Episode 124: Unlocking the Beothuk-Mi'kmaq Mystery

Oral history suggests a connection between ancient Beothuk and Mi'kmaq—so far there is no scientific proof, but that could change with the results of a genetic study commissioned by Miawpukwek First Nation.

This week, we speak with Steve Carr of Terra Nova Genomics Inc. who was hired by Miawpukwek to do that very research.

Episode 121: The Charges Against Joel Denny

Note: this episode deals with topics of sexual assault that may be triggering to some listeners. Please listen with care.

We speak to Elizabeth Marshall about the reaction in Eskasoni to the 25 sex-related charges against Joel Denny, a prominent member of the community known for his work in Mi'kmaq language development.

Episode 120: The Fight Against Alton Gas

Lawyer Michael McDonald speaks about the land, the treaty and the river at the heart of the struggle to protect the waters of the Shubenacadie that are part of traditional Mi'kmaq life in central Nova Scotia.

Episode 119: A Decision in the Jerry Brake Case

A decision by the Federal Court of Appeal in the Brake case means more judicial scrutiny of the controversial side deal between Canada and Federation of Newfoundland Indians. The class action offers another chance to nix the supplemental agreement.

We interview plaintiffs' lawyer David Rosenfeld of the law firm Koskie Minsky.

Episode 118: Chief Mi'sel Joe's Aquaculture Concerns

Miawpukek First Nation's Chief Mi'sel Joe still supports the sea-based industry, but worries about transparency—he also has questions about whether warm weather caused the massive die-off at Northern Harvest,  and why no other operation was affected.  

Later in the show, Wade Locke, a professor at Memorial University of Newfoundland Professor, explains why Indigenous issues were left off the table at an upcoming conference on economic, social, and cultural development.

Episode 116: Toward a More Transparent Search for New Regional Chief

Chief PJ Prosper of the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi'kmaq Chiefs hopes there will be a better process for choosing Morley Googoo's replacement. 

And later in the show,  we check-in with Cheryl Maloney about going public with her harassment and bullying complaint against Googoo, and how she feels now that he has been removed from office.

Episode 114: Mi'kmaq Burials

Upon her death, Corner Brook resident Dee Dee Starling wants to be buried in a section of Mount Patricia cemetery reserved for Mi'kmaq people. In recent weeks, talks have started between Qalipu First Nation and the cemetery to make that a reality. 

This week, we hear from Starling and Lloyd Walters, chair of the Mount Patricia board of directors, about what it will take to honour Mi'kmaq wishes to be buried in a traditional way.

Episode 113: How Did Morley Googoo Remain Regional Chief?

Cheryl Maloney's allegations of harassment led to the suspension of the Assembly of First Nations Regional Chief Morley Googoo.

Now, the former President of the Nova Scotia Native Women's Association says people are afraid to speak out against Googoo for fear of losing jobs, funding and services because the chiefs of the 13 First Nations in Nova Scotia dominate every Indigenous organization in the province.

Episode 28: Friendship Centre Fallout

How did the social media discussion regarding the hiring of the executive director for the new Friendship Centre get out of hand, and how can we have challenging—but respectful—dialogue in the future?

We hear from Blain Ford, Jasen Benwah and Shane Snook.

Episode 25: Mi'kmaq Lawsuits and Petroglyphs

Lawyer David Rosenfeld discusses a class action lawsuit filed on behalf of applicants denied Qalipu status. and artist Marcus Gosse shares his passion for ancient rock engravings.

Episode 13: Alone Together

We interview Mi'sel Joe, Chief of the Miawpukek First Nation, about Qalipu enrolment, the hostility of some other Mi'kmaq leaders toward us, and what it means to be Mi'kmaq.

Episode 4: Qalipu Enrolment Part 2 (The Supplemental Agreement)

This week, we interview enrolment protest organizer Blain Ford and Qalipu chief Brendan Mitchell, the man in the hot seat as band members and applicants wait for word from the feds on who's in and who's out.

Episode 3: Qalipu Enrolment

An interview with Dave Wells, chair of the Mi'kmaq First Nations Assembly of Newfoundland, on the coming legal and political storm regarding Qalipu enrolment due to hit in January.

Episode 2: The Future of CAP

This week, we talk to the new National Chief of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples about the future of CAP and whether the Qalipu have a place in it.

Episode 1: Urban Reserves

As the Qalipu ponder creating an urban reserve, we talk to a councillor from the First Nation that created the first such reserve more than two decades ago. What challenges will the Qalipu face and what mistakes should we avoid? 

Listen to our inaugural episode here: