Explore every episode of the podcast Relentless Indigenous Woman Podcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ep. 17: Two Spirit Alchemy: Embracing Authenticity Through Self-Love with Alex Manitopyes | 26 Jun 2024 | 00:37:33 | |
Join Candace (aka Relentless Indigenous Woman) in the final episode of our Two Spirit and IndigiQueer series for June as she interviews her fiancé, Alex Manitopyes, the visionary Founder and Designer of SACRD THNDR. Alex, a Two Spirit non-binary trans masc fashion designer from Muskowekwan and Peepeekisis First Nation, has captured hearts and minds with their culturally rich and contemporary accessories. Since 2023, SACRD THNDR has gained notable recognition, including a feature in Vogue for their stunning star blanket bolo tie. In this intimate episode, Alex shares their transformative journey of turning pain into power. They discuss grieving during their transition and the crucial role of self-love and self-worth in their healing and transcendence. This conversation is both personal and vulnerable, offering deep insights into their shared journey. Don't miss this profoundly insightful episode that promises to bring inspiration and hope. Tune in and be inspired by Alex's incredible story of resilience and creativity. Send Us a Text with Your Thoughts or Questions! Sponsor the RIW Pod via Patreon - Music Produced by Award Winning Anishnaabe DJ Boogey the Beat | |||
| Ep. 16: Two-Spirit Realities in Native Communities with Chase Campeau | 19 Jun 2024 | 00:48:25 | |
Join Chase Campeau and Candace Linklater as they explore the often challenging realities of being Two Spirit or IndigiQueer within Indigenous communities. Hear their personal stories about the pain of familial rejection and the reasons why many Indigenous 2SLGBTQ+ individuals might turn to drugs or alcohol in their search for the love and acceptance they deserve. This episode offers profound insights that could bring healing to you and others. Come with an open heart and mind, and let's navigate these important [and life-saving] conversations together. Send Us a Text with Your Thoughts or Questions! Sponsor the RIW Pod via Patreon - Music Produced by Award Winning Anishnaabe DJ Boogey the Beat | |||
| Ep. 7: Native Ghost Stories Series | 31 Oct 2023 | 00:28:37 | |
In the final episode of the Native ghost stories series, Candace delves into a chilling collection of spooky ghost stories. From encounters with spirits of beloved family members long gone, to the eerie creatures that have been part of Native storytelling for generations, this Halloween Day special promises to send shivers down your spine. Join us as we explore a world of paranormal tales that will leave you spooked. Send Us a Text with Your Thoughts or Questions! Sponsor the RIW Pod via Patreon - Music Produced by Award Winning Anishnaabe DJ Boogey the Beat | |||
| Ep. 6: Native Ghost Stories Series | 19 Oct 2023 | 00:44:54 | |
In this episode, Candace welcomes a special guest, Jennifer, the owner of Bar Harbor Ghost Tours in Maine. Notably, it's the only indigenous-owned ghost tour company in the United States, offering a unique blend of EuroAmerican and Wabanaki spirit stories. Her expertise has consistently ranked them among the top 10 ghost tours in the nation for half a decade, and they've been honoured as the Ghost Tour Company of the Year by LixLife Magazine for 2023. Jennifer will take us on a chilling journey as she shares three tales of creatures that will linger in your thoughts long after today's podcast. Send Us a Text with Your Thoughts or Questions! Sponsor the RIW Pod via Patreon - Music Produced by Award Winning Anishnaabe DJ Boogey the Beat | |||
| Ep. 5: Native Ghost Stories Series | 13 Oct 2023 | 00:15:33 | |
Get ready for a chilling episode as we kick off the October Native Ghost Stories Series with nine spine-tingling tales! Tune in to experience some hair-raising encounters. Send Us a Text with Your Thoughts or Questions! Sponsor the RIW Pod via Patreon - Music Produced by Award Winning Anishnaabe DJ Boogey the Beat | |||
| Ep. 4: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation | 30 Sep 2023 | 00:31:25 | |
In this podcast episode, Candace delves into the significance of Truth and Reconciliation and initiating the process of decolonization. She emphasizes the need for non-Indigenous individuals to engage in self-reflection, learning, and taking actionable steps towards change. Candace also extends a message to Indigenous Peoples, encouraging them to prioritize self and community care while participating in discussions about the intergenerational survival of Residential Schools. Send Us a Text with Your Thoughts or Questions! Sponsor the RIW Pod via Patreon - Music Produced by Award Winning Anishnaabe DJ Boogey the Beat | |||
| Ep. 3: Truth Before Reconciliation | 15 Sep 2023 | 00:14:00 | |
In this episode, Candace boldly addresses truth before reconciliation, delivering poignant reflections for non-Indigenous listeners. She tackles the subjects of white supremacy, church's role, cultural appropriation, reconciliation with Two-Spirit and IndigiQueer People, media influence, and inherent biases. Send Us a Text with Your Thoughts or Questions! Sponsor the RIW Pod via Patreon - Music Produced by Award Winning Anishnaabe DJ Boogey the Beat | |||
| Ep. 2: Unmasking the Church's Legacy: Residential Schools | 08 Sep 2023 | 00:29:24 | |
In this podcast episode, Candace Linklater delves into the complex and painful role of the church in the history of residential schools. She provides a historical overview of how the church became intricately involved in the operation of these schools, and how their doctrines played a significant role in supporting this system. Candace particularly highlights the impact of these institutions on Two-Spirit and IndigiQueer individuals, shedding light on the unique struggles they faced within the residential school system. Drawing from her personal experiences as a former Christian, she shares her own journey of decolonization and deconstruction, offering valuable insights into the process of reconciling pieces of her growth. Throughout the podcast, Candace emphasizes the importance of taking a pause for healing, encouraging listeners to approach the process of unlearning and relearning from a place of love and understanding. Her message underscores the potential for healing and reconciliation for Indigenous Peoples, making this podcast a source of inspiration and encouragement for those seeking to address this painful chapter in history. The podcast serves as a call to action for collective healing and growth. Send Us a Text with Your Thoughts or Questions! Sponsor the RIW Pod via Patreon - Music Produced by Award Winning Anishnaabe DJ Boogey the Beat | |||
| Ep. 1: The Journey of Relentless Indigenous Woman | 01 Sep 2023 | 00:27:42 | |
