The Legacy of Hope Foundation Presents: Indigenous Roots and Hoots

On this week’s episode of Roots and Hoots, we are pleased to be joined by Elder Thomas R. Louttit. Elder Thomas is a respected leader in his community, living a life in service to others. Originally from Moose Factory, he shares stories about his early days of living off the land, experiences in the Residential School System and the foster care system, to life today, including his role as a keeper of the Miitig Healing Lodge and th...

On this week’s episode of Roots and Hoots, our host is pleased to be joined by a woman he both admires and calls a friend, Elder Belinda Vandenbroeck. Gordon and Elder Belinda both attended the Mackay Residential School in Dauphin, Manitoba and discuss their experiences in Northern Manitoba, their connections to the Ukrainian community there and the important role that culture plays in reminding them of who they are.

Show Notes:

On this week’s episode of Roots and Hoots, host Gordon Spence is pleased to be joined by two outstanding staff members at the Legacy of Hope Foundation, Tara Devlin and Hannah Vicaire. Tara and Hannah are the Indigenous Community Engagement Officers at LHF and through their work and life experiences, provide impactful workshops to Indigenous communities across Canada. Tara and Hannah share many great stories and lessons learned fro...

On this week’s episode of Roots and Hoots, host Gordon Spence is pleased to be joined by a proud member of the Apitipi Anicinapek Nation and founder of Makatew Workshops, Marc Forgette. In this episode, Marc and Gordon discuss Indigenous tourism, the importance of cultural appreciation, and how individuals and organizations can take specific action on the 94 Calls to Action.

Show Notes:

• Apitipi ...

In this week’s episode of Roots and Hoots, host Gordon Spence is thrilled to be joined by the Arctic Rose herself, Susan Aglukark. Susan Aglukark is an Inuk woman from the community of Arviat which is in the Kivalliq region of Nunavut. Susan discusses life before her career as a singer-songwriter, including her time spent working at Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, to her decision to dedicate her life to music. Susan’s iconi...

In this episode of Roots and Hoots, host Gordon Spence is thrilled to be joined by historian, scholar and Associate Head of the Department of Indigenous Studies at the University of Manitoba, Dr. Sean Carleton. In this powerful conversation, Sean speaks with Gordon about being an ally, the importance of non-Indigenous Peoples’ role in confronting Residential School denialism and his connection with Katsi'tsakwas Ellen Gabriel, whic...

On this week’s episode of Roots and Hoots, host Gordon Spence is pleased to be joined by fellow Cree speaker Cameron Adams. Cameron is a proud member of Berens River First Nation in Treaty 5 Territory and is on his journey to becoming a fluent Cree language speaker. His hope for revitalizing Indigenous languages shines through, making him a powerful example for Indigenous Peoples seeking to deepen their language learning - wherever...

On this week’s episode of Roots and Hoots, host Gordon Spence is joined by Métis scholar and historian, Dr. Allyson Stevenson. The two share an important conversation on Métis history and heritage. Allyson helps listeners understand the policies and politics that have led to Métis dispossession of land and the severing of kinship ties, while also highlighting stories of resistance along the way. This episode invites listeners on a ...

On this week’s episode of Roots and Hoots, host Gordon Spence is joined by his friend, Cree actor and former Chief of Fox Lake Cree Nation, Michael Lawrenchuk. Michael discusses the road that led to his impressive acting career and how it continues to save and heal him. In 2014, Michael became a fellow of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre in London and is a member of the actors union ACTRA - from whom he is set to receive The Vic Cowie A...

On this week’s episode of Roots and Hoots, host Gordon Spence is joined by Inuk hunter, community and family man, Johnny Flaherty. The two discuss life up in Canada’s Northern Arctic and Johnny shares stories of his many polar bear hunts and travels with his dog sled team. 

Show Notes 

• Nanook of the North (1922)
• Filmmaker Robert J. Flaherty
• Inuit High Arctic Relocation Program
• Inuktitut
• Swarovski Binoculars
• Yamaha VK540 Snowm...

On this week’s episode of Roots and Hoots, host Gordon Spence is thrilled to be joined by artist and filmmaker Shelley Niro. Shelley is a member of the Six Nations Reserve, Turtle Clan, of the Bay of Quinte Mohawk. In this interview, Shelley and Gordon discuss the evolution of Shelley’s artistic process and her recent film Café Daughter.

Show Notes 

• Six Nations of the Grand River 

On this week’s episode of Roots and Hoots, host Gordon Spence sits down with Apooyak’ii/Dr. Tiffany Hind Bull-Prete. Tiffany is a member of the Kainai (Blood Tribe) of the Siksikasitapi (Blackfoot Confederacy). She is an assistant professor in the Department of Sociology at the University of Lethbridge. Tiffany recently curated the 'Stolen Kainai Children: Stories of Survival' exhibit, showcased at the Galt Museum & Archives in...

On this week’s episode of Roots and Hoots, host Gordon sits down with Natasha Fisher, an Ojibwe and Finnish singer, songwriter, and producer from Long Lake #58 First Nation. Natasha’s wisdom coupled with a delightful sense of joy and down-to-earth personality shines throughout the interview as she and Gordon discuss her community, her music and upcoming projects and the experiences that have helped shape her into the woman she is t...

On this week’s episode of Roots and Hoots, host Gordon Spence sits down with one of his favorite musical talents, Errol “C-Weed” Ranville of the band C-Weed. The two Manitoba boys discuss all things music. From Errol’s early days of growing up in a musical family, including Errol’s road to success. He has received some big lessons in life, and his gifts of writing and music have guided him through many important chapters.

Show No...

On this week’s episode of Roots and Hoots, host Gordon Spence is thrilled to be joined by His Excellency Whit Fraser, C.C. With an illustrious communications career in Canada’s Arctic, Mr.Fraser takes listeners on a journey that includes key events and figures that have shaped today’s Arctic. His coverage with CBC included the First Minister’s Constitutional amendments that enshrined Indigenous rights in the Constitution of Canada,...

On this week’s episode of Roots and Hoots, host Gordon Spence is joined by Peter Ittinuar Freuchen. They discuss his journey to Ottawa, government processes and goes into detail about the process leading up to the enshrinement of Section 35 into the Canadian Constitution. As the first Inuk Member of Parliament, Peter shares about his journey to Ottawa and his work in the protection of and access to, inherent Indigenous rights.

Sh...

In this special Roots and Hoots collaboration episode with Knockabout Media, host Gordon Spence is pleased to be joined by Eric Burant and Garrison Garrow of the Indigenous Art Centre (IAC). Eric Burant is an Archivist of mixed Anishinaabe and settler ancestry and Garrison Garrow is the Manager of Programs and Collections and is a Kanien'kehá:ka artist from Akwesasne. The two speak with Gordon about the history of the Indigenous Ar...

We're back! On this week’s episode of Roots and Hoots, host Gordon Spence is pleased to be joined by Kelly Saxberg. Kelly is an Indigenous ally of European descent. With over 100 film credits, Kelly uses her creative platform to amplify Indigenous voices and raise awareness for Indigenous causes. Gordon Spence discusses with Kelly Saxberg her journey into filmmaking and some of the important projects she has worked on that have all...