Our Storytellers – Details, episodes & analysis

On this episode of Our Storytellers, we are joined by Squamish artist and carver, John Spence.

John’s story is a powerful testament to the human spirit's capacity for healing and transformation. In this raw and honest conversation, he takes us back to his childhood on the Capilano reserve, sharing memories of playing tree tag in the vine maples and fishing day and night on the river. He reflects on the deep influence of his grandfather, the late Chief Simon Baker, who taught him culture, spirituality, and the importance of kindness.

John also opens up about his journey through intergenerational trauma, anger, and addiction. From making amends for past mistakes (including a memorable story involving a stolen generator and a carved raven) to passing on the carving tradition to his five sons, John’s journey is one of resilience, redemption, and deep love for his family.

This episode is part of our special series supported by the Indigenous Screen Office, highlighting voices connected to the Squamish Nation. We are incredibly grateful to John for his vulnerability, his humour, and for sharing his powerful message of hope.

This podcast is brought to you by the Indigenous Screen Office:

https://iso-bea.ca/

ISO’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indigenousscreen/

X: https://x.com/screen_office

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ISO.BEA/

Follow Our Socials

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ourstorytellers

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Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAOD4F24xePk1OcYxInkS1w

Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of Indian residential schools, physical and mental abuse, addiction, and incarceration. Please take care while listening. If you need support, the Hope for Wellness helpline offers immediate help 24/7 at 1-855-242-3310 or online at hopeforwellness.ca.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction 

(02:52) Childhood

(07:44) Parents

(14:09) Chief Simon Baker 

(19:39) Memories of Grandmother Emily 

(39:30) Environmental Changes

(52:00) Incarceration

(01:01:35) Ceremony

(01:09:49) Understanding Addiction & Trauma 

(01:49:51) Advice for the Next Generation 

(02:05:19) Closing

On this episode of Our Storytellers, we sit down with Squamish Nation matriarch, Angie Dawson.

In this conversation, she takes us back to her childhood on the Capilano reserve, painting a vivid picture of life in a home with ten family members. Angie opens up about her incredible educational journey, returning to university at age 50 to earn her Graduate Diploma and Master’s degree. She discusses her relentless advocacy for Indigenous-based curriculum and her refusal to accept the status quo in the education system. We also dive into her passion for wool weaving, from her early days learning to creating massive commissioned pieces for the 2010 Winter Olympics and Simon Fraser University.

This is a story about breaking barriers, the drive to get stuff done, and the vital importance of passing knowledge down to the next generation.

This episode is part of our special series supported by the Indigenous Screen Office, highlighting voices connected to the Squamish Nation. We are so grateful to Angie for sharing her journey, her humor, and her unwavering strength with us.

This podcast is brought to you by the Indigenous Screen Office:https://iso-bea.ca/ISO’s Instagram: instagram.com/indigenousscreen X: https://x.com/screen_officeFacebook: facebook.com/iso.bea Follow Our SocialsTiktok: Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ourstorytellersInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourstorytellers/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Our-Storytellers-61551840299922/

Timestamps:(00:00) Introduction

(01:50) Childhood on the Capilano Reserve

(12:15) Family & Parents’ History

(29:20) School Days & Challenges

(32:45) Returning to Education

(47:30) Learning to Weave

(01:03:55) The Wool Woven Quarter Bag

(01:19:15) Weaving Connections in Mexico

(01:24:55) Advice for the Next Generation

(01:37:32) What Ceremony Means Today

(01:43:20) Thoughts on Leadership & Inclusion

(01:48:40) Dedication & Closing

In this episode of Our Storytellers, we sit down with Valerie Newbreast. A matriarch from the George family of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) Nation.

Valerie is a matriarch, mother, grandmother, and knowledge keeper whose life journey spans rural self-sufficiency, international experiences, and a deep reconnection with Indigenous ceremony and spirituality.

