As Long As The River Flows – Details, episodes & analysis

Episode 35 - The Criminalization of Indigenous Land Defenders in Canada

- Our Truth Part Four, Frances Mahon and Erin Riley-Oetll

WHAT

This is part four of a four part series on the criminalization of land

defenders across Canada, highlighting firsthand experiences and legal

injustices.

WHO

Frances Mahon is a fierce litigator. The core of her practice is defending

people against serious allegations in a variety of settings, including complex

criminal trials and appeals, police investigations, and constitutional

government overreach.

Frances provides legal services to individuals, families, non-profits,

companies, and other organizations. She has appeared in courts and tribunals

across the country, including frequent appearances at the Supreme Court of

Canada.

Erin Riley-Oettl currently serves as the Manager of Human Rights Law,

Campaigns, and Advocacy at Amnesty International Canada since August

2023.

Amnesty International is a global movement of more than 10 million

people who are committed to creating a future where human rights are

enjoyed by everyone.

No government is beyond scrutiny. Amnesty International uncovers the truth

and holds human rights violators to account.

MUSIC

Song: A Better Future

Composer: Miguel Johnson

Website: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCenTwNA8ioN37RD7bfNSUpA

License: Free To Use YouTube license youtube-free

Music powered by BreakingCopyright: https://breakingcopyright.com

Episode 34 - The Criminalization of Indigenous Land Defenders in Canada

- Our Truth Part Two, Shay Lynn Sampson and Jesse Cardinal

WHAT

This is part one of a four part series on the criminalization of land defenders

across Canada, highlighting firsthand experiences and legal injustices.

WHO

Shaylynn Sampson is a Gitxsan woman from Wilp Spookxw of the Lax Gibuu

with Wet'suwet'en family ties and human rights defender.

She has participated in the Indigenous Youth for Wet'suwet'en and re-

occupation movements, and also in defence actions of the Wet'suwet'en land

from the negative effects of the construction of a gas pipeline in the territory.

She was also the Youth Engagement Coordinator for Indigenous Climate

Action, an organization of and for indigenous communities, with the aim

empowering indigenous activists in the defence of their sovereignty, land and

environment.

Jesse Cardinal is the Executive Director of Keepers of the Water. In this role,

she has challenged the disparities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous

organizations and created a more just environment for their work.

One of Jesse's most significant achievements with Keepers of the Water is the

successful mobilization to protect the Athabasca River. Tar sands, one of the

largest industrial projects globally, generated enormous amounts of hazardous

waste that was proposed to be dumped into the river. Jesse, her team, and

other organizations presented scientific evidence and raised international

awareness about the potential catastrophic impacts on the water, wildlife, and

downstream communities. Their efforts prevented the dumping.

MUSIC

Song: Resurgence

Composer: Ghostrifter Official

Website: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoRhkLdsX2OKwaEjwdZIQ8Q

License: Free To Use YouTube license youtube-free

Music powered by BreakingCopyright: https://breakingcopyright.com

Episode 25 - Indigenous Bear Teachings - Jeff Wastesicoot, part 3

What - In numerous Indigenous cultures, the Bear, or Muskwa, holds

profound significance. Numerous narratives and teachings delve into

the importance of bear wisdom, medicines, and lodges. The bear

imparts many lessons through its way of life, with courage standing

out as one of the most significant teachings. Join Keepers of The

Water as Jeff Wastesicoot explores Bear teachings…

Who - In episode 25 we hear Jeff Wastesicoot is currently an adjunct

professor with the University of Mantioba. He currently serves on the

thesis committee that guides the research to the candidates, as they

explore spirituality and laws as they relate to Nehiyew (Cree)

governance.

Jeff continues to dedicate much of his time to helping people

overcome personal challenges through ceremonies, traditional

medicines and counseling. He has dedicated his life to the

preservation of the Nehiyew language and culture. Jeff recognizes the

spirit within the tongue, as he interprets the parables within the

Nehiyew language. He is recognized in the acknowledged among the

First Nations community as a spiritual leader and traditional healer.

The stories told to him in the Nehiyew language through ceremony

and consult with the Elders remain, and he in turn, continues to

promote this knowledge with other Nations throughout Canada. Jeff

resides in Onihcikiskwapiwin Cree Nation with his wife Shelly, their

children and Charlie.

