Meet The onôtinikêwak (oh-nooh-tin-kay-wuck) - Meet The Warriors

Join us for an inspiring and passionate conversation in this episode of Meet the Onôtinikêwak (Warriors) as host Michael LaRocque welcomes Geena Jackson.Geena is a powerhouse in Indigenous entrepreneurship, economic reconciliation, and youth empowerment. As the creator of Bears’ Lair, she has helped hundreds of Indigenous entrepreneurs share their stories, build businesses, and walk proudly in both worlds.In this episode, Geena opens up about her journey—from growing up in challenging circumstances, to working for the Squamish Nation for over 13 years, to becoming a national voice for Indigenous business through media, public speaking, and community programs. We dive into the heart behind Bears’ Lair, the vision for Dream Camps, and how language, love, and legacy guide everything she does.Geena Jackson is the founder of Indigenous Initiatives and a fierce advocate for building Indigenous wealth through love, truth, and opportunity. Her work empowers entrepreneurs, inspires youth, and supports communities across Turtle Island.Chapters00:00 Navigating Early Life Challenges10:46 Cultural Identity and Community Connection22:01 The Birth of Bears’ Lair: Empowering Indigenous Entrepreneurs32:02 Youth Empowerment Through Entrepreneurial Education35:52 Finding Balance and Purpose in LifeWhere to Connect with Geena Jackson:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geenajacksonWebsite: https://geenajackson.comBears' Lair Dream Camps: https://www.bearslairdreamcamps.comBears’ Lair: https://bearslairtv.comIf Geena’s story moved you, inspired you, or made you reflect, please like, share, and subscribe to Meet the Onôtinikêwak. Your support helps us amplify Indigenous voices and share powerful stories of leadership, healing, and transformation.

A powerful and deeply personal episode of Meet the Onôtinikêwak as host Michael LaRocque sits down with Willis Janvier—a Dene speaker, podcaster, public speaker, MC, and soon-to-be Indigenous Social Work graduate.Hailing from Clearwater River Dene Nation and now based in Moose Jaw, Willis shares his raw and inspiring journey—from growing up surrounded by alcohol, working the oil fields, and struggling with addiction, to reclaiming his language, culture, and voice through sobriety and storytelling.Willis is the creator of Dene Yati, a podcast dedicated to uplifting Dene voices, language, and stories. In this conversation, he opens up about grief, recovery, ADHD, mentorship, and the sacred connection between language and healing. You’ll hear real talk on intergenerational trauma, the loneliness of sobriety, and why he continues to push forward even when it’s hard.Willis Janvier is a father, storyteller, and language advocate who uses his lived experience to encourage others to speak their truth and reconnect with their roots—one word at a time.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Willis Janvier02:01 Growing Up in La Loche06:39 Childhood, Hockey & Family Dynamics13:11 ADHD, Avoidance, and Learning Challenges18:53 Early Addiction & Modeling Behavior25:52 Oilfield Money, Culture Shock & Regret36:57 Speaking About Recovery & Mental Health45:33 The Start of the Dene Yati Podcast54:54 Burnout, Grief, and the Weight of Social Media59:15 Language as Medicine and Cultural Legacy1:06:11 What’s Next for WillisWhere to Connect with WillisJanvier:Facebookfacebook.com/DeneyatipodcastInstagraminstagram.com/deneyatipodcastTiktoktiktok.com/@deneyatipodcastIf Willis’s story moved you, made you reflect, or reminded you of the strength in your own journey, subscribe to Meet the Onôtinikêwak and share this episode with someone who values healing, culture, and truth. Your support helps amplify Indigenous voices and keeps our stories alive.