In this episode, join Candace as she unfolds her relentless journey as an Indigenous woman, delving into the challenges she faced and the empowering process of becoming relentless. She bravely explores the enduring impact of colonialism on her life and narrates her inspiring journey of healing and resilience. Tune in to discover the transformative elements of her story in this powerful conversation. Send Us a Text with Your Thoughts or Questions! Sponsor the RIW Pod via Patreon - Music Produced by Award Winning Anishnaabe DJ Boogey the Beat | |||
| Ep. 15: Reclaiming Roots: A Two-Spirit Story Across Cultures with Haley Robinson | 12 Jun 2024 | 00:42:44 | |
Join us for an inspiring episode featuring Haley, an actor, model, and advocate making waves across various industries with their unapologetic confidence. Send Us a Text with Your Thoughts or Questions! Sponsor the RIW Pod via Patreon - Music Produced by Award Winning Anishnaabe DJ Boogey the Beat | |||
| Ep. 14: Two-Spirit Realities: Authentic Insights with Kairyn Potts | 05 Jun 2024 | 00:57:28 | |
Welcome to the first episode of our Two Spirit and IndigiQueer Pride series! We're thrilled to have Kairyn (Kai) Potts as our guest. Kai is a powerhouse—speaker, writer, actor, and advocate—who's gathered an impressive following of over 400,000 on TikTok (@ohkairyn). In this episode, we dive deep into the history and colonialism, exploring the erasure of Two Spirit and IndigiQueer identities. Kai generously shares their personal journey and their gifts as a Two Spirit individual, and how these gifts ripple out to inspire and support others, especially youth. We also discuss ways family, friends, and allies can best show up for us. If you're looking for meaningful discussions and genuine transparency from a Two Spirit and IndigiQueer people, you've come to the right podcast. So grab your tea and bannock, settle in, and tune in for deep convos. Send Us a Text with Your Thoughts or Questions! Sponsor the RIW Pod via Patreon - Music Produced by Award Winning Anishnaabe DJ Boogey the Beat | |||
| Ep. 13: Letting Go of People-Pleasing | 21 May 2024 | 00:22:55 | |
Send Us a Text with Your Thoughts or Questions! Sponsor the RIW Pod via Patreon - Music Produced by Award Winning Anishnaabe DJ Boogey the Beat | |||
| Ep. 12: Insecurities & Lateral Violence | 14 May 2024 | 00:19:13 | |
In this episode, Candace explores how colonial violence has fueled insecurities and lateral violence among Native communities. She shares five personal strategies for overcoming these insecurities and dropping the habit of people-pleasing to embrace true authenticity. Send Us a Text with Your Thoughts or Questions! Sponsor the RIW Pod via Patreon - Music Produced by Award Winning Anishnaabe DJ Boogey the Beat | |||
| Ep. 11: Mothers of the Nations: The Role of Matriarchy | 07 May 2024 | 00:40:11 | |
Join us on a journey into the heart of matriarchy and maternal wisdom in our latest podcast episode, featuring Candace and her special guest Jenny Sawanohk from Moose Cree First Nation. Jenny, an accomplished Indigenous healer and psychotherapist based in Ottawa, shares her rich insights and experiences. She leads the Misiwe Ni Relations Healing Lodge and offers personal therapy through her practice, Red Stone Snake Woman. As we approach Mother's Day, Jenny delves into the traditional roles of mothers within Indigenous cultures. As a mother of three, Jenny brings a wealth of knowledge on nurturing resilience and community through maternal wisdom and Land based practices. The two women also discuss the pivotal role of matriarchy in creating compassionate communities that warmly embrace Two Spirit, trans, and gender expansive relatives. Don't miss this enlightening discussion that explores the powerful influence of matriarchal values in promoting healing, understanding, and connection across Nations. Tune in to gain a deeper appreciation of the roles that mothers and matriarchs play in strengthening Indigenous sovereignty and advancing Indigenous self-determination. Send Us a Text with Your Thoughts or Questions! Sponsor the RIW Pod via Patreon - Music Produced by Award Winning Anishnaabe DJ Boogey the Beat | |||
| Ep. 10: Misogyny and Its Connection to MMIWGT2S+ | 30 Apr 2024 | 01:03:26 | |
In this episode, Candace is joined by special guest Alycia Two Bears, member of the Mistawasis Nêhiyawak First Nation, who's a passionate educator and advocate for 2SLGBTQ+ people and author of the book "Two Spirit Stories, Sex, and the Ceremony Behind it All." Send Us a Text with Your Thoughts or Questions! Sponsor the RIW Pod via Patreon - Music Produced by Award Winning Anishnaabe DJ Boogey the Beat | |||
| Ep. 9: Healing Colonial Wounds: We All Have Them | 25 Apr 2024 | 00:26:48 | |
For this thought-provoking episode, Candace explores the pervasive influence of colonialism that often goes unnoticed, deeply embedded as it is in our thoughts, emotions, and daily lives. Send Us a Text with Your Thoughts or Questions! Sponsor the RIW Pod via Patreon - Music Produced by Award Winning Anishnaabe DJ Boogey the Beat | |||
| Ep. 8: What I Wish Indigenous Allies Knew | 18 Apr 2024 | 00:20:24 | |
Candace delves into the nuanced differences between comprehension and compassion within Indigenous solidarity, emphasizing the importance of abandoning perfectionism. She challenges allies to confront their own unconscious biases and the discomfort that comes with acknowledging privilege, particularly for white allies engaged in solidarity efforts. Candace addresses the emotional hurdles of guilt, fear, and shame, emphasizing the necessity of healing and personal growth in creating authentic Indigenous solidarity. Send Us a Text with Your Thoughts or Questions! Sponsor the RIW Pod via Patreon - Music Produced by Award Winning Anishnaabe DJ Boogey the Beat | |||
| Ep. 18: A Queer, Native Woman with a PhD--A Colonizer's Nightmare | 24 May 2025 | 00:56:28 | |
In this powerful relaunch of the Relentless Indigenous Woman Podcast, Dr. Candace Linklater shares her transformative journey of completing her PhD, navigating grief, and finding profound love and resilience. Her award-nominated dissertation, inspired by the quiet strength of moss, explores creating safe spaces for Two-Spirit and Indigenous LGBTQ+ youth, reflecting her commitment to education as an act of rebellion and compassion. With an announcement of the stellar lineup of Indigenous guests, including artists, activists, and leaders, the podcast challenges intolerance, expands empathy, and celebrates the sacred diversity of human experience. Dr. Candace's raw, emotional storytelling invites listeners to grow, question rigid beliefs, and embrace love in all its expansive forms. This podcast is a courageous invitation to learn, unlearn, and honour the full spectrum of human dignity. www.relentlessindigenouswoman.ca Music produced by Anishinaabe DJ Boogey the Beat Send Us a Text with Your Thoughts or Questions! Sponsor the RIW Pod via Patreon - Music Produced by Award Winning Anishnaabe DJ Boogey the Beat | |||
| Ep. 33: Indigenous Futurity and the Language of Art with Christi Belcourt | 06 Sep 2025 | 00:54:50 | |
