Tree Planters: A podcast about change for a better world – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode of The Tree Planters Podcast, we return to St. Paul’s Centre to explore Phase 2 of the Art of Reconciliation project — a stage shaped by the artists themselves as they asked, “Where are you now in your personal reconciliation process?” 

This round, created between 2015 and 2018, brought together Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists whose works reflect on truth, listening, and shared responsibility. 

Guided by the Seven Grandfather Teachings — wisdom, love, respect, bravery, honesty, humility, and truth — the installation invites reflection on how communities grow more aware, and how reconciliation can become a living, everyday practice. 

Our conversation considers how these pieces, and the process behind them, deepen local understanding of reconciliation within Simcoe County and beyond.

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On this episode of Tree Planters, we visit the inspiring reconciliation-art initiative Call To Action #83 Simcoe County, curated by retired educator and multi-mode artist Mary Lou Meiers. The project brings together Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists in Simcoe County to respond collaboratively to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s 83rd Call to Action – namely, “A strategy for Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists to undertake collaborative projects and produce works that contribute to the reconciliation process.”

We focus here on Phase 1 of 4 of the artworks, immersing ourselves in the stories, the process of dialogue, trust-building and truth-telling, and how art becomes a carrier for both memory and forward-looking hope. As Mary Lou explains, this work is about “going forward together in a good way, in harmony” (awi-niigaani-wiiji-mino-inawendiwin).

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Dr. Alison Meek is a history professor at King’s University College at Western University, where she studies conspiracy theories, cults, extremism and misinformation. 
Alison brings an engaging and thoughtful perspective to how beliefs take root and spread, and what they can tell us about society today.

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Jacob is a farmer, and advocate for farming as a means to increase economic and environmental resilience in local communities. We talk about some ideas for how this can happen, and how young people can be supported in contributing to their communities through sustainable agricultural practices.

Learn more about the National Farmers Foundation here.

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Once a month we do a mailbag episode, where each of us, along with a guest, shares an issue for discussion. We don't know about each other's issue until they present it during the podcast, keeping it lively and interesting!

Have an issue that you'd like us to address? Let us know, and if it's selected, we'll invite you on the show!

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Claire is stepping down as Executive Director of the Rescue Lake Simcoe Coalition, and we chat about her experience at the forefront of grassroots environmental advocacy in central Ontario, including how the landscape has changed and what the future might hold.

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The Oak Ridges Moraine is a gem of Ontario's natural heritage, providing a source of headwaters to countless rivers and streams on the north shore of Lake Ontario.

In the late '80s and early 90's, a grassroots movement to protect the area emerged. Debbe Crandall and Robert Brown, of Save the Oak Ridges Moraine (STORM) talk about how this came about, and the challenges today facing efforts to protect Ontario's natural assets.

STORM: https://www.stormcoalition.com/

Walkerton Crisis: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walkerton_E._coli_outbreak

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Taylor Nicole has organized protests against the Ford government's Bill 5, a bill that will allow the government to, in effect, ignore environmental assessments in designated locations, and prohibit public consultation.

We get into the details of the Bill and what it could mean for Ontario.

Eco Guardians of Ontario - Stop Bill 5 Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1051925256910873/

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There's a difference between living somewhere, and really living there. We explore some of that with Virginia.

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David has decades of experience in leadership roles in the non-profit sector, including as the founding Executive Director of the Chigamik Community Health Centre, as the National Director of Development for the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS), and as Executive Director of the United Way of Greater Simcoe County. 
We speak about his experience in these positions, and how they've helped shape his approach to driving change for a better future.

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