Odette Auger

Tiny is a short film about a strong woman

Summary “The Earth could provide. It's not speed and productivity that's going to feed everyone. I think feeding our souls is more important.” —filmmaker Ritchie Hemphill Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Windspeaker.com Ritchie Hemphill,…

Family of First Nations man killed in officer involved shooting has questions for RCMP

“Of course, there's firearms in there. He's a hunter. He has his PAL (Possession and Acquisition Licence). They're legal to be there.” —Pam Janvier, spokesperson for the Wanuch family Wesley Wanuch grew up in Paddle Prairie, a member of Beaver First…

Caribou as Forest Protectors

Indigenous conservation values are bringing hope (and results) for the survival of this severely threatened species Odette Auger Caribou — whether that brings to mind fairy tales, legends, or a freezer of winter food, the majestic family Rangifer…

A Force of Love

Isabelle Meawasige, photo provided by Kii Ga Do Waak Nookimisuk The warmth of a mother’s hand is strong, loving. The memory nourishes us, or marks us if there’s a lack. That’s where a grandmother can step in. Indigenous Grandmothers are interrupting…

The Unplugging

Yvette Nolan’s latest play explores community, climate change, and remembering solutions. “The Unplugging” brings audiences on a journey to a time when all the world’s technology has ceased to function. Two women – one Indigenous, one white – are…

Un partage avec l’avenir

Les défenseurs des terres autochtones à la COP15 Nii Lax Aks, aussi appelé Denzel Sutherland-Wilson, est Gitxsan. Il a fait partie du groupe de jeunes autochtones de la côte ouest qui se sont rendus à la 15e Conférence des Nations unies sur la…

Something Shared with the Future

Indigenous Land Defenders at COP15 Odette Auger We swear on the lives of those not yet born, That we are creating a world for them that is better than this one. A little bit of this world exists in all of us, and that is how I know it is possible.…

Decade of Indigenous Languages kicks off in Paris

“I know that (children) live in a time where the colonizer’s language is so dominant in everything we do. It's a real challenge for our young people to not just learn, but to use our languages.” — Dr. Lorna Wánosts’a7 Williams Local Journalism…

New housing coalition determined to eliminate homelessness

“Nowhere in that national housing strategy does it say that the government is interested in completely eliminating homelessness. So, for us, one person that's homeless is one person too many.” — Justin Marchand, CEO of Ontario Aboriginal Housing…

Video series puts cultural connection into substance use harm reduction strategies

“Not allowing someone in because they’re high or drinking is taking away their identity, taking away everything about them. Colonization brought separation from traditional medicines, separation from old ways.” — Kali-olt Sedgemore First Nations…

Media arts training helps empower communities to tell their own stories

“We're moving more and more into the world of using your phone. A lot of the images that are being used in the films are from their phones that they’ve already taken.” — Our World mentor Lisa g Nielsen Our World began in 2006 as Our World Languages,…

New cultural safety, humility standard will force accountability in health care of Indigenous peoples

“When we say justice, we mean justice and absolute fairness for all. Today I can say there is a standard. We set a high bar about dealing with cruelty and fairness. We’re talking about accountability.” — Elder Gerry Oleman The First Nation Health…

Ni'isjoohl memorial pole is coming home

“If Prime Minister (Justin) Trudeau is wondering what to get me for Christmas, he could arrange air cargo for us to bring the pole back.” — Sigidimnak Noxs Ts'aawit, Dr. Amy Parent Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Windspeaker.com The Nisga’a…

Investigation finds shooting death of Indigenous man by RCMP unjustified

“We got the first part of justice for Jared today. My thoughts are with all the families who have not made it here yet. This is for all the Jareds.” — Jared Lowndes’ mother, Alunae Laura Holland Jared (Jay) Lowndes, Wet’suwet’en of the Laksilyu clan,…

Aboriginal Head Start programs driven by community, fueled by warmth and caring

“They've made a place where families show up every day with their kids. They know the history and they choose to be there, because they know Auntie Zelda's there. They know that it feels good.” — Joan Gignac, director of Aboriginal Head Start…

When the story just needs to be told

One of the teachings that writer Odette Auger has taken to heart over the years is that if a story is important enough, “it needs to be told.” “Whether that’s journalism or fiction … It is going to find its way out,” she said. “There’s something…

Klahoose education coordinator brings a special something to the classroom

“She gets to interact with all of her members from the elementary students all the way to the post-secondary graduates. I think the beauty is that she's been able to build relationships when people are young and keep them until their adult lives.” —…

Winter newsletter: Using our gifts

I was interviewing a wonderful educator this month, and during our goodbyes, she said: "We all have gifts, but they come with a responsibility - to use them." It was one of those moments, where the teaching comes at exactly the right time. I'm just…

Oona Clothing Finds Fashion in Textile Fragments

Indie designer Tina Ozols repurposes textile waste to make treasured, long-lasting fashion. Photo by Sun Woo Baik Leftover fabric scraps from industrial sewing operations and film productions. Textile factory surplus and fabric printed with…

The quiet joys of coming home to Anishinaabe territories

A trip home was a dream come true — a letter of gratitude after saying baamaapii to my kin I’ve dreamed of my mom’s territory more times than I’ve visited it. Dreams are where early memories are preserved and grow into stories filled with teachings…