Dr. Candace Linklater sits down with renowned Métis artist Christi Belcourt, whose work bridges ancestral knowledge, land-based resistance, and decolonial imagination. Candace introduces Christi as one of the most iconic Indigenous artists of our time, celebrated worldwide for paintings that echo traditional beadwork and speak to Indigenous sovereignty, environmental justice, and cultural survival. They discuss how Christi’s art serves as both a love letter to Indigenous futurity and a bold challenge to colonial violence, extending her voice in solidarity with global struggles, including Palestine, while grounding her practice in community, language revitalization, and the wisdom of the natural world. The conversation moves beyond Christi’s public legacy to reveal her personal vulnerability. She opens up about her introversion and the anxieties that come with public speaking, recounting a profound moment at the Matriarch Summit where an unexpected encounter with an Indigenous woman affirmed her calling: “You have a gift. People listen, so don’t be scared to say whatever it is you have to say.” This chance meeting reminded her of the spiritual guidance that emerges in ordinary moments and the medicine that comes from community. Listeners are invited to see art as a creative expression, and a living act of resistance, courage, and relational healing. It can be a space where even shyness and uncertainty can transform into powerful truth-telling. Bio Christi Belcourt is one of the most iconic Indigenous artists of our generation. A proud Métis woman, she brings land, memory, and resistance to life through her breathtaking paintings that echo the beadwork of her ancestors and the wisdom of the natural world. Her art lives in major collections around the world, including the National Gallery of Canada, and even Parliament Hill. She’s collaborated with and designed the Pan Am Games medals, and her work have travelled from New York to Milan to Indigenous communities where she shares her gifts through grassroots teachings.Christi carries deep commitments to Indigenous sovereignty, language revitalization, and environmental justice. Through the Onaman Collective and Nimkii Aazhibikong, she creates spaces where Indigenous youth connect to language, land, and art. Her voice extends globally as she speaks unapologetically in solidarity with Palestine, drawing powerful connections between Indigenous struggles worldwide. Recently received an Honorary Doctorate from Ontario College of Art & Design University, and offered a powerful speech for the graduates this week. Every piece Christi creates feels like a love letter to Indigenous futurity, a bold, visual act of decolonial power and beauty that keeps ancestral knowledge alive while fiercely challenging colonial violence. IG: @christi_belcourt Send Us a Text with Your Thoughts or Questions! Sponsor the RIW Pod via Patreon - Music Produced by Award Winning Anishnaabe DJ Boogey the Beat | |||
| Ep. 32: Sacred Limits: On Loss, Legacy, and Living Offline with Vanessa Brousseau | 30 Aug 2025 | 00:39:31 | |
Dr. Candace Linklater speaks with Vanessa Brousseau, also known as Resilient Inuk, an Inuk multidisciplinary artist and advocate whose art and activism are deeply rooted in personal and intergenerational loss. Vanessa shares the painful yet powerful story of her grandfather’s forced displacement and medical experimentation by the Canadian government, her sister’s disappearance in 2003, and her mother’s death due to medical racism. These experiences fuel her advocacy for MMIWG2S+ and her passion for creating art that serves as both a form of healing and a means of resistance. Throughout the conversation, she reflects on her phases of growth—from personal grief to community empowerment—and how TikTok became a surprising vehicle for her voice during the pandemic. Vanessa and Dr. Candace explore what it means to be vulnerable online while protecting one’s sacredness, especially as Indigenous women navigating both the beauty and brutality of digital spaces. They speak candidly about burnout, boundaries, social media limits, lateral violence within Indigenous communities, and the importance of staying grounded in purpose. The conversation is rich with laughter, shared grief, spiritual flow (often sparked in the shower or at the gym), and mutual encouragement to keep showing up authentically, even if imperfectly. It ends with a powerful message for settlers: understand how intergenerational trauma lives on in Indigenous families today, and be brave enough to interrupt colonization where you are. Bio Vanessa Brousseau is a multidisciplinary Inuk artist and powerful MMIWG2S advocate originally from Sanikiluaq, NU, now based in Ontario. She began creating art during the pandemic, inspired by her late mother’s beadwork and her own desire to share her sister Pamela’s story, who went missing in 2003. Vanessa’s work—ranging from seal skin jewellery and drum cases to bold video storytelling on TikTok (@resilientinuk)—honours stolen sisters through powerful symbolism, such as the red dress. Her advocacy is deeply personal and unwavering, rooted in both grief and resistance. She’s known for blending traditional materials with modern platforms to educate and spark change. A graduate of the NSI Accelerator for Indigenous Creators, she launched her first exhibit in 2022 and is now expanding into apparel and merchandise. Vanessa’s art is a blend of medicine, movement, and memory. IG & TikTok: @resilientinuk Send Us a Text with Your Thoughts or Questions! Sponsor the RIW Pod via Patreon - Music Produced by Award Winning Anishnaabe DJ Boogey the Beat | |||
| Ep. 23: Sacred Rage & Queer Truth: Jayli Wolf on Healing Through Music | 28 Jun 2025 | 00:50:48 | |
In an unfiltered conversation, Jayli Wolf and I demolish the toxic religious trauma from our Jehovah's Witness and evangelical backgrounds. We expose how these belief systems systematically stripped us of autonomy, sexuality, and indigenous spiritual connections, leaving behind a toxic landscape of shame, fear, and suppressed rage. From forced door-to-door preaching to suffocating purity culture, we unpack how these institutions control and silence young women, especially those who are queer and indigenous. Our dialogue transforms into a fierce declaration of reclamation. Through art, music, feminine rage, and radical self-love, we're actively dismantling these oppressive internalized narratives. Jayli's music becomes a powerful outlet for healing, transforming pain into sound that challenges colonial and religious systems. We celebrate questioning everything, trusting our intuition, and creating space for our full, messy, beautiful selves - a defiant love letter to our younger, silenced versions. Jayli’s Bio Jayli Wolf is a Saulteau First Nation musician, sound weaver, poet, actress, and filmmaker whose art is a portal to healing, reclamation, and truth. Her solo breakout single Child of the Government—a visceral anthem about the Sixties Scoop—garnered national acclaim, including a spot on CBC Music’s Top 10 Canadian Songs of 2021 and a Best Music Video award at the Venice Short Film Awards.Raised in a trailer park and told she was half-Mexican, Jayli didn’t learn about her First Nations roots until age eight, when her father—an unwitting survivor of the Sixties Scoop—reached out. Her journey of reconnection with her culture, identity, and Spirit now pulses through everything she creates. A former Jehovah’s Witness, Jayli left what she calls a Doomsday cult to pursue music and self-liberation. Today, her critically acclaimed EP Wild Whisper and her roles in films like Run Woman Run continue to showcase her depth and unapologetic voice. Nominated for multiple JUNO and film awards, Jayli alchemizes revelation into sound, crafting work that elevates the soul and invites collective healing. IG & TikTok: @jayliwolf - www.relentlessindigenouswoman.ca - Music Produced by Anishnaabe DJ Boogey the Beat Send Us a Text with Your Thoughts or Questions! Sponsor the RIW Pod via Patreon - Music Produced by Award Winning Anishnaabe DJ Boogey the Beat | |||
