Telling Our Twisted Histories

It's made its way into Canada's political vocabulary and into Indigenous communities. Some see it as yet another empty promise; others see it as a path forward. It's a word that is both divisive and complicated. Together, we will look at the fractured relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations to look for a way forward that is balanced and fair. For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/telling-our-twisted-histories-transcripts-listen-1.6868648

Through missionary work and later, the government-funded residential school system, our rituals and spiritual practices were broken. We were forced to follow Christianity's top-down, hierarchical doctrine, under its vengeful and punitive god, but our circular worldview survived. In our view, all things coexist in an interconnected relationship with the universe. Together, we will decolonize the word GOD and uncover the richness of our spiritual traditions. For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/telling-our-twisted-histories-transcripts-listen-1.6868648

The word OBEY does not exist in Indigenous languages. Our ancestors lived by their own systems of governance that sought to maintain harmony among all living things. The concept of obedience was forced upon us by church and government authorities. It slowly took hold and changed both our way of life and our way of governing ourselves. The time has come to consider regaining our sovereignty and reclaiming our original ways of decision making. For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/telling-our-twisted-histories-transcripts-listen-1.6868648

Flour, baking powder, a pinch of salt and a bit of water. Beloved and delicious, this traditional fry bread is a staple in Indigenous kitchens, but its colonial roots come with serious health repercussions This episode is a mouth-watering journey decolonizing the word BANNOCK. For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/telling-our-twisted-histories-transcripts-listen-1.6868648

How do you dismantle the colonial myth of POCAHONTAS? Disney's portrait of the Indian Princess has been indelibly pressed into young minds: she is naïve and noble, sexualized, innocent, and needy of a white saviour to win her heart. In reality, Indigenous women have always played strong and valued roles in their communities, leading by will and courage. Western society has created the archetype of the Good Indian, frozen in time, smiling and helpful. Together, we will decolonize this stereotype and examine portrayals of Indigenous people in Hollywood and beyond. For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/telling-our-twisted-histories-transcripts-listen-1.6868648

How did we go from 'noble savages' to 'dirty savages'? Over time, the meaning of the word has shifted from natural, free, and pure to a derogatory word used to diminish us and cast us aside. Indigenous people were considered "uncivilized", synonymous with barbaric, bestial, and cruel. This word has inflicted deep wounds and fuels prejudices to this day. Together, we’ll recall the true meaning of the word SAVAGE, and explore its current impact. For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/telling-our-twisted-histories-transcripts-listen-1.6868648

Running late? The importance of being on time is cultural, as are differences in priorities and perspectives. Together, we will decolonize INDIAN TIME and examine how Indigenous perceptions of time persist, even while 'running late'. For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/telling-our-twisted-histories-transcripts-listen-1.6868648

Where do surnames O'Bomsawin, Mukash, and Ikey come from? In our culture, names are powerful gifts given us by our ancestors, highlighting a character trait that shows up at birth, or designating a life mission for each of us to embrace. But ever since settlers arrived on our shores, our names have been distorted, or flat-out fabricated. Together, we will explore and decolonize the stories of our FAMILY NAMES. For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/telling-our-twisted-histories-transcripts-listen-1.6868648

For over 150 years, Indian Residential Schools were one of the primary means by which the government assimilated us in order to “kill the Indian in the child.” These compulsory SCHOOLS shattered our families, our languages, and our cultures. This great pain was passed down from generation to generation and impacts our communities to this day. Together, we will decolonize the word SCHOOL and share our truths about learning. The Indian Residential School Survivors Society has created a helpline for residential school survivors and can be reached at 1-866-925-4419. If you are a survivor and you need to talk, please call. For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/telling-our-twisted-histories-transcripts-listen-1.6868648

We lived in balance with nature for thousands of years, inhabiting this land without borders or titles. We were relocated to tiny parcels of land, owned by the Crown, in order for colonial authorities to gain unhindered access to our lands. Today, we still dream about the vastness of our lands and waters. In this episode we'll decolonize the word RESERVE together, and discuss how land is so much more than property. Telling Our Twisted Histories is a Terre Innue and CBC co-production. For transcripts of this series, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/podcastnews/telling-our-twisted-histories-transcripts-listen-1.6868648