Connected North's Future Pathways Fireside Chats Podcast: Recent Episodes
Future Pathways Fireside Chats
Future Pathways: Fireside Chats is a video and podcast series in which Indigenous role models share their messages of hope, resilience, and perseverance. They highlight lessons from their support systems, career choices, and personal choices that have paved the path to where they are today. The aim of these videos is to instill a positive sense of well-being that will allow Indigenous students within the Connected North network to navigate their future paths through relationships, life, school and career. These videos are recorded and available for youth to access in and out of school.
Diane Roussin is Anishinaabe and a proud member of the Skownan First Nation. Roussin is a community leader in pursuit of mino bimaadaziwin. She has worked with organizations and projects that respect the ability and the right of Indigenous families, children and individuals to care for themselves and thrive. Roussin is the project director of The Winnipeg Boldness Project, an initiative that seeks to create large-scale, systemic change for children and families in Winnipeg’s Point Douglas neighbourhood. She is passionate about centring Indigenous wisdom, perspectives and values in the work that she does. Roussin has been a leader in the realm of Indigenous social innovation in Canada for several years and presented at TEDx Winnipeg in 2018 on Indigenous social innovation.
Michelle Chubb aka Indigenous Baddie on social media is 24 from Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada. She is from the Bunibonibee Cree Nation, north of Manitoba. She makes content to educate non-Indigenous people while inspiring the youth of Indigenous people to come out of their shells to express themselves. She has accomplished a lot over the year such as.. being apart of TeenVogue & Fashion Magazine Canada, modelling for national campaigns for Bonlook & Sephora, also nominated one of 25 Top Women of Influence 2021!
A member of the Fort William First Nation (Thunder Bay) where he maintains a home, Mr. Morriseau is based in Toronto. Over the past 20 years Andre has served on numerous boards of directors including the Ontario Arts Council (OAC), ImagineNATIVE Film and Media Arts Festival, Native American Journalist’s Association (NAJA), the Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre and is currently serving as a Director on the Anishnawbe Health Foundation and TakingITGlobal Board of Directors.
An enthusiastic educator and entertainer, Chef David Wolfman is an internationally recognized expert in wild game and traditional Aboriginal cuisine. A member of the Xaxli’p First Nation in BC, David Wolfman is a classically trained Chef, Culinary Arts Professor at George Brown College of Applied Arts and Technology in Toronto (for over 20 years now), and Executive Producer and Host of the popular Cooking with the Wolfman™ television program. This show features David’s signature “Indigenous Fusion: Traditional Foods with a Modern Twist” and airs on FNX (First Nations Experience) and NativeFlix in the US. The show aired on APTN (Aboriginal Peoples Television Network) in Canada for 18 years.
Born of Haida Indigenous and mixed descent, the award-winning singer and songwriter Carsen Gray commutes the peace of her surroundings into a soulful sound spiked with R&B energy, pop universality, and a twist of local spirit. After making waves across Canada, she introduces herself to the world on her 2022 debut EP for Nettwerk Music Group.
Caid Jones is a indigenous/Irish recording artist out of Winnipeg Manitoba, Canada. He is the Co-Founder and Creative director for PayAttention Records. He specializes in Hip-Hop, R&B, audio production and is passionate about environmental/social justice.
Linsay Willier is Cree from Sucker Creek First Nation. She obtained a Degree in Child and Youth Care from Grant MacEwan University and also works as a model and actor. She was the runner-up on Canada's Next Top Model, Cycle 3. Linsay also competed in Miss Universe Canada in 2011 where she won the People's Choice Award.
Carly Chartier is a Métis and Non-Status Youth located in Selkirk, Manitoba. Carly is a graduate of Red River College where she studied Human Resource Management, Management Development and graduated with honours. Carly is employed in her field of studies at The Selkirk Friendship Centre (a non-profit Indigenous organization) in Administration & Human Resources providing resources to her community. Carly is also a former community impact partner with the #RisingYouth program at TakingITGlobal.
Alison Tedford Seaweed is an author, consultant and a mom. She is Indigenous (Kwakiutl First Nation) and based in Abbotsford, BC. She has over a decade of government experience contributing to culturally sensitive data storytelling, policy analysis and program development and seven years of private sector experience creating information products that educate, inform and delight. She has helped entrepreneurs, governments and brand leaders design their visions of inclusion, strategize about how to get there with practical, concrete action and find the words to talk about it. She creates an inviting space where questions are encouraged and welcome and that allows for growth and experimentation.