Join us on a reflective and entertaining journey in this episode of Meet the Onôtinikêwak as host Michael LaRocque welcomes Christopher Masuskapoe, a Cree comedian, content creator, and Canadian Armed Forces veteran. Best known online as MrChristopher, his skits about rez life, relationships, and cultural quirks have struck a chord with audiences across all backgrounds.From Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation, Christopher opens up about his upbringing, military experience, creative process, and how he balances online notoriety with real life. This conversation dives into humor as medicine, the power of staying grounded, and how content creation became a path to healing.Christopher Masuskapoe is a proud Cree man, a devoted father, and a gifted storyteller whose work blends comedy, culture, and community. With millions of views across TikTok and Facebook, he uses his platform not just to entertain—but to remind us all that laughter can carry deep meaning.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Mr. Christopher02:52 Growing Up on the Rez06:01 Military Experience and Lessons Learned12:08 The Journey into Content Creation24:06 Finding Humor in Life30:11 The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health32:07 Navigating Social Media Pressure38:39 Cultural Humor and Community Reactions46:17 The Journey to Public Speaking54:41 Mentorship and Self-DiscoveryWhere to Connect:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MR.CHRIST0PHER – look for the blue checkmark.TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mr.christ0pherInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/christopher_masuskapoe Christopher’s story made you laugh, reflect, or feel inspired, subscribe to Meet the Onôtinikêwak and share this episode with someone who needs a reminder that laughter is medicine. Your support helps elevate Indigenous voices and bring more powerful stories to light.

Join us on a profound journey in this episode of "Meet the Onôtinikêwak" as host Michael LaRocque welcomes Pam Palmater, a distinguished Mi'kmaq activist, author, and speaker. From the heart of El River Bar First Nation, Pam shares her compelling insights on the pressing issues facing Indigenous communities across Canada. This conversation not only delves into her personal and professional life but also explores her critical views on law enforcement practices and her passionate advocacy for Indigenous rights. Pam Palmater is a proud member of the Mi'kmaq nation and a tireless advocate for Indigenous rights. As a lawyer, professor, and public speaker, she utilizes her platform to champion social justice and human rights, focusing on the intersection of Indigenous sovereignty and legal frameworks. Show Highlights: [0:00] Michael introduces Pam Palmater, setting the stage for a discussion on Indigenous advocacy and systemic challenges. [02:19] Pam discusses her Mi'kmaq heritage, her upbringing, and how her family's involvement in Native politics shaped her path. [06:34] Insights into Pam's academic journey and her impactful career, including her roles and experiences that have influenced her advocacy work. [15:38] Pam and Michael discuss the complexities of policing and surveillance within Indigenous communities, revealing the underlying tensions and the need for reform. [27:13] The conversation turns to the impact of social media and public engagement, with Pam sharing how she navigates online platforms to spread awareness and education. [36:35] Addressing internal community challenges and the phenomenon of 'doxing', illustrating the difficulties public figures face in the digital age. [48:15] Reflections on overcoming fears and the importance of resilience in advocacy, highlighting the continuous journey of learning and personal growth. Where to Connect: Website: https://pampalmater.com - Discover more about Pam's work, access her blog, and explore her podcast. Social Media: Follow Pam on platforms like Twitter and Facebook to stay updated on her latest projects and advocacy efforts. If Pam's story inspires you and want to learn more about Indigenous rights and community advocacy, subscribe to "Meet the Onôtinikêwak" and share this episode. Your engagement helps us bring more such stories to light and support the voices that need to be heard.

In this conversation, Drew Hayden Taylor, a celebrated author and storyteller, shares insights from his journey into writing and discusses his unique approach to storytelling. He talks about his latest novel, Cold, which reimagines the Windigo character in a contemporary urban setting. Drew also touches on his work in television and plays and discusses the complexities of his mixed-race identity.  He emphasizes the importance of reading and being a good reader to become a good writer, the need for multiple drafts in the writing process, and the value of leading an interesting life to inspire creativity. Drew also discusses his experiences with being questioned about his Indigenous identity and the challenges of navigating cultural expectations. Takeaways Being a good reader is essential to becoming a good writer. Writing often requires multiple drafts to refine the story and characters. Leading an interesting life and having diverse experiences can inspire creativity. Navigating cultural expectations and questions about Indigenous identity can be challenging. Quotes "I became a writer because I couldn't do anything else." - Drew Hayden Taylor "As a writer, I have more control over the world I create than the world I live in." - Drew Hayden Taylor "Writing can seem intimidating, but if it's fun, it takes away the scariness." - Drew Hayden Taylor Links Drews Website - https://www.drewhaydentaylor.com/ Latest Book “Cold” - https://bit.ly/4a8wMWD Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Background 02:08 - Becoming a Writer and Having Control Over the World 09:17 - The Fun and Scariness of Writing 25:05 - The Importance of Rewriting 28:31 - Living an Interesting Life to Inspire Creativity 38:26 - Navigating Questions about Indigenous Identity