Indigenous stories have a new avenue to share their messages with the launch of a video podcast on Telus Optik.
Elder Wes Fine Day from Sweetgrass First Nation is the guest on Âsokan: Building Bridges, hosted and produced by Lakeland College’s Charlene Bonnar.
“Originally we said building bridges – one conversation at a time, because that is how we are going to change the world,” says Bonnar.
The first two episodes are already available and the 10-part series will eventually be on the Telus Storyhive YouTube channel. Bonnar says they think that stories can foster the change they are seeking in the world.
“One person, one connection, one conversation at a time.”
With a $12,000 grant from Telus Storyhive, Bonnar and her team have produced the series with support from Lakeland College.
“Wes talks about his residential school experiences. We talk about medicines and gardening. We have some laughs. We have some tears and lots of teachings and stories along the way.”
Bonnar is looking to secure funding for a second season. She acknowledges the help of her son-in-law, Tremayne Ebanks for the videography and technical pieces.
Fine Day looks back at his life in amazement that he once taught at the U of S. In fact for over 12-years he gave a course in Cree customary law, or Nêhiyaw law for Indigenous students who were studying law.
“I affected so many Indigenous people who were becoming lawyers. I still meet lawyers today who say that they remember when they came to my class. It used to be such a relaxing place to go after all these legal (studies),” says Fine Day adding that the law-students enjoyed hearing his stories.
Fine Day sees the podcast as opening doorways.
“You know, the doorways that have been slammed shut. That’s all because we focused our time on other things. And now the spirits say we have to focus on who we are.”
Fine Day calls for introspection.
“Turn your attention inward. Begin to understand. Begin to remember. Begin to dream. Begin to aspire to what kind of a life and world you want to see and be a part of.”
Âsokan: Building Bridges is celebrated by Bonnar as a community effort with input from drum mentor Winddancer Wasketwitch and team, the Lloydminster Public School Division Prairie Thunder Boys for the music for the podcast.