| Ep. 22: Jeremy Dutcher on Blood Memory, Music & Mother Tongues | 21 Jun 2025 | 00:51:27 | |
In this raw and real podcast episode, Jeremy Dutcher drops truth bombs about Indigenous language revitalization, Two-Spirit identity, and cultural resilience. He shares his journey of recovering Ancestral recordings, transforming colonial archives into powerful musical narratives, and creating space for indigenous joy. Dutcher embodies resistance through his music, academic work, and fierce commitment to honouring his community's linguistic and cultural roots. The conversation cuts deep into the complexities of settler colonialism, queer Indigenous experiences, and the revolutionary act of simply existing and thriving. Dutcher dismantles oppressive narratives with humor, vulnerability, and a relentless belief in Indigenous power. From discussing his mother's groundbreaking language immersion school to challenging binary thinking about gender and time, he presents a vision of indigenous futures that are simultaneously healing, provocative, and absolutely unstoppable. To put it simply, this episode is a manifesto of Indigenous badassery and our ability to alchemize pain into beauty–like music. Jeremy’s Bio Jeremy Dutcher is a Two-Spirit Wolastoqiyik (Maliseet) tenor, composer, musicologist, and activist from Tobique First Nation in New Brunswick. Classically trained in Western opera, Jeremy merges that discipline with the traditional songs and language of his ancestors—breathing life into archival recordings and bringing them into the present. His debut album Wolastoqiyik Lintuwakonawa won both the Polaris Music Prize and a JUNO Award, and his follow-up project Motewolonuwok made history when he became the first artist to win the Polaris Prize twice. A fierce advocate for Indigenous language revitalization, cultural resurgence, and queer Indigenous joy, Jeremy’s work is medicine, reclamation, and revolution. Jeremy was recently honoured with the 2025 National Arts Centre Award from the Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards, joining his growing list of accolades, including a JUNO and two Polaris Prize wins. IG: @jdutchermusic - www.relentlessindigenouswoman.ca - Music Produced by Anishnaabe DJ Boogey the Beat Send Us a Text with Your Thoughts or Questions! Sponsor the RIW Pod via Patreon - Music Produced by Award Winning Anishnaabe DJ Boogey the Beat | |||
| Ep. 21: Scott & Mama Wabano: Real Love, Real Rank, Real Power | 14 Jun 2025 | 00:57:08 | |
This podcast episode is basically a love letter to indigenous resilience, told through the epic mother-child duo of Virginia and Scott Wabano. Scott's a queer, Two-Spirit fashion icon who went from being a tiny hoop dancer to slaying runways and challenging industry norms. His mom, Virginia, is the ultimate badass matriarch who's been his ride-or-die since day one.
- www.relentlessindigenouswoman.ca - Music Produced by Anishnaabe DJ Boogey the Beat Send Us a Text with Your Thoughts or Questions! Sponsor the RIW Pod via Patreon - Music Produced by Award Winning Anishnaabe DJ Boogey the Beat | |||
| Ep. 20: Dismantling Religious Dogma: A Two Spirit Perspective with Owen Unruh | 07 Jun 2025 | 01:01:43 | |
In this heart-to-heart episode, Owen Unruh opens up about his journey as a Two Spirit, Indigenous person navigating addiction, shame, and the long road to self-love. From surviving in silence to thriving in his truth, Owen shares how embracing vulnerability—and using social media as a lifeline—helped him reclaim his power. He gets real about growing up queer in a religious, conservative space, and the healing that came with unlearning internalized beliefs. We talk about the joy of finally loving every version of yourself, even the messy ones. This episode dives into the beauty of Indigenous resistance, the sacredness of storytelling, and what it means to live authentically. Owen offers words of love to other Two Spirit and queer Indigenous youth, reminding them that they are already enough. We also unpack what real allyship looks like—and how just existing, joyfully and unapologetically, is an act of rebellion. - Owen’s Bio Owen Unruh (he/they) is a Two-Spirit Nêhiyaw (Cree) individual with familial ties to Driftpile First Nation. Adopted and raised in Fort Nelson, British Columbia, Owen faced challenges reconciling his queer and Indigenous identities within a community that often lacked acceptance. This internal conflict led to a decade-long struggle with addiction. In his pursuit of healing, Owen turned to social media, particularly TikTok, to share his journey toward sobriety and self-acceptance. His candid storytelling and advocacy have resonated with a broad audience, amassing over 300,000 followers. Through his content, Owen addresses themes of addiction recovery, Indigenous identity, and Two-Spirit representation, aiming to inspire and support others facing similar challenges. Beyond digital platforms, Owen is a model, dancer, speaker, and performer. He utilizes dance to express joy and embody his divine sexual energy, viewing the reclamation of sexuality and identity as sacred and traditional acts for Indigiqueer individuals. Owen's dedication to authenticity and vulnerability has positioned him as a significant voice within both Indigenous and beyond, advocating for self-love, cultural pride, and holistic well-being. Owen’s IG & TikTok: @owen.unruh - www.relentlessindigenouswoman.ca - Music Produced by Anishaabe DJ Boogey the Beat Send Us a Text with Your Thoughts or Questions! Sponsor the RIW Pod via Patreon - Music Produced by Award Winning Anishnaabe DJ Boogey the Beat | |||
| Ep. 19: Crown and Culture: Emma Morrison, Miss Word Canada | 31 May 2025 | 00:48:45 | |