She shares stories of her childhood on a small farm on Vancouver Island, her experience in the LDS Indian Student Placement Program, and the painful coercion she faced as a young mother. Valerie reflects on her 25 years living in the United States, raising eight children, and learning from Navajo, Sioux, and Pueblo communities before returning home to reconnect with her Squamish roots.

With wisdom, warmth, and humour, Valerie speaks about ceremony as a way of life, the importance of work ethic and education, and the power of Indigenous women to carry stories and teachings forward. She also highlights the role of land-based learning, genetic recall, and the need for governance rooted in honesty and humility. Her message to youth is clear: ground yourself spiritually, seek your purpose, and participate fully in community and ceremony.

We are deeply grateful to Valerie for sharing her life stories, teachings, and vision for future generations.

Content Warning: This episode contains discussions about colonial policies, coerced child removal, and religious assimilation programs. Please take care while listening.

Hope for Wellness Helpline: 1-855-242-3310

This podcast is brought to you by the Indigenous Screen Office:

https://iso-bea.ca/

ISO’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indigenousscreen/

X: https://x.com/screen_office

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ISO.BEA/

Follow Our Socials

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ourstorytellers

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourstorytellers/?hl=en%E2%81%A0

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Our-Storytellers/61551840299922/?_rdr

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAOD4F24xePk1OcYxInkS1w

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction

(06:16) Farm & Family Life

(14:47) LDS Influence & Student Placement

(25:43) Marriage & Life in the U.S.

(38:58) Returning to Canada & Education Journey

(45:12) Storytelling, Language & Ceremony

(01:21:06) Closing Reflections

In this episode of Our Storytellers, we sit down with Linda Calla from the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) Nation.

Linda is a matriarch, community leader, and a strong voice for accountability, governance, and the importance of preserving family and Nation histories.

She shares powerful stories about her grandfather’s role during the 1923 amalgamation, her family’s deep roots in Squamish, and her own journey through education, banking, and Indigenous tourism. Linda also speaks about Bill C-31, enfranchisement, and the challenges of governance today — highlighting the importance of youth involvement, community voice, and listening to our elders.

With warmth and humour, Linda reflects on family stories, community struggles, and the importance of matriarchal leadership in shaping future generations. Her message to the youth is clear: get involved, show up, and make your voices heard.

We are deeply grateful to Linda for joining us on the podcast and for sharing her knowledge, laughter, and stories.

Content Warning: This episode contains discussions about colonial policies including enfranchisement and Bill C-31. Please take care while listening.

Hope for Wellness Helpline: 1-855-242-3310 https://www.hopeforwellness.ca/

This podcast is brought to you by the Indigenous Screen Office:

https://iso-bea.ca/

ISO’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indigenousscreen/

X: https://x.com/screen_office

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ISO.BEA/

Follow Our Socials

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ourstorytellers

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourstorytellers/?hl=en%E2%81%A0

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Our-Storytellers/61551840299922/?_rdr

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAOD4F24xePk1OcYxInkS1w

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction & Host Welcome

(02:23) Introducing Linda Calla

(04:19) Ancestry

(08:20) Stories of the 1923 Amalgamation

(13:30) Growing Up

(23:30) Work in Banking & Indigenous Tourism

(28:30) Reflections on Governance & Amalgamation

(41:06) Elders’ Voices & Community Involvement

(46:18) Pride in Matriarchal Leadership & Family History

(52:46) Family Stories & Connections Across Generations

(1:04:04) Bill C-31 & Enfranchisement

(1:16:00) Confronting Prejudice Within Community

(1:20:02) Message to Youth: Get Involved

(1:26:15) Governance & Accountability Reflections

(1:30:21) Financial Decisions & Land Development Projects

(1:36:00) Election Laws & Governance Structures

(1:41:00) Closing Thoughts

On this episode of Our Storytellers, we’re joined by Iris Newman.

Iris grew up in the village of Eslhá7an, located in the unceded territory of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) Nation. She is a daughter, wife, storyteller, and community member whose life has been shaped by resilience, humour, and a deep connection to family.

