Dene Talk – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode, we hear from two Indigenous women: Shayli Robinson is a twenty something Indiqueer Burlesque Dancer and Community Worker with her nation of Lyackson and Gwen Villebrun is a forty something registered psychologist, PhD candidate (and also my auntie!). Through Shayli and Gwen’s stories, we explore the challenges that Indigenous women face through their lives. We hear stories of violence, dispossession, shame, but also about reclamation, connection and hope. 

Dene Talk is created, written, produced, edited by Cassidy Villebrun-Buracas, with support from Coco Nielson, Glen Swarnadhipathi, Andrew Hynes, and Nicola Watts. Special thanks to the staff and volunteers of CFUV 101.9 FM. Special mashi cho to Jordan Koe and Phoenix Bain. Artwork done by Nicole Neidhardt, with music provided by Sarah the Illstrumentalist, Peter Sandberg, and Lars Meyer.

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In this episode, we hear from two land and water defenders. Pihesiw is a Nehiyaw full spectrum birth worker, sexual health educator, and land and water defender from Sampson Cree First Nation. Nila-Aks whose english name is Kolin Sutherland-Wilson is a Gitxan storyteller, film maker, writer, and land and water defender from the village Inspia of Gitxan Nation. Through their stories we explore the history of colonial violence and the modern implications, about resistance from birth work to land defense work, and how it’s all connected.

Dene Talk is created, written, produced, edited by Cassidy Villebrun-Buracas, with support from Coco Nielson, Glen Swarnadhipathi, Andrew Hynes, and Nicola Watts. Mashi cho to Coc Nielson for the additional voices. Special thanks to the staff and volunteers of CFUV 101.9 FM. Special mashi cho to Jordan Koe and Phoenix Bain. Artwork done by Nicole Neidhardt.

In this episode, we hear from jaye simpson, an Oji-Cree Saulteaux poet, writer, and thinker, and Nicole Neildhart, a Diné multi-media artist exploring the physicality of land, temporality, and futurisms. We delve into the wave of Indigenous brilliance and thought making the future bright for Indigenous peoples.

Dene Talk is created, written, produced, edited by Cassidy Villebrun-Buracas, with support from Coco Nielson, Glen Swarnadhipathi, Andrew Hynes, and Nicola Watts. Special thanks to the staff and volunteers of CFUV 101.9 FM. Special mashi cho to Jordan Koe and Phoenix Bain. Art work done by Nicole Neidhardt.

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Creating can feel like being lost in the desert dying of thirst and with the state of the world these days, what’s the point of being creative?

In this episode, we hear from Jessica Johns, a queer Nehiyaw Aunty and writer and Halie Finney, a Métis illustrator, tattooer, and comic book artists. Through their stories we learn how revenge can be a powerful motivator through the creative journey, and how being brave and asking the world for what you want can help you achieve your dreams – though when you get there all might not be exactly as it seems.

Check out Halie Finney's Instagram, subscribe to her newsletter and buy her comic book Cousin Bear Comes to Visit. Also check out Jessica John’s book Bad Cree and her podcast Cree and D.

Dene Talk is created, written and produced by Cassidy Villebrun-Buracas. Nicola Watts is the story editor and project manager. Amy Jeffery-Uehara is the associate producer. Special thanks to Coulee Ross and Kattie Laur for creative support and to Phoenix Bain for social media and event planning, and the volunteers and staff of CFUV 101.9 FM For all the support through the project. Artwork done by Halie Finney and original music produced by Daniel Calihoo (Wihkitow).

Creating can feel like being stuck in traffic with a toddler in the back seat. Confronting creative blocks can seem impossible.

In this episode, we hear from Sam Nock, a Cree-Métis retired blogger and author of A Family of Dreamers, and returning guests Jessica Johns, Halie Finney and Jeremy Dutcher. We learn about how to navigate through creative blocks like imposter syndrome, procrastination, and burnout will challenging our perceptions of creativity.

Dene Talk is created, written and produced by Cassidy Villebrun-Buracas. Nicola Watts is the story editor and project manager. Amy Jeffery-Uehara is the associate producer. Special thanks to Coulee Ross and Kattie Laur for creative support and to Phoenix Bain for social media and event planning, and the volunteers and staff of CFUV 101.9 FM For all the support through the project. Artwork done by Halie Finney and original music produced by Daniel Calihoo (Wihkitow).

What happens when we reach the end of our rope, or we arrive at the cusp of our dreams coming true?

In this episode we hear from Lisa Walker, a Haisla Beader and Dusty LeGrande, the Nehiyaw owner and operator of mobilize ᐊᐧᐢᑲᐁᐧᐃᐧᐣ waskawewin and Artwear. We learn about the nourishing power of creativity in closing the gap between our dreams and reality, and how creativity can help us change and chart new paths when we are at our lowest.

Dene Talk is created, written and produced by Cassidy Villebrun-Buracas. Nicola Watts is the story editor and project manager. Amy Jeffery-Uehara is the associate producer. Special thanks to Coulee Ross and Kattie Laur for creative support and to Phoenix Bain for social media and event planning, and the volunteers and staff of CFUV 101.9 FM For all the support through the project. Artwork done by Halie Finney and original music produced by Daniel Calihoo (Wihkitow).

What are the perils and gifts that arise from a creative practice?

In this episode, Haudenosaunee pop icon Semiah and Navajo musician, painter, and illustrator Hataałii Nez Wheeler talk about the ups and downs of the creative journey.

Dene Talk is created, written and produced by Cassidy Villebrun-Buracas. Nicola Watts is the story editor and project manager. Amy Jeffery-Uehara is the associate producer. Special thanks to Coulee Ross and Kattie Laur for creative support and to Phoenix Bain for social media and event planning, and the volunteers and staff of CFUV 101.9 FM For all the support through the project. Artwork done by Halie Finney and original music produced by Daniel Calihoo (Wihkitow).