Discover How Indigenous Podcasts Are Shaping Media and Preserving Culture
As we celebrate Indigenous History Month, we’re thrilled to spotlight some groundbreaking Indigenous podcasts that are shaping the landscape of media and storytelling. This year, the Indigenous Screen Office allocated $300,000 to 12 Indigenous-led Podcasts in its Inaugural Podcast Program. Each of these unique podcasts entertains, educates and inspires, showcasing the richness of Indigenous cultures and voices. The full list is available on the ISO website – but here are a few that caught our attention:
1. Actors & Ancestors
This show is hosted by actor Joel D. Montgrand, who is Rocky Cree, from Northern Saskatchewan. “Actors & Ancestors” challenges the old “Cowboys & Indians” narrative by celebrating Indigenous actors and their contributions to film and TV. When asked about his inspiration for the podcast, Montgrand points out:
“In a podcast market with every conceivable subject, I was shocked to find that not only was there not a podcast specifically for Indigenous actors, but that there were not many Indigenous podcasts in general. I felt compelled to create this one so in my small way I can help elevate our communities.”
Season 2, fueled by new funding from the Indigenous Screen Office, will launch with an episode featuring Dallas Goldtooth of “Reservation Dogs.”
2. The Aunties Dandelion
The Aunties Dandelion is an example of Indigenous podcasts informed by traditional Onkwehón (original peoples’) teachings. This podcast dives deep into the essence of community, with stories centered on land, language, and relationships. This podcast dives deep into the essence of community, with stories centered on land, language, and relationships. It’s a beautiful reflection of the enduring traditions and the vibrant culture of Indigenous peoples.
3. Creepy Teepee
Soon to launch, “Creepy Teepee” with Ivana Yellowback and Sarah Amalia Lawrence-Welch promises a unique blend of traditional storytelling with a spooky twist, interwoven with cultural teachings. It’s designed to captivate with tales that chill the spine while enlightening the mind about Indigenous folklore. Follow them @creepy_teepee on Instagram to keep track of their launch date.
4. Matriarch Movement: The Future is Indigenous
This video podcast series by Matriarch Movement spans 11 episodes and explores themes of matriarchy, sustainability, and Indigenous futurism. It highlights the influential role of Indigenous women in leading cultural