In our conversation, Iris shares vivid memories of her childhood in Eslhá7an, attending the local Indian Day School, navigating the challenges of integration into non-Indigenous schools, and the friendships that carried her through. She reflects on her work and entrepreneurial ventures, her 45-year marriage, and the unique adventures that came from selling and trading local art. With warmth and wit, Iris also recounts family stories—of growing up the youngest sibling, learning responsibility early, and the gatherings, music, and humour that shaped her home life.

This episode is part of our special series supported by the Indigenous Screen Office, highlighting voices connected to the Squamish Nation. We are so grateful to Iris for her generosity in sharing her history, laughter, and lived experiences with us.

Content Warning: This episode includes references to Indian Day Schools, the Sixties Scoop, and intergenerational impacts of colonialism. Please take care while listening.

Hope for Wellness Helpline: 1-855-242-3310 

https://www.hopeforwellness.ca/

Enjoyed this conversation? Please like, comment, and subscribe for more powerful Indigenous stories. Let us know what resonated with you in the comments below.

This podcast is brought to you by the Indigenous Screen Office:

https://iso-bea.ca/

ISO’s Instagram:   / indigenousscreen  

X: https://x.com/screen_office

Facebook:   / iso.bea  

Follow Our Socials

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ourstorytellers

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourstorytellers/?hl=en%E2%81%A0

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Our-Storytellers/61551840299922/?_rdr

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAOD4F24xePk1OcYxInkS1w

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction

(02:17) Honouring the Guest

(05:24) Early Life in Eslhá7an

(07:13) School Integration

(09:45) High School Years

(16:36) College & Career Beginnings

In this episode of Our Storytellers, we sit down with Roberta Baker from the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) Nation. Roberta is a Sixties Scoop survivor, knowledge keeper, a matriarch, and respected member of the local community. With warmth, resilience, and a beautiful sense of humour, Roberta shares her powerful story of survival, reconnection, and spiritual strength. She speaks about her experience being taken from her family as a child, her journey back home, her deep connection with her father and her role as a caregiver to local elders. Roberta also opens up about the healing work she’s done, both in ceremony and through spirit, including powerful stories of near-death experiences, ancestral connection, and reclaiming her name and identity. This episode is the first in our special 20-episode series supported by the Indigenous Screen Office, spotlighting stories from people connected to the Squamish Nation. We are so grateful to Roberta for being the first guest in this series and for trusting us to share her story.Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of Indian Residential Schools, the Sixties Scoop, and ongoing colonial harm. Please take care while listening. Hope for Wellness Helpline: 1-855-242-3310 https://www.hopeforwellness.ca/Enjoyed this conversation? Please like, comment, and subscribe for more powerful Indigenous stories. Let us know what resonated with you in the comments below.This podcast is brought to you by the Indigenous Screen Office:https://iso-bea.ca/ISO’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indigenousscreen/X: https://x.com/screen_officeFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ISO.BEA/Follow Our SocialsTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ourstorytellersInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourstorytellers/?hl=en%E2%81%A0Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Our-Storytellers/61551840299922/?_rdrTimestamps:(00:00) Introduction(01:40) Early Life(08:00) Reconnecting with Family(15:45) Spiritual Journey(31:30) Caregiving Work with Elders(38:00) Spiritual Experiences(47:20) Healing, Ceremony & Connection to Spirit(54:30) Identity and Purpose(1:00:30) Hopes for Future Generations(1:05:20) Closing

What does it take to leave a job and build an award-winning Indigenous fashion brand from the ground up?

In this episode, Justin Jacob Louis — father, designer, artist, and entrepreneur from Samson Cree Nation — shares his journey of courage and perseverance. (Ahkameyimok).

As the founder of SECTION 35, Justin blends the past and present to create powerful designs that celebrate Indigenous identity and storytelling.