Todd DeVries G̱íihlgiigaa is a Haida Cedar Bark weaver based in Vancouver, BC focused on the practical use of his creations and the community-building potential of this fine craft. Todd first started weaving with Western Red Cedar Bark in 2001 following a mysterious vision he had of the Old Woman of the Forest. Primarily self-taught, his weaving style has still been impacted by some important teachers. Since then, he has been sharing his skills, and teaching other weavers how to master materials of their own choosing as well as cedar bark, through demonstrations, workshops, weaving circles and informal mentorships.
Reanna Merasty is Ininew from Barren Lands First Nation, Manitoba. Reanna is a research assistant, an Architectural Intern with Number TEN Architectural Group, and Co-Founder of the Indigenous Design & Planning Student Association at the University of Manitoba. Though what exposed her to the world of architecture weren’t some fancy buildings or famous historical figures, but her grandfather who she helped with log cabin building.
Krista Paul is a mother of two, from Saskatoon in Treaty 6 Territory and has been involved in the hair industry since 2009. Krista believes in the power of make-up and styling to enhance people’s natural beauty and to bring out their confidence. Krista is passionate about her career and is committed to constantly educating herself with the latest products techniques and skills for her clients.
Raised in Toronto, Ontario, Michael Solomon is a member of the Cape Crokers Chippewas of Nawash, on the Bruce Peninsula in Northern Ontario — although he points out that it’s actually Southern Ontario. Michael is part of the TakingITGlobal team, working as the Indigenous Education & Youth Engagement Activator, administering interactive learning sessions with Connected North and community grants with the Youth Leadership Fund for Indigenous youth across Canada. Michael has overcome hardships and dedicated himself to rewriting a narrative, focused on giving back to the community and creating a safe, positive foundation for his family.
Magdalena Kelly’s ancestral name is Pelél, meaning Wild Cherry Tree. She is from Leq’amel First Nation. Magdalena has a passion for helping people and giving them a platform to show who they are and what they have to offer. Growing up in Vancouver, then moving to New York City for 10 years, she ended up moving back home to her community after travelling the world to experience the country life and to know what it means to be at home. Magdalena works for TakingITGlobal with the Connected North program. She has had many professions and considers herself a student of life. Her story is one of going out as far as you can to realize that maybe home is where you are needed.
Heather Cherisse is a yoga instructor located in the Cariboo-Chilcotin region of British Columbia who prioritizes yoga instruction for youth in rural and remote Indigenous communities. Heather uses yoga, mindfulnes, breathing techniques and meditation to build self-awareness, and calm to counteract the fast-pace of today's world.
Amy is from Opaskwayak Cree Nation and is am a student, musician, artist and small business owner. Amy uses humour and authentic Indigenous representation as a form of healing to connect with her substanial social media following and grow her booming online business that creates notebooks, decor, tote bags, artwork, buttons and stickers.
An Oji-Cree and Polish woman from Sioux Lookout, Ontario, on the traditional lands of Lac Seul First Nation in Treaty 3 territory, Orzechowska is a member of Bearskin Lake First Nation. An avid crafter, beadworker, jewelry maker and freelance videographer, Migwin is a Role Model for the the Connected North prgram and now gets to share her skills and talents with youth from her home community and beyond.
When Willow Fiddler was young, she knew she wanted to tell the stories nobody was telling about Indigenous people. “When I was living in Sandy Lake as a young adult I saw how we were underrepresented in mainstream media particularly, and just seeing all the good stories that weren't being told about First Nations people and communities,” she recounted. While there are many difficult stories that need to be told, she tries to focus on positive stories. Now a year and a half into working with The Globe & Mail, she started as a video journalist with APTN. Her journey to journalism was a winding road from Thunder Bay and Sandy Lake First Nation.
Star Nahwegahbo is Anishinaabe and Scottish settler from Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation, Ontario (Robinson Huron Treaty), currently living in Tkaronto. Star is a mother, interdisciplinary artist, former Social Service Worker of 12 years, grassroots community organizer and expressive arts facilitator. Star’s work explores the parallels of motherhood and land, the impact of colonial violence on families, grief and medicine and the art of braiding ourselves back into our rightful place in creation.
Kayla is an ITEP alumni from Pinehouse, Saskatchewan and is not only a Future Pathways Indigenous Role Model but a team member at TakingItGlobal, working as a School Lead for the Connected North program. Kayla is an advocate for positive mental health supports, balance and prioritizing time as a mother.
Jasmyn Albert is a Plains Cree/Métis woman and educator living in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. She entered the Indian Teacher Education Program (ITEP) in 2012. “I always wanted to be a teacher since I was really little. My kookum worked in the same division as I did". Although her formal education was important, Jasmyn also acknowledges a lifetime of teaching from peers, role models, and especially Elders
Since she was a child, Christine M’Lot knew when she grew up she wanted to be a teacher. From Swan Lake First Nation, but born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, M’Lot says she was really lucky she always knew she wanted to work with children, and that school was something she always liked and helped her out a lot. Not only a teacher, but also a curriculum developer, editor and role model, Christine uses education as the means to supporting youth.