Music -

Song: Way Home

Composer: Tokyo Music Walker

Website: https://www.youtube.com/channel/

UC3lLfvhpPGtwd5qD25cMDcA

License: Free To Use YouTube license youtube-free

Music powered by BreakingCopyright: https://breakingcopyright.com

Episode 24 - Indigenous Bear Teachings - Dr. Kevin

wâsakâyâsiw Lewis, part 2

What - In numerous Indigenous cultures, the Bear, or Muskwa,

holds profound significance. Numerous narratives and teachings

delve into the importance of bear wisdom, medicines, and lodges.

The bear imparts many lessons through its way of life, with

courage standing out as one of the most significant teachings.

Join Keepers of The Water as Dr. Kevin wâsakâyâsiw Lewis

explores Bear teachings…

Who - In episode 24 we hear Dr. Kevin wâsakâyâsiw Lewis is a

nêhiyaw (Plains Cree) instructor, researcher and writer.

Dr. Lewis has worked with higher learning institutions within the

Prairie Provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta in the

areas of Cree Language Development and Instructional

methodologies.

For the past 15 years, Dr. Lewis has been working with

community schools in promoting land and language-based

education and is founder of kâniyâsihk Culture Camps a non-

profit organization focused on holistic community well-being and

co-developer of Land-Based Cree Immersion School kâ-nêyâsihk

mîkiwâhpa.

Dr. Lewis is from Ministikwan Lake Cree Nation in Treaty 6

Territory.

Music -

Song: Good Day To Die, Composer: Miguel Johnson

Website: https://www.youtube.com/channel/

UCenTwNA8ioN37RD7bfNSUpA, License: Creative Commons (BY 3.0)

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Music powered by BreakingCopyright: https://breakingcopyright.comMusic

powered by BreakingCopyright: https://breakingcopyright.com

Episode 23 - Indigenous Bear Teachings - Daphine

Pooyak part 1

What - In numerous Indigenous cultures, the Bear, or

Muskwa, holds profound significance. Numerous

narratives and teachings delve into the importance of bear

wisdom, medicines, and lodges. The bear imparts many

lessons through its way of life, with courage standing out

as one of the most significant teachings. Join Keepers of

The Water as Daphne Pooyak explores Bear teachings…

Who - In episode 23 we hear Daphine Pooyak is a

traditional teacher and cultural presenter from Nakota

Cree Sweetgrass First Nation. Daphine is an amazing

speaker who engages the listener to think deeply; just by

talking and telling stories. Join Daphine as she dives into

Muskwa and Bear teachings.

Music -

Song: Fire And Thunder

Composer: Cjbeards

Website: https://www.youtube.com/channel/

UCarvKz1XSCON68oeSZ1mlkg

License: Creative Commons (BY 3.0) https://

creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Music powered by BreakingCopyright: https://

breakingcopyright.com

Episode 22 - the Water Crisis in Northern Ontario Indigenous

Communities with Sol Mamakwa

What - In Canada, there is a water crisis on many Indigenous

communities. There are 35 Long-Term Boil Water Advisories

in Indigenous communities across Canada, as well, as of

March 18, 2025, there were 29 short-term drinking water

advisories in place in First Nations communities south of 60,

excluding those in the British Columbia region. Join Keepers

of the Water as we explore the Water Crisis in Northern

Ontario Indigenous Communities with Sol Mamakwa, a

Member of Provincial Parliament for the Kiiwetinoong riding in

Ontario.

Who - In episode 22 we hear from Sol Mamakwa, a Member

of Provincial Parliament for the Kiiwetinoong riding and is the

Official Opposition Critic for Indigenous and Treaty Relations.

He was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario in 2018

and is the first MPP to be elected for this riding. The

Kiiwetinoong riding was created prior to the Ontario election in

2017, and the population is 68 percent Indigenous, making it

the only riding in Ontario with a majority Indigenous

population.

Sol is a Kingfisher Lake First Nation member and a resident of

Sioux Lookout. His first language is Oji-Cree, and he strongly

advocates for Indigenous language protection, equity in

healthcare and education, and treaty rights.

Music -

'Phase Shift' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY 4.0.

www.scottbuckley.com.au

Episode 21 - The Protection of Treaty with Margo

Auger part 2

What - In Canada, treaty rights are constitutionally

protected under Section 35 of the Constitution Act,

1982, recognizing and affirming the rights of Indigenous

peoples. This protection ensures that treaties, including

modern treaties, are given the force of law. Join

Keepers of the Water as we pick up where Margo left

off as she continues to discuss the protection of theses

treaties.