Emma Morrison is a powerhouse Indigenous woman who's breaking barriers as the first Indigenous Miss World Canada representative, preparing to compete in the Miss World finals in India on May 31st. Her Beauty with a Purpose project, "Ribbons," focuses on empowering Indigenous youth, particularly young girls, through education, cultural pride, and mentorship. She'll be representing not just Canada, but First Nations women on a global stage, carrying the hopes and spirits of her Ancestors. Throughout our conversation, we explored the depth of Indigenous resilience, the importance of celebrating personal achievements, and the need for settlers to engage with Indigenous culture authentically. Emma's journey from a shy girl in a small town to an international pageant representative demonstrates that Indigenous women can excel in spaces not traditionally designed for them, all while maintaining their cultural integrity and commitment to community upliftment. - Emma’s Bio: Emma Morrison, a proud Indigenous woman from Chapleau, Ontario, is the first Indigenous woman to win Miss World Canada. She is passionate about Indigenous empowerment, mentorship, and cultural reconnection. Her Beauty with a Purpose project, Ribbons, uplifts Indigenous youth, particularly young girls, through education and cultural pride. In June of 2024, she created the “Ribbons Bursary,” which supports Indigenous girls at Chapleau Elementary Public School in their academic and personal journeys. Emma has worked with Indigenous communities across Canada, and spoken to over 10,000 students about self-empowerment. Now representing Canada on the Miss World stage in India this May, she continues to use her platform to inspire and uplift Indigenous voices. Emma’s IG: @emmamorrison Emma’s TikTok: @emma.morrrison - www.relentlessindigenouswoman.ca Music Produced by Anishnaabe DJ Boogey the Beat Send Us a Text with Your Thoughts or Questions! Sponsor the RIW Pod via Patreon - Music Produced by Award Winning Anishnaabe DJ Boogey the Beat | |||
| Ep. 31: Breaking Cycles, Building Legacies with Drezus | 23 Aug 2025 | 00:44:40 | |
This conversation with Drezus (Jeremiah Manitopyes) gets real. He takes us through his journey—from rising in the Indigenous hip hop scene to reclaiming his power through sobriety, fatherhood, and ceremony. Raised in the city but spiritually rooted in his culture, Drezus shares how reconnecting with the Land and working with youth has become his deepest source of inspiration. Whether he’s jumping into rivers with his kids or sitting by the fire in remote Cree communities, he paints a picture of healing that comes from stillness, presence, and remembering who you are. He reflects on how disconnection from Land contributed to depression, addiction, and anxiety—and how going back to the Land sparked a primal shift in him that influenced both his art and his parenting. But he doesn't stop at speaking on personal healing—he discusses accountability and dismantling toxic masculinity. Drezus unpacks how colonialism shaped distorted ideas of manhood, and how too many Native men are taught to extract instead of nurture. He owns his past, talks openly about the shame, the jail time, the addiction, and what it took to unlearn those harmful patterns. Through sweat lodges, community, and building emotional capacity, he’s redefining what it means to be a strong Indigenous man. He offers space for his brothers to do the same—by calling them in, not out. Drezus reminds us that healing is possible, masculinity can be redefined, and Land holds the key to both. Bio Drezus is a force in Indigenous hip-hop. An Anishinaabe/Nehiyaw artist based in Mohkinstis, he blends raw lyricism with cultural resilience, crafting music that moves, empowers, and inspires. His journey started with Team Rezofficial, earning a JUNO nomination and multiple Indigenous music awards. As a solo artist, his 2013 album Redwinter became a rallying cry for the Idle No More movement, followed by Indian Summer, cementing his influence in the scene. Drezus has won major accolades, including the 2022 SOCAN Vince Fontaine Indigenous Song Award, a 2017 MTV VMA with Taboo (Black Eyed Peas), and four Indigenous Music Awards in 2015. He’s shared stages with hip-hop giants like Drake, 50 Cent, Mobb Deep, and The Black Eyed Peas, bridging Indigenous and mainstream music worlds. Beyond music, Drezus is making waves in film and TV, with appearances in Yellowstone and contributions to powerful soundtracks. His latest release, Ballad of Bobby Jones featuring Sebastian Gaskin, keeps his signature storytelling alive—unapologetic, thought-provoking, and deeply rooted in his culture. IG: @drezus Website: www.drezus.com Send Us a Text with Your Thoughts or Questions! Sponsor the RIW Pod via Patreon - Music Produced by Award Winning Anishnaabe DJ Boogey the Beat | |||
| Ep. 30: The Cost of Telling the Truth: Grief, Love, and Online Violence with Nikki Apostolou | 16 Aug 2025 | 00:55:26 | |
Dr. Candace Linklater and guest Nikki Apostolou (aka Recycled Stardust) delve into the meaning of living with integrity, community engagement, and staying rooted in love amidst heartbreak, colonization, and online violence. Nikki opens up about how painful it’s been to have her character misrepresented, especially in online spaces where false narratives spread quickly and people rush to judgment. She shares the grief of being pushed into silence to protect others, the toll of being dehumanized, and the internal struggle of trying to keep her heart soft when it would be easier to turn cold. The two women unpack the complex dynamics of lateral violence in Indigenous communities and how colonization has trained people to harm one another, even when they’re fighting for the same liberation. They talk about the weaponization of vulnerability, especially online, and the difference between true accountability and performative call-outs. Nikki reflects on how she’s had to grieve not only what was lost in a relationship but also the loss of trust in a community she once felt safe in. Candace names the bravery in choosing to love anyway, to keep speaking truth even when it costs something, and to reclaim joy as a radical act of resistance. Bio Nikki Apostolou (aka Recycled Stardust) is a proud Mohawk content creator and plus-size model, widely known for her viral presence in beauty, fashion, and New York City lifestyle storytelling. With over a decade of experience sharing her passion for makeup, style, and city life, she’s built a loyal following of over 400,000 across Instagram and TikTok. Nikki’s content is a celebration of body positivity, Indigenous pride, and unapologetic self-expression. She has walked the runways of New York Fashion Week, representing Indigenous designers and bringing Native excellence to high fashion. Her bold storytelling and signature confidence have earned her features in major media outlets, including CNN, PopSugar, Insider, and Yahoo. Whether she’s breaking beauty standards or elevating Indigenous visibility, Nikki continues to inspire and influence with authenticity and heart. IG and TikTok: @recycledstardust Send Us a Text with Your Thoughts or Questions! Sponsor the RIW Pod via Patreon - Music Produced by Award Winning Anishnaabe DJ Boogey the Beat | |||
| Ep. 29: Matriarch Mode: Love, Loss, and Indigenous Mothering with Dr. Tasha Spillett | 09 Aug 2025 | 00:43:29 | |