Jade Roberts is Woodland Cree from La Ronge, SK. She is an educator and the creator and host of her very own podcast Inspired by lingering questions about her father’s years in the residential school system, Jade examines the history, mission, and impact of residential schools through interviews which features stories of residential school survivors and Indigenous youth in her podcast “Still Here, Still Healing”
Dakota Bear is a young hip hop artist, land protector, warrior entrepreneur, clothing designer, business consultant, motivational speaker, and youth mentor from the Treaty 6 Territory. His copious interests speak to his energy and passion; and, in every one of his many endeavours, Dakota brings his Indigenous identity to the forefront.
Emma Greenfield is a teacher who trains early childhood educators on their responsibilities in reconciliation to Indigenous children and families. She grew up in a small town near Toronto called Schomberg. Her ancestry is British, French, Irish, Italian, and Mohawk. Emma’s spirit name is Zhawenjige Ode Kwe, which means “open-hearted woman”. Emma’s path to her meaningful career was not perfectly straight, and her ‘open heart’ was an important tool along the way. At each stage in her educational journey, she found new interests and took new opportunities. “What I’m doing now is very different from what I thought I was going to school for.” Emma supports students in the Connected North program by leading workshops that encourage youth to reflect on their talents and how to showcase these strengths in applications for post-seconday.
Anna is Inuk from Iqaluit, Nunavut. As an Inuk actress in the spotlight, there is an immense amount of pressure to be a role model who never makes mistakes. There is a disconnection that exists when people begin following new paths in life, and expectations become much higher and, at times, unmanageable. Anna explores identity as an advocate for Indigenous rights.
Growing up, Joshua Stribbell thought he was the only person from the north who had an experience growing away from it. But he later learned that wasn’t the case. He then grew up with his father in Keswick, Ontario, and was the only Inuk he knew until his mid-20’s. Stribbell works as a national program coordinator at Tungasuvvingat Inuit and coordinates the National Urban Inuit Youth Council, and says this council grew out of a lot of other work they have been doing in Toronto, supporting urban Inuit.
Kevin Wesaquate has always been motivated to create art. From Piapot First Nation, Wesaquate does spoken word poetry and is a visual artist, and works with community “quite a bit.” His various arts take him to different places, such as visual arts can takes him to places like creating murals or spoken word could take him to national competitions. As a Connected North Future Pathways Indigenous Role Model, he's also led mearly 200 live and interative workshops with youth across the North.
Ricky-Lee Watts, also known as Amiitlaa, which means "blessed one" in Nuu-chah-nulth. Ricky-Lee is Hupačasath Nuučaan̓uł from mother’s side. Known as a life enthusiast, Ricky-Lee have a keen desire to continually grow and inspire people to be their best selves. Ricky-Lee Watts has accomplished an incredible amount of achievements, but is only just getting started.
Vinnie Karetak is what you would call a real jack of all spades. Karetak has been living in Iqaluit, Nunavut, for almost 19 years, and works as a writer, producer, actor, and in theatre just to name a few. He is also an alumni of the Nunavut Sivinuksavut program, located in Ottawa. But, when it comes to leaving your home community, Karetak says he didn't do it just for the sake of leaving town but was rather driven by a purpose.
Waukomaun Pawis is Ojibwe from Wasauksing First Nation, and one of Connected North's most booked Role Models. When he isn’t busy working with TakingITGlobal and educating youth in the Connected North program, he does other work as an Indigenous filmmaker. But it wasn’t easy to get there.
Ashley Cummings (Komangaapik) is a proud Inuk youth from Pangnirtung, Nunavut. She has worked hard to be an involved youth and she has had opportunities to travel and participate in numerous events, organizations, and conferences. She currently works for the Arctic Institute of Community-Based Research as an Indigenous research assistant. Ashley talks about the importance of determination, motivation, and wellness as you become more involved in your community and country. Her honesty ensures the authenticity necessary in providing inspiration to younger generations, something especially needed for Indigenous youth.
Ovila Mailhot is a Coast Salish graphic artist and designer. Originally from Seabird Island in British Columbia, Ovila is one of our most sought after content providers, having delivered more than 300 sessions to Connected North schools to date.
Karalyn Menicoche is a Class of 2020 graduate of Carleton University’s Political Science and Indigenous Studies programs. She is from Fort Providence, Northwest Territories, a small community of 900 mostly Dene people like herself, as well as some Métis and non-Indigenous residents. She is living back in Fort Providence with her young son, after living in Ottawa completing her studies for the past three years.