Who - In episode 20 we hear from Margo Auger, a

Nehiyaw Iskew from Bigstone Cree Nation.She is a

wife and mother to three beautiful children and Kokum

to one handsome grandson.She is a working

professional with over 26 years of experience. Her

background is in First Nation Governance and

Leadership, Executive Management, Chief

Administration Leadership, and as a Certified Land Use

Planner and Project Manager. She has worked in

Municipal Government and the Energy Sector (oilsands

companies) as Managing Growth Consultant, for the

Alberta Government, and currently Treaty 8 First

Nations.

Music -

'Meanwhile' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY

4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

Episode 20 - The Protection of Treaty with Margo Auger part

1

What - In Canada, treaty rights are constitutionally protected

under Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, recognizing

and affirming the rights of Indigenous peoples. This protection

ensures that treaties, including modern treaties, are given the

force of law. Join Keepers of the Water and discuss the

protection of theses treaties with Margo Auger of Treaty 8.

Who - In episode 20 we hear from Margo Auger, a Nehiyaw

Iskew from Bigstone Cree Nation.She is a wife and mother to

three beautiful children and Kokum to one handsome

grandson.She is a working professional with over 26 years of

experience. Her background is in First Nation Governance

and Leadership, Executive Management, Chief Administration

Leadership, and as a Certified Land Use Planner and Project

Manager. She has worked in Municipal Government and the

Energy Sector (oilsands companies) as Managing Growth

Consultant, for the Alberta Government, and currently Treaty

8 First Nations.

Music -

'Shadows and Dust' by Scott Buckley - released under CC-BY

4.0. www.scottbuckley.com.au

Episode 19 - Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area's with Carrie Selin and Roy Auger

What- Taken from a Webinar previously posted on Youtube on January 12, 2023.

Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area's are lands and waters where Indigenous governments have the primary role in protecting and conserving ecosystems through Indigenous laws, governance and knowledge systems. Culture and language are the heart and soul of an IPCA. IPCA's vary in terms of their governance and management objectives. However, they generally share three essential elements: IPCA's are Indigenous-led, IPCA's represent a long- term commitment to conservation and IPCA's elevate Indigenous rights and responsibilities.

Who - Carrie Selin is an environmental consultant providing project management support to Indigenous Communities that includes engaging community, teams, and partners to successfully execute project plans. She has extensive experience in facilitation, program planning, engagement and communication that supports the development and delivery of Indigenous economic and environmental projects. She works collaboratively with Indigenous communities to build capacity, identify community priorities, and facilitate processes to solve challenges. Carrie Selin, B.Sc. Project Management & Stakeholder Engagement - Solstice Environmental Management.

Roy Auger is the Consultation Officer for the Buffalo Lake Metis Settlement and regularly responds to and address's proponents looking to complete projects within our traditional lands.

Proponents that contact our office are mostly within the oil and gas industry, however, all projects including water, sewer, power, telecommunications and roadways are subject to the regulatory process, thus, they are obligated to seek our consultation when requesting project approval through the Alberta Government's Aboriginal Consultation Office.

Music - Song: If Only You Knew. Composer: Vorsa
Website: https://www.youtube.com/channel UCU27SVe_x0TF8kyVDndguvg
License: Free To Use YouTube license youtube-free
Music powered by BreakingCopyright: https://breakingcopyright.com

Episode 18 - Part 3 - Bigfoot/Sasquatch Indigenous Wisdom Teachings - Dr Kevin Lewis

What- Taken from a Webinar previously recorded via Zoom on February 6th, 2025

Sasquatch, Sabe, Bigfoot – Known by Many Names
Indigenous Wisdom Teachings Webinar
Join us as we explore the mysteries of the land, water, and spiritual beings with esteemed Knowledge Holders.

Who- Dr. Kevin wâsakâyâsiw Lewis is a nêhiyaw (Plains Cree) instructor, researcher and writer.
Dr. Lewis has worked with higher learning institutions within the Prairie Provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta in the areas of Cree Language Development and Instructional methodologies. His research interests include language and policy development, second language teaching methodologies, teacher education programming, and environmental education.

For the past 15 years, Dr. Lewis has been working with community schools in promoting land and language-based education and is founder of kâniyâsihk Culture Camps a non-profit organization focused on holistic community well-being and co-developer of Land-Based Cree Immersion School kâ-nêyâsihk mîkiwâhpa.

Dr. Lewis is from Ministikwan Lake Cree Nation in Treaty 6 Territory.

Music - Song: Fading

Composer: Sappheiros

Website: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5ZVHXQZAIn9WJXvy6qn9K0

License: Creative Commons (BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/ licenses/by/3.0/

Music powered by BreakingCopyright: https://breakingcopyright.com