Authentic Storytelling for Indigenous Prosperity with Jay Gould
Forward Together
Episode Overview In this episode of the Forward Together podcast, host Rod Miller engages in a heartfelt conversation with Jay Gould, founder of Story Foundry. Jay shares his journey of reconnecting with his Indigenous heritage and how it influences his work in storytelling. He emphasizes the importance of resilience and hope within Indigenous communities and the role of storytelling in bridging cultural divides. The discussion also touches on the challenges faced in Indigenous filmmaking, the responsibility of truth-telling, and advice for aspiring Indigenous creatives. Jay's passion for...
info_outline
The Sacred Role of She Who Leads with Buffy Handel
Forward Together
In this episode of the Forward Together podcast, host Rod Miller speaks with Buffy, a proud member of the St. Theresa Point First Nation. Buffy shares her unique upbringing in the bush, emphasizing the importance of connection to nature and the cultural values of Indigenous life. She discusses her role as a matriarch, the responsibilities that come with it, and the significance of mentorship in Indigenous culture. The conversation highlights the need for investing in youth and the deep spiritual connection that defines true leadership within the community. In this conversation, Buffy shares...
info_outline
Empowering Indigenous Voices Through Technology with Barry Morrissette
Forward Together
In this episode of the Forward Together podcast, host Rod Miller speaks with Barry Morrissette, a producer and technologist deeply involved in the intersection of technology and Indigenous storytelling. Barry shares his journey and the importance of empowering Indigenous voices through media and technology. He discusses the Indigenous Lens Program, which aims to provide opportunities for youth to create their own narratives, and emphasizes the need for cultural sensitivity in media production. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by Indigenous creators in tech, the role of...
info_outline
Building Bridges: Indigenous Economic Sovereignty with Justin Bourque
Forward Together
In this episode of the Forward Together podcast, Rod interviews Justin Bourque, a prominent figure in Indigenous economic empowerment. Justin shares his journey from a young apprentice in the oil sands to becoming a leader in Indigenous equity ownership. He discusses the importance of embracing Métis heritage, the challenges and breakthroughs in large-scale Indigenous partnerships, and the significance of traditional teachings for youth. The conversation emphasizes the need for trust-building in business relationships and the role of economic sovereignty in creating resilient Indigenous...
info_outline
Walking the Path of Economic Reconciliation With JP Gladu
Forward Together
In this inaugural episode of Forward Together, host Rod Miller sits down with one of Canada’s most respected Indigenous leaders, JP Gladu. From his early experiences in community to the boardrooms of national industry, JP shares how his cultural identity and values have shaped his leadership journey—and why economic reconciliation is not only possible, but essential. Together, they explore what it means to lead with authenticity, the importance of building meaningful partnerships with Indigenous communities, and how organizations can engage in reconciliation beyond performative gestures....
info_outlineIn this episode of the Forward Together podcast, host Rod Miller speaks with Buffy, a proud member of the St. Theresa Point First Nation. Buffy shares her unique upbringing in the bush, emphasizing the importance of connection to nature and the cultural values of Indigenous life. She discusses her role as a matriarch, the responsibilities that come with it, and the significance of mentorship in Indigenous culture. The conversation highlights the need for investing in youth and the deep spiritual connection that defines true leadership within the community. In this conversation, Buffy shares her profound experiences as a matriarch, reflecting on the spiritual responsibilities that come with the role. She discusses the importance of leading by example, navigating leadership in challenging environments, and empowering the next generation. The conversation emphasizes the significance of authenticity in love and leadership, highlighting the need for vulnerability and connection within families and communities.
Key Takeaways:
- Buffy's upbringing in the bush shaped her understanding of life.
- Indigenous culture emphasizes connection to all living things.
- Words are medicine; they carry responsibility.
- Being a matriarch is a deep spiritual responsibility.
- Investing in youth is crucial for community growth.
- Cultural practices should not be diluted or misinterpreted.
- Mentorship is essential in Indigenous culture.
- A matriarch leads by example and serves the community.
- Self-awareness is key to personal and communal responsibility.
- True leadership comes from humility and love.
- Being a matriarch involves setting a spiritual tone for the family.
- Ceremony and spiritual practices can aid in healing and connection.
- Authenticity is essential for genuine love and leadership.
- Leadership is about observation and understanding your environment.
- Empowering the next generation is a key responsibility of a matriarch.
- It's important to maintain a balance between giving to others and self-care.
- True matriarchs create space for both men and women to thrive together.
- Engagement with Indigenous communities should be rooted in genuine contribution.
- Listening and observing are crucial in understanding community needs.
- The journey of personal growth is intertwined with family and community responsibilities.
Featured Guest: Buffy Handel
Buffy Handel, a proud member of St. Theresa Point First Nation in Manitoba, is an award-winning entrepreneur, artist, educator, and Executive Director of a thriving non-profit. She is celebrated for her innovative fusion of traditional and contemporary Indigenous performance as founder of the Aboriginal School of Dance, Manitoba’s first professional dance studio dedicated to Indigenous arts. Buffy’s leadership and mentorship have reached thousands of youth, and her work as a businesswoman and cultural custodian has transcended disciplines and borders—from Canada to Germany and beyond.
Buffy’s journey demonstrates the power of blending tradition with modernity, creating a narrative that is both inspiring and essential in today’s pursuit of economic reconciliation and diversity. She is recognized for her commitment to youth development, her holistic approach to mentorship, and her ability to bridge the worlds of business and culture with wisdom rooted in matriarchal teachings.
Host:
Rod Miller — President and COO of the Connect Partnership Group, producers of Forward Summit and Workforce Forward.