In this warm, wise, and wildly relatable episode, Dr. Candace Linklater and Dr. Tasha Spillett dive deep into what it means to mother, mourn, and move through the world as Indigenous women. It’s part heart talk, part medicine, as they unpack everything from generational grief to gentle parenting, from cultural reconnection to the quiet rebellions of everyday love. Dr. Tasha opens up about how motherhood pulled her closer to her Cree roots, while Dr. Candace reflects on queer Indigenous identity, loss, and the pressure to hold it all together. The conversation flows like ceremony—full of laughter, raw truth, and ancestral wisdom. This one’s for the aunties, the cycle breakers, the soft landings, and the fierce protectors. It’s a reminder that showing up with love—even when it’s messy—is one of the most radical things we can do. Throughout their conversation, Dr. Candace and Dr. Tasha speak to the power of presence—how simply showing up with integrity, softness, and cultural grounding can be an act of defiance in a world that asks Indigenous women to be everything and nothing at once. They reflect on the legacy of residential schools, the slow reclamation of language and ceremony, and the ways motherhood can become both a return and a reimagining. Whether discussing the exhaustion of advocacy or the joy found in small, sacred moments, their dialogue is a call to honour the full range of Indigenous womanhood—grief and grace, rage and rest, all held in one breath. Bio Dr. Tasha Spillett is a New York Times bestselling author, educator, and scholar of Cree and Trinidadian descent. Her work lives at the intersection of education, storytelling, and community healing. Through her teaching and public speaking, she uplifts Indigenous students and students of color by creating culturally responsive spaces grounded in relationality, equity, and joy. Tasha brings her deep cultural knowledge into every classroom and conversation, honoring her responsibility as an Afro-Indigenous woman to foster belonging and liberation. Tasha is the author of the multi-award-winning graphic novel series Surviving the City and the bestselling picture books I Sang You Down from the Stars and Beautiful You, Beautiful Me. Her work reflects a lifelong commitment to Indigenous resistance, the well-being of children, and justice for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit people. Whether on the page or in community, she moves with love, purpose, and a vision for a world that’s truly worthy of our children. IG: @tasha.spillett Website: tashaspillett.com Send Us a Text with Your Thoughts or Questions! Sponsor the RIW Pod via Patreon - Music Produced by Award Winning Anishnaabe DJ Boogey the Beat | |||
| Ep. 28: Sport, Survival, and Spirit: How Waneek Horn-Miller Turned Pain Into Power | 02 Aug 2025 | 00:34:56 | |
In this heart-expanding chat, Dr. Candace Linklater sits down in person with Waneek Horn-Miller—Mohawk Olympian, activist, and one of the most influential Indigenous women in sport—for a conversation that is as vulnerable as it is visionary. They explore the complicated beauty of Indigenous rage, healing, and authenticity in a world that constantly tries to box Indigenous women in. Waneek reflects on surviving a near-fatal stabbing during the Oka Crisis at age 14 and how that trauma shaped her sense of power, purpose, and protection. @waneek Send Us a Text with Your Thoughts or Questions! Sponsor the RIW Pod via Patreon - Music Produced by Award Winning Anishnaabe DJ Boogey the Beat | |||
| Ep. 27: Honouring the Sacredness of Two-Spirit Lives with Chance Paupanakis | 26 Jul 2025 | 00:44:45 | |
Dr. Candace has some deep convos with Chance Paupanakis, a proud Swampy Cree and Two-Spirit advocate from Kinosew Sipi Cree Nation. Raised in both Indigenous and colonial worlds, Chance shares what it means to come into identity while carrying the weight of silence, shame, and survival—and how they’ve chosen to root instead in language, ceremony, and community. Their conversation moves through themes that cut deep: the erasure of Two-Spirit roles, the harm of conditional allyship, and the ongoing impact of colonialism on cultural and spiritual life. But it’s also full of hope. Chance speaks to the sacredness of Two-Spirit existence and the strength that comes from reconnecting to land, kin, and self. For any Two-Spirit youth searching for belonging, or anyone wanting to listen more deeply, this conversation is a reminder: you are sacred, you are loved, and you are never alone. Bio Chance comes from the Kinosew Sipi Cree Nation in Treaty 5 Territory and currently resides in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He is a proud Swampy Cree and 2Spirit person who embraces his Cree language and queer identity. Chance has western education in Political Studies and Indigenous Studies from the University of Manitoba. Chance focuses his advocacy around Indigenous language revitalization, youth empowerment, land & water protection, Indigenous student rights and 2SLGBTQQIA+ resurgence. He began his healing journey five years ago and has been learning from many knowledgeable mentors from his home community and beyond. Chance currently works as a Consultant and Independent Contractor for numerous organizations throughout Manitoba. IG: @copperandfloral - www.relentlessindigenouswoman.ca - Music Produced by Award Winning Anishnaabe DJ Boogey the Beat Send Us a Text with Your Thoughts or Questions! Sponsor the RIW Pod via Patreon - Music Produced by Award Winning Anishnaabe DJ Boogey the Beat | |||
| Ep. 26: Fashion as Medicine: A Conversation with Lindsay King | 19 Jul 2025 | 00:44:21 | |
In this episode, Dr. Candace Linklater sits with Lindsay King, an Indigenous fashion designer from the Salto Ojibwe and Mohawk Nations, whose journey from social work to fashion is rooted in healing, advocacy, and community care. After working as a social worker and foster parent for 20 years, Lindsay began designing in 2014—without any sewing experience—and went on to study fashion in Toronto and Florence before launching her brand in 2022. Their conversation explores how Lindsay’s work is inspired by her grandchildren, the strength of Indigenous entrepreneurship, and her commitment to sustainable, ethical fashion. Lindsay shares how creativity became part of her healing journey, leading to powerful work like her Red Collection showcased at Toronto Fashion Week, which raises awareness about missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and relatives. She opens up about her philosophy of visualization, her dedication to protecting children, and the importance of creating space for Indigenous representation in the fashion world. From designing a Cher-inspired leather pant and vest for Tia Wood at the Junos to being named an Indigenous designer to watch by OWL Magazine, Lindsay’s story is one of courage, transformation, and staying rooted in love and purpose. Bio Meet Lindsay King is a Saulteaux, Ojibway, and Mohawk fashion designer and registered member of Little Grand Rapids First Nation in Treaty 5 territory. Born in Winnipeg and raised between her parents’ communities in Manitoba and Ontario—with time spent in Texas and Nevada—Lindsay is a proud Mother, Grandmother, Social Worker, and creative force in Indigenous fashion. For