Best Firstnations Podcasts (2026)

1
9 Jan 2026—Kashechewan First Nation to evacuate due to broken water treatment system 9:34

Play Pause

10h ago9:34

9:34

Our lead story: Kashechewan, a fly-in only First Nation near James Bay in northern Ontario, plans for evacuation after its water treatment system stopped working over the weekend.By APTN

1
8 Jan 2026—Search ends for woman's partial remains in Thunder Bay landfill 7:45

1d ago7:45

7:45

Our lead story: a search of the Thunder Bay landfill for the partial remains of murder victim Deborah Anishinabie is wrapped up after it fails to produce any additional evidence.By APTN

1
7 Jan 2026—Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation sues Alberta over referendum on separation 7:31

2d ago7:31

7:31

Our lead story: claiming an upcoming Alberta referendum on separation would violate Treaty 8, Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation files suit against the provincial government.By APTN

1
6 Jan 2026—Pimicikamak Cree Nation works to recover after 4 days without power 6:13

3d ago6:13

6:13

Our lead story: following four straight days without power during the holidays, officials from Pimicikamak Cree Nation in northern Manitoba say they are not out of the woods yet.By APTN

1
Interrogating 'The White Possessive', Pt. 1 (ep 360) 1:22:37

4d ago1:22:37

1:22:37

ON THIS EPISODE: Interrogating 'the white possessive.' And according to Indigenous scholar Aileen Moreton-Robinson, countries like Canada, Australia and the U.S. are best understood as 'white possessions'—possessions which take a great deal of work and resources to maintain, a relentless reproduction of "the nation-state's ownership, control and do…

1
Dec. 24, 2025—Chiefs Commission, First Nations Caring Society submit child welfare reform plan 8:59

16d ago8:59

8:59

Our lead story: The National Children's Chiefs Commission and the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society claim their plan for long-term First Nations child welfare reform is more thorough than the federal government's. NOTE: APTN NEWS BRIEF WILL BE ON HIATUS OVER THE HOLIDAYS, RETURNING TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2026. MUSIC: 'Abundance' by 1000 Ha…

1
Dec. 23, 2025—Carney gov't submits new reform plan for First Nations child and family services 8:18

17d ago8:18

8:18

Our lead story: the Carney government submits its new plan for long-term reform of the First Nations child and family services program to the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal, pledging $35.5 billion to the end of 2034, then $4.4 billion annually after that.By APTN

1
Dec. 22, 2025—Guards who evicted man from SK hospital barred from work at health facilities 6:25

18d ago6:25

6:25

Our lead story: the Saskatchewan Health Authority says the security guards who evicted an Indigenous man from a Prince Albert hospital out into the cold are now barred from work at any SHA facility.By APTN

1
Dec. 19, 2025—Feds, Ontario sign agreement to fast-track major projects in province 7:25

21d ago7:25

7:25

Our lead story: the same day Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ontario Premier Doug Ford sign an agreement meant to speed up construction of major projects in the province, Treaty 9 First Nations hold a press conference on their lawsuit against such fast-tracking.By APTN

1
Dec. 18, 2025—Mi'kmaw title claim in the works to seek good chunk of Nova Scotia lands 7:54

22d ago7:54

7:54

Our lead story: a major Mi'kmaw-led, Aboriginal title claim in the works at Sipekne'katik First Nation in Nova Scotia, the scope of which would include a good chunk of the province.By APTN

1
Dec. 17, 2025—Mi'kmaw cannabis sellers meet to discuss Nova Scotia crackdown on stores 10:06

23d ago10:06

10:06

Our lead story: a Mi'kmaw organization representing over 60 cannabis retailers in Nova Scotia meets to strategize on a provincial crackdown on their operations.By APTN

1
Dec. 16, 2025—10 years after TRC final report, renewed calls to fight residential school denialism 10:15

24d ago10:15

10:15

Our lead story: a decade after the final report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission was released, some mark the anniversary with reflection and renewed calls to tackle residential school denialism.By APTN

1
Dec. 15, 2025—RCMP arrest 27 in northern Manitoba drug bust 9:20

25d ago9:20

9:20

Our lead story: RCMP in northern Manitoba arrest 27 people and lay 51 drug trafficking related charges under the police operation known as Project Derry.By APTN

1
Dec. 12, 2025—Treaty 8 First Nations signal strong opposition to proposed tar sands pipeline 8:07

28d ago8:07

8:07

Our lead story: Treaty 8 First Nations leaders gather in Ottawa to voice their opposition to a recently signed federal/Alberta MOU promoting a future tar sands pipeline to B.C.'s west coast, a proposal they were not consulted on.By APTN

1
Dec. 11, 2025—Sipekne'katik First Nation bans Nova Scotia premier, cabinet ministers, from their lands 8:04

29d ago8:04

8:04

Our lead story: citing a variety of issues, the chief and council of Sipekne'katik First Nation vote to ban the premier of Nova Scotia from their lands, along with two of his cabinet ministers.By APTN

