing and creating original design works for over 30 years; working first in wood carving and original painted designs and moving on to work in textiles and jewelry design. My work is greatly influenced by the work of my grandmother, Ellen Neel (Kakasolas) and my great, great grandfather, Charlie James (Yakuglas), and I consider it a great honor to be able to continue the artistic traditions of my family. In my other work, I am an arts administrator with over 25 years' experience managing arts, culture and language programs, grant / proposal writing, special event management, and community development. My Kwak’wala names are Ika’wega, Kiditle’logw, and Ga’astalaas, and I am from the Mamalillikulla, Ma’amtagila, ‘Namgis, Kwickwasutaineuk and Kwagiulth tribes of the Kwakwaka’wakw people (Kwak’wala-speaking people).
Alert Bay is my original home and I grew up in Victoria, BC. I first learned to design in our Kwakwaka’wakw style in junior high school, about grade 8, and I continue my life-long journey to learn and create works in this unique style.
My father was John Edward (Ted) Neel Jr., and was the second oldest son of my grandmother, Ellen Ka’kasolas Neel (the only Native woman carver of her era). My grandfather, Edward Lyle Neel was of Irish descent. My great-grandfather was Charlie Yakuglas James, a master carver who taught my grandmother to carve and was also a mentor to his step-son, Mungo Nakapenkum Martin.
It is truly an honor to be able to do this style of work, so I honor our traditions by creating regalia and other works that are specifically for our traditional potlatch ceremonies; but I also create contemporary works to reflect how I see the world as a Kwakwaka’wakw woman.
Follow the link to find, support, or connect with Lou Anne Neel: https://twitter.com/LouannNeel1?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor
In episode 2, Ruby Mannila, an administrator for the Da'naxda'xw First Nation, shares her experiences in implementing a governance code for her Nation. She discusses the internal pushback she faced and the challenges of working to fulfill a court order for the code. Mike, a member of the Nation, also joins in the conversation, reflecting on the importance of membership and the role of women in leadership. The episode highlights the struggles faced by Indigenous nations in achieving self-governance and the importance of inclusion and representation for all members of the Nation.
Bio - Ruby Mannila
I have a diverse background in administration; my current position includes forestry, fisheries management. We have 246 citizens in our nation, and it is my duty to serve them in their health, education and various other needs. My work history of managing a drug and alcohol facility, along with being a temporary unit chief for BC Ambulance, has diversified my experience and expertise as an administrator. My studies at the University of Arizona in Indigenous Business Leadership give me a great understanding of this field.
Below is a link to the Da'nax'da'xw First Nation website:
http://www.danaxdaxw.com/
In this episode of Raven's Call host Mike Glendale welcomes Yvette Ringham-Cowan, a doctorate student who specializes in understanding the connection between culture identity and health and wellness. Yvette shares her personal journey of reconnecting with her Indigenous community and the impact it has had on her own well-being. She also delves into the importance of culture and community in Indigenous governance, and how the Da'naxda'xw First Nations governance code plays a role in promoting health and wellness for the community. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of Indigenous culture, politics, and contemporary issues.
Bio - Yvette Cowan
Yvette Ringham-Cowan is from Da̱ʼnaxdaʼx̱w (First Nation). She is a cis-gendered woman of mixed ancestry, Kwakwa̱ ka̱ ʼwakw, Salish, Hieltsuk, and English. Yvette is the granddaughter of Joyce Ida May Kamano (Kwakwa̱ ka̱ ʼwakw and Salish) and Raymond Humchitt (Hieltsuk) and the daughter of Bernice Kamano (Kwakwa̱ ka̱ ʼwakw, Salish, and Hieltsuk) andCyril Ringham (English-white settler). Raised urban by her mother, she is now an Abas (mother) and an Ada (grandmother). She lives as a kakaḵiḵ̓a (uninvited guest/party crasher) on the unceded and occupied homelands of the Lukwengun-speaking people, the Songhees (Ləkwəŋən) and Esquimalt (Xwepsum) Nations.
She has worked in health care for most of her adult life, first in Dentistry and then in health care proper, where she has worked to improve service conditions for Indigenous peoples. Yvette has held several organizational Indigenous health leadership positions and worked as a cultural safety facilitator, all dedicated to working with non-Indigenous peoples to build their knowledge, capacity and skills to eliminate Indigenous-specific racism at the personal, interpersonal, team and organizational levels of health care organizations. Currently undertaking a Ph.D. in the social dimensions of health, she is focused on how Indigenous healthcare service providers advance Indigenous self-determination in their employment settings. To learn more about Indigenous-specific anti-racism and the work that Yvette is taking part in, please take a look at the First Nations Health Authority's cultural safety webinar with Yvette and Dr. Laurie Harding speaking about Responding to Anti-Indigenous Racism in the Health Care System at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3lUTAOVumM
In this episode Aaron Aubin of Aaron Aubin Consulting joins the conversation to discuss his work in supporting First Nations communities in developing governance codes. He shares his experience in using GIS systems to map out territory and engage with community members, and highlights the importance of incorporating Indigenous values and ways of being into the code. Aaron also touches on the challenges faced in meetings, such as dealing with different perspectives and the need to find common ground. Overall, this episode provides valuable insights into the ongoing journey towards self-determination and greater independence for First Nations communities.