From growing up on Treaty 6 Territory to launching one of the most celebrated Indigenous streetwear brands, Justin’s story is full of lessons on entrepreneurship, community, and overcoming challenges. Today, he continues to push boundaries as he builds his new menswear brand, JUSTIN JACOB LOUIS, expanding his creative vision even further.

Join us to learn, reflect, and be inspired.

Please comment, and follow to the Our Storytellers Spotify channel to hear more Indigenous stories across Turtle Island.

Follow and support SECTION 35 and JUSTIN JACOB LOUIS:

https://www.sectionthirtyfive.com/?srsltid=AfmBOootDAxyrofDosQ4DMnm3NvhBlMBGDs7opCgovEey2FI9ClM69XH

https://www.justinjacoblouis.com/

https://www.instagram.com/sectionthirtyfive/

https://www.instagram.com/justinjacoblouis/

Follow Our Socials

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ourstorytellers

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourstorytellers/?hl=en⁠

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Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAOD4F24xePk1OcYxInkS1w

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction

(7:30) Early Life

(26:00) SECTION35

(1:18:00) Justin Jacob Louis

(1:30:00) Questions

In this episode of Our Storytellers, we sit down with Memegwaans.

Memegwaans is Nehiyaw and Anishinaabe. Memgwaans is from Sagamok Anishinawbek on her mother’s side and Montreal Lake Cree Nation on her father’s side, growing up in Saskatchewan.Memegwaans is a leader, a storyteller, a model, a daughter, and recently completed law school as well. (CONGRATS)Enjoyed this conversation? Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more inspiring Indigenous stories! Let us know your favorite part in the comments.Timestamps(00:00) Introduction(00:02) Mem's Story(00:05) Early Life & Family(00:20) Modeling Journey(00:35) Career Transition(00:55) Academic & Personal Growth(01:08:20) Culture & Storytelling(01:41:10) Ceremony & ClosingLinks and ResourcesMemegwaans Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/memegwaans/Mem’s Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@memegwaansSupernaturals Modelling Booking Link: https://www.supernaturalsmodelling.com/booking?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaaQcJqFAe5ZQjDmd9ZjUNc1FeQzLh_B5vgkZYi3LZbxi59Z-kmVohVB4Mk_aem_ClLJk-Uj7KTgDCEsZR8qxQHere is Memegwaans’ father’s book, The Power of Story by Harold Johnson:https://www.audible.ca/pd/The-Power-of-Story-Audiobook/B0BX12K1DG?source_code=GDGGB115060321003ROur SocialsFollow us on Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ourstorytellersFollow the Gram: https://www.instagram.com/ourstorytellers/?hl=en%E2%81%A0Send us a Friend Request on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Our-Storytellers/61551840299922/?_rdrSubscribe to our Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAOD4F24xePk1OcYxInkS1w

On today’s episode of Our Storytellers, we’re joined by my brother, Niklaus Brueckert, Kehew Napew. Nick is mixed descent: he’s Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and a member of the Nehanee family, from his mother’s side and German on his father’s side.

Nick is a leader, a son, an uncle and a storyteller. 

Follow Our Socials

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ourstorytellers

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourstorytellers/?hl=en%E2%81%A0

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Our-Storytellers/61551840299922/?_rdr

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAOD4F24xePk1OcYxInkS1w

Chapters

(00:00) Intro

(6:00) Life Story

On today’s episode of Our Storytellers, we’re joined by Rebecca Watt from Pehdzeh Kí First Nation, located in what today is called the North West Territories.

Rebecca is the leader and co-founder of Aunties Insights, an Indigenous organization that provides education and consulting surrounding youth prevention and harm reduction.

Aunties Insights Links:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aunties.insights/Email: auntiesinsights@outlook.com

Follow Our Socials

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ourstorytellers

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourstorytellers/?hl=en%E2%81%A0

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Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAOD4F24xePk1OcYxInkS1w

Chapters

(00:00) Introduction

(30:00) Cancer Story

(50:00) Prayer + Ceremony

(1:00:00) Aunties Insights