1
Dec. 10, 2025—Century-old kayak among repatriated Inuit items newly unveiled to public 8:26

1M ago8:26

8:26

Our lead story: Inuit artifacts over a hundred years old—included a hand-crafted, sealskin kayak—are newly unveiled to the public at the Canadian Museum of History shortly after their repatriation from the Vatican.By APTN

1
Dec. 9, 2025—Dozens of Indigenous artifacts long held by Vatican begin journey home 8:52

1M ago8:52

8:52

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

1
Dec. 8, 2025—Concern for Saskatoon's growing unhoused population as temps drop 7:22

1M ago7:22

7:22

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

1
Dec. 5, 2025—AFN meeting wraps up discussing major projects, First Nations infrastructure gap 9:03

1M ago9:03

9:03

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

1
Dec. 4, 2025—Ontario chiefs sceptical of federal promise of clean water legislation 10:18

1M ago10:18

10:18

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

1
Jesse McCormick: We Can’t Build Canada Strong Without Building Trust First 8:23

1M ago8:23

8:23

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…

1
Dec. 3, 2025—Feds/Alberta pipeline MOU does not go over well at AFN meeting 9:13

1M ago9:13

9:13

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

1
Dec. 2, 2025—Three years after her murder, landfill search for Ashlee Shingoose's remains begins 6:11

1M ago6:11

6:11

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

1
Pacinthe Mattar: DEI and Anti-Palestinian Racism 7:22

2M ago7:22

7:22

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 …

1
Bardia Sinaee: Poetry Versus The Machine 8:52

2M ago8:52

8:52

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 …

1
Dr. Jan Hare: The Role of Teachers 10:27

3M ago10:27

10:27

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…

1
Rachel Doran: Canada’s Electrification Opportunity 8:16

3M ago8:16

8:16

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…

1
Cyndi Gilbert: How The Bike Brigade Fosters a Culture of Community Care 13:42

5M ago13:42

13:42

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…

1
Vinod Rajasekaran: Prioritizing Wellbeing in the Volunteer Sector 12:18

5M ago12:18

12:18

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…

1
Kasandra James: Reimagining More Diverse Stories of Volunteerism 12:13

5M ago12:13

12:13

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…

1
Suman Roy: Volunteer Programs Must Respect the Needs of Volunteers 10:25

6M ago10:25

10:25

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…

1
Darrell Pinto: Finding Purpose Through Volunteering 8:58

6M ago8:58

8:58

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…

1
Susan Pinker: Volunteerism’s Impact on Health, Happiness, and Longevity 11:14

6M ago11:14

11:14

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…

1
Sara Lyons: Canada’s National Volunteer Action Strategy 11:42

6M ago11:42

11:42

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…

1
Chief Kluane Adamek: Land, Water, and Belonging 8:26

7M ago8:26

8:26

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…

1
Kelly Lendsay: Indigenous Workplace Belonging 7:11

7M ago7:11

7:11

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…

1
Dr. Becky Cook: Rebuilding Indigenous Autonomy, Nationhood, and Belonging 8:58

7M ago8:58

8:58

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…

1
Camryn Dewar: Finding Belonging Through Indigenous Opera 7:07

7M ago7:07

7:07

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 …

1
Kahir Lalji: The Importance of Culturally Relevant Social Prescribing 7:59

7M ago7:59

7:59

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…

1
Diana Rose: Social Prescribing in Action 7:59

7M ago7:59

7:59

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…

1
Dr. Kate Mulligan: Focusing on What Matters to Us 6:34

7M ago6:34

6:34

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…

1
Kim Samuel: Social Prescribing and the Four Ps of Belonging 7:49

7M ago7:49

7:49

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…

1
Samantha Reusch: Why Civic Leaders Need to Listen to Youth 9:25

9M ago9:25

9:25

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…

1
Kishone Roy: Tackling Generational Gentrification 8:50

9M ago8:50

8:50

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…

1
Justin Ling: Three Factors Behind Increased Polarization in Canada 7:40

10M ago7:40

7:40

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…

1
Valerie Creighton: Canada Is a Creative Powerhouse 11:31

10M ago11:31

11:31

Canada has long been a force in the arts, culture, and media space, but what makes Canadian storytelling stand out? Valerie Creighton, president and CEO of the Canada Media Fund, discusses how embracing authenticity in storytelling strengthens Canada’s cultural identity and elevates our stories on the world stage. Creighton spoke at The Walrus Talk…

1
Golnaz Golnaraghi: Why Career Programs Fail Racialized Women 10:57

11M ago10:57

10:57

Many companies champion mentorship programs and leadership initiatives that promise to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. But too often, these efforts fall short of meaningfully supporting their racialized women employees. Golnaz Golnaraghi, founder of Accelerate Her Future, a career accelerator for Black, Indigenous, and racialized women in…

1
Storytelling on stolen land: Indigenous eyes on Canadian politics, Pt 2 (ep 359) 49:38

11M ago49:38

49:38

On this episode: the back half of the all-Indigenous panel MI host/producer Rick Harp moderated at "Reimagining Political Journalism: Perils, Possibilities & What Comes Next"—convened last November by Carleton University's School of Journalism and Communication in Ottawa—in which the audience joins in with their thoughts and questions for our all-s…