Bio - Aaron Aubin
Aaron established the firm in 2015, after working for more than 20 years in a broad array of disciplines including architecture, community development, land use planning, environmental approvals, infrastructure, and Indigenous engagement. Aaron is active in the Aboriginal community and a member of the Da’nax’da’xw / Awaetlala First Nation in British Columbia. He is also a registered professional planner with the Alberta Professional Planners Institute and a member of the Canadian Institute of Planners. Aaron works across a broad array of disciplines, leading large, complex multidisciplinary projects with Indigenous communities, land developers, industry, and all levels of government. Aaron has led and participated on numerous committees and spoken at several conferences throughout Canada and Internationally, promoting Indigenous community-led planning and engagement. Aaron is very passionate about his work and that of the firm, and this shows through in the meaningful and rewarding work that he and the firm undertake. Below is link to find, support and connect with Aaron Aubin: https://www.aubinconsulting.com/
Mike Glendale sits down with Josephine Denis, a member of the Da'nax’da'xw First Nation, to discuss the process of developing a governance code for their nation. Josephine shares her experience of empowering the community, taking steps towards truth and reconciliation, and overcoming the challenges that come with this process. Along the way, Mike discovers a deeper sense of community and a renewed sense of hope for the future of Indigenous sovereignty in British Columbia. Don't miss this powerful and enlightening conversation on Raven's Call.
Bio - Josephine Denis
I am Gweekeloug (Josephine Denis) from Tsatsisnukwami on the BC coast. It has been an amazing Honor and Journey to work on this Custom Code with a great bunch of People! There's nothing like jumping in up to my ears to get started... then I stood up! Connecting with my Band & Territory also urged me to continue developing & exploring arts and crafts. I was first introduced to beads & crafting in 1995. After a busy career supporting youth, children, women, & families, the River of Life drifted me back to beading & crafts. I have always loved working and creating, but reconnecting & learning about my Culture, motived me to start creating my "Hoops with a Story", representing Indigenous life experiences or Culture. I hope they make your heart happy! Follow the link below to support and connect with Josephine Denis and her art work: https://m.facebook.com/626325636/
Mike Glendale sits down with Seneca Ambers to discuss the ongoing struggle of the Ma'amtagila tribe in British Columbia, Canada to reclaim their identity and sovereignty. Through amalgamation with another tribe in 1945 the Ma'amtagila people have been denied the ability to claim their own identity and access to their land and resources. Listen as Seneca shares the history of the amalgamation and the current efforts of the tribe to gather signatures and represent themselves in their fight for sovereignty.
Bio - Seneca Ambers
Yo (Hello), my name is Seneca T̓łat̓łaḵwidalag̱a Ambers. I come from the Maʼa̱mtagila, Ławitʼsis and ʼNa̱mǥis Nations of the Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw (Kwak̓wala speaking people). I was born in Yalis (Alert Bay, BC). I have two amazing children and an adorable cat named Pearl. I have lived in the Lekwungen territory for 33 years. I have worked in the helping field my whole adult life.
Mike Glendale sits down with Desiree Mannila, member of the Da'nax'da'xw First Nation who helped assemble the nations governance code by listening to the membership and attending a year’s worth of Zoom Meetings. She is a young mother working hard to create a nation that can support all members. We delve into the unique challenges that Indigenous people face when they move off-reserve. From loss of cultural identity to lack of access to resources and services, we hear from Indigenous leaders and community members as they share their personal experiences and discuss potential solutions to these pressing issues.
Bio - Desiree Mannila
Paxala Desiree Mannila is a full-time mom and Da'nax’da'xw warrior. Paxala spends her free time as a writer for Watershed Sentinel Environmental Magazine, and volunteering for her community.
In episode 8 of this series host Mike Glendale takes a minute to recap with his mother Nora Glendale-Guest on living in the city and finding ways to make things work while disconnected from their nation. We speak to an elder, residential school survivor, home owner and retired government career person in this approachable episode of Raven's Call.
In this final episode host Mike Glendale sits with the youth and ask what they think about indigenous governance and codes. Do they feel connected? Could they be more connected? What does the nation have planned to include and share culture, land, resources and opportunities with all the youth?
Raven's Call is a phone call, an interview, with community people involved in meaningful pursuits. Indigenous culture, politics, and contemporary issues are the focus. New episodes every Wednesday evening unless otherwise specified.