over 20 years, she dedicated her life to serving Indigenous children and families as a Social Worker and foster parent, all while quietly holding on to a childhood dream: to one day own a store and design clothes. In 2014, she took a courageous leap, enrolling in fashion programs in Toronto and Florence with no prior sewing experience. Since launching her brand in 2022, Lindsay has grown a line of timeless, luxury garments and curated accessories that reflect care, community, and cultural pride. Her recent Red Collection, shown at Toronto Fashion Week, honours and brings awareness to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit people—centering the power of visibility and truth on the runway. Working with artisans and suppliers across North America, her designs are stories of resilience, representation, and reclaiming space in an industry that once felt out of reach. IG: @lindsayking.co Website: lindsayking.co - www.relentlessindigenouswoman.ca - Music Produced by Award Winning Anishnaabe DJ Boogey the Beat Send Us a Text with Your Thoughts or Questions! Sponsor the RIW Pod via Patreon - Music Produced by Award Winning Anishnaabe DJ Boogey the Beat | |||
| Ep. 25: Andre Bear’s Journey Through Law and Love | 12 Jul 2025 | 00:47:48 | |
This episode goes deep. Dr. Candace sits down with Andre Bear, a Two-Spirit Nehiyaw Plains Cree educator and legal scholar who’s been using social media to make conversations about Indigenous rights and sovereignty feel both accessible and deeply personal. They explore Andre’s powerful journey—from growing up in foster care to reconnecting with ceremony—and how those experiences continue to shape his fierce advocacy for Indigenous children and youth. Andre shares the story behind carrying a Cubone Pokémon toy into important meetings as a way to honour his inner child, a small yet profound act of remembrance and strength. The conversation also goes into the complexities of navigating Two-Spirit identity in Indigenous spaces, the ongoing process of spiritual growth, and the kind of healing that can only come through unconditional love. Dr. Candace creates space for a conversation that’s raw, moving, and full of heart. Andre’s voice is a testament to what it means to break cycles, reclaim story, and lead with love. His work reminds us that advocacy is care, courage, and connection in action. Bio André Bear is a Nêhîyaw (Plains Cree) educator, advocate, and legal scholar committed to advancing Inherent and Treaty rights. He holds a Juris Doctor and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Saskatchewan and was awarded a full-ride scholarship in 2023 to pursue his Master of Laws. At just 21, André was appointed as a special advisor to the Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations for the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Call to Action 66. He has served on the board of the Indigenous Bar Association and currently sits on the board of the First Nations Child & Family Caring Society. In 2021, André founded Indigenous Nation Rebuilding, a consulting firm focused on revitalizing Indigenous law-making and supporting Nation-led governance. Beyond boardrooms and classrooms, André uses TikTok as a powerful educational tool, breaking down complex legal and political issues in accessible, engaging ways for a new generation of learners. His work bridges tradition and innovation, law and community, all in service of Indigenous sovereignty and truth. IG and TikTok: @abearlaw Webiste: www.ination.ca - www.relentlessindigenouswoman.ca - Music Produced by Award Winning Anishnaabe DJ Boogey the Beat Send Us a Text with Your Thoughts or Questions! Sponsor the RIW Pod via Patreon - Music Produced by Award Winning Anishnaabe DJ Boogey the Beat | |||
| Ep. 24: Under the Spotlight and Inside the Heart with Anna Lambe | 05 Jul 2025 | 00:45:09 | |
This podcast episode is a deeply candid conversation between two Indigenous women who hold space for each other in a way that’s both tender and powerful. Anna Lambe—Inuk actress from Iqaluit and the breakout star of North of North—joins Dr. Candace Linklater for an intimate dialogue that weaves together personal stories, professional reflections, and shared truths from the front lines of Indigenous visibility. Anna opens up about the realities of navigating the entertainment industry as a young Inuk woman, speaking honestly about everything from the highs of success to the quiet, unseen struggles—like dealing with adult acne in the public eye, reclaiming self-love, and managing the pressures of fame. Together, they explore the nuanced dynamics of relationships, the unspoken griefs carried in Indigenous womanhood, and the electric, transformative force of feminine rage. What unfolds is a soul-level conversation between two women who understand what it means to carry their communities, face the weight of representation, and still show up with humour, softness, and strength. From laughter to raw vulnerability, this episode feels like sitting in on a sacred kitchen table talk—one that reminds us of the power of Indigenous connection, storytelling, and truth. Bio Anna Lambe is the lead in CBC’s hit series North of North, which premiered with a rare 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and named Rolling Stone’s Top 10 Shows of 2025. An Inuk actress from Iqaluit, Nunavut, Anna first broke out in the 2018 film The Grizzlies, earning a Canadian Screen Award nomination at just 18. Since then, she’s starred in Trickster, appeared in HBO’s True Detective, and become a rising force in Indigenous storytelling. Off screen, Anna is a fierce advocate for her people. In 2020, she made headlines with an open letter challenging anti-Two-Spirit rhetoric in Nunavut’s legislature—showing the country that young Inuit voices are powerful and uncompromising. Whether on screen or in real life, Anna Lambe is reclaiming narrative, defending truth, and shifting the landscape of representation. IG: @anna.r.b.lambe _ www.relentlessindigenouswoman.ca - Music Produced by Award-Winning Anishnaabe DJ Boogey the Beat Send Us a Text with Your Thoughts or Questions! Sponsor the RIW Pod via Patreon - Music Produced by Award Winning Anishnaabe DJ Boogey the Beat | |||
| Ep. 34: You Are the Medicine: A Conversation with Asha Frost | 13 Sep 2025 | 00:45:33 | |
In this episode of the RIW Podcast, Dr. Candace Linklater welcomes Asha Frost, bestselling author of You Are the Medicine, healer, oracle deck creator, mentor, and mother. Asha shares her deep roots as an Anishinaabe woman from Cape Croker First Nation, belonging to the Crane Clan, and describes how her life’s work is devoted to guiding people back to the medicine that has always lived within them. The conversation explores how her oracle deck, teachings, and mentorship open pathways for people to reconnect with spirit, ancestry, and land. Candace reflects on her own transformative experience with Asha’s oracle deck, describing how a Wolf card meditation unexpectedly connected with her dog, affirming the living spirit within the cards. Moving beyond tools and titles, Asha and Candace dive into the heart of medicine work—the shadows, spirals, and challenges that come alongside healing. Asha emphasizes that authentic medicine work is not about bypassing pain with “light and love,” but about meeting the depths of struggle and transformation with honesty and courage. They remind listeners that healing is relational, embodied, and alive: it speaks to human beings, animals, the Land, and the unseen forces around us. This conversation is an invitation to trust the spirit within and honour the medicine that moves through all of creation. Bio Asha Frost is the best-selling author of You Are the Medicine, an Indigenous healer, oracle deck creator, mentor, and mother. Her life’s work is dedicated to helping others connect with the medicine that has always been within them—the spark, the illumination, and the power—waiting to be seen, felt, and claimed. She grew up on and currently resides on Anishinaabe, Huron-Wendat, and Haudenosaunee land. Her maternal and paternal lineage and relatives originate from many First Nations across Ontario, Canada (Turtle Island). Asha is from the Crane Clan (Aji-jaak Dodem) and is a member of Neyaashiinigmiing (Cape Croker) First Nation. IG: @asha.frost Send Us a Text with Your Thoughts or Questions! Sponsor the RIW Pod via Patreon - Music Produced by Award Winning Anishnaabe DJ Boogey the Beat | |||
| Ep. 36: The Power of Performance: Dr. Zoey Roy on Art as Education | 27 Sep 2025 | 00:45:10 | |
Dr. Candace Linklater welcomes Dr. Zoey Roy, a celebrated spoken word poet, creative producer, and arts-based educator from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and a proud member of Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation. With a career spanning international stages—including performances with the National Youth Orchestra of Dr. Canada and at the World Expo in Dubai—Dr. Zoey has trailblazed the blending of hip-hop and orchestral music, creating globally touring shows like "Enough" and "Ever Beautiful." Holding a PhD in Education, Dr. Zoey has received numerous awards, including the Queen Diamond Jubilee Medal, the Indspire Award, and Ontario’s Arts Educator of the Year, solidifying her reputation as both an artist and a leader in education. Dr. Candace and Dr. Zoey’s conversation goes beyond her incredible accolades, focusing on the spirit and intention behind Dr. Zoey’s artistry. Dr. Candace reflects on witnessing her perform live, describing it as spirit-led and electrifying, while Dr. Zoey shares how fashion, stage presence, and reciprocity with the audience are all part of her craft. They discuss the inspirations fueling her work today—especially the grounding influence of motherhood—and how creativity, identity, and relationality shape her performances. This dialogue reveals Dr. Zoey’s brilliance as a poet and performer, along with her dedication to carrying culture, story, and truth forward through every medium she touches. Bio: Dr. Zoey Roy (Nihithaw-Denesuline Halfbreed-Métis) is a celebrated spoken word poet, creative producer and arts-based educator from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. She is a proud member of Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation, a signatory of Treaty Six. In 2017, she toured Canada with the National Youth Orchestra, a 104-piece ensemble, while performing spoken word. In 2021, she showcased her talent at the World Expo held in Dubai. Discovering a passion for blending hip hop with orchestral music, she collaborated with her partner, Omar Ballantyne, to create two orchestral spoken word shows: "Enough is Enough" with Juliet Palmer and "Ever, Beautiful" with Cris Derksen, both of which she plans on touring globally. Dr. Zoey holds a Bachelor of Education from SUNTEP at the University of Saskatchewan, a Master's in Public Policy from the Johnston Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy, and a PhD in Education from York University. Dr. Zoey received the Queen Diamond Jubilee Medal (2012), the Women of Distinction Award (2013), the Indspire Award (2015), the Saskatchewan Arts Board Award for Education (2022); the University of Saskatchewan's One to Watch (2023); and Ontario's Arts Educator of the Year (2024). @zoeyroy.thepoet Send Us a Text with Your Thoughts or Questions! Sponsor the RIW Pod via Patreon - Music Produced by Award Winning Anishnaabe DJ Boogey the Beat | |||
| Ep. 35: Crafting Space for Indigenous, Queer, and Trans Futures with Siibii | 20 Sep 2025 | 00:59:19 | |
Siibii —a queer, trans, non-binary Cree artist–joins Dr. Candace Linklater in this episode where shit gets real. Known for their breakout single YOY, which has surpassed three million streams and earned a SOCAN Young Canadian Songwriter Award, Siibii blends atmospheric pop with lyrical honesty rooted in family, land, and spirit. Signed to Ishkode Records, their music—including their latest single User—confronts contradictions, self-doubt, and longing, while simultaneously creating space for Indigenous, queer, and trans artists to be celebrated. The conversation goes into Siibii’s inspirations, from family and community to the grounding power of being back home on the land. They reflect on the push and pull of urban Indigenous life, the disconnection it can create, and the healing that comes with returning to one’s roots. Dr. Candace and Siibii explore themes of queerness and feeling like an outsider–showing how music expresses personal truth and carries ancestral memory forward. This episode offers listeners the raw honesty of Siibii’s journey and invites them to see music as a force for reclamation and healing. Bio: Siibii is a queer, trans, non-binary Cree artist originally from Mistissini, Quebec, now based in as Montreal. Their name—meaning “river” in Cree—is a current that runs through everything they create: ever-moving, cleansing, and alive with intention. A self-taught singer-songwriter with roots steeped in family, memory, and land, Siibii blends atmospheric pop with emotional depth, crafting songs that speak directly to the spirit. Their breakout single “YOY” struck a deep chord with listeners, racking up over three million streams and earning them a SOCAN Young Canadian Songwriter Award. Their music has taken them to major stages like Festival d’été and TD Arena in Ottawa, and most recently, they opened for the iconic Elisapie. Now signed to Ishkōdé Records, Siibii’s newest single, “User,” is another bold chapter in their story—one that calls out contradiction, self-doubt, and the ache of needing to be seen. Through every lyric and note, Siibii raises representation and opens doors for future generations of Indigenous, queer, and trans artists to walk through. They are making music and making space. And today, they’re here with us to talk about identity, artistry, land, and the rivers that continue to carry them forward. IG: @siibiimusic https://ishkoderecords.com/siibii/ Send Us a Text with Your Thoughts or Questions! Sponsor the RIW Pod via Patreon - Music Produced by Award Winning Anishnaabe DJ Boogey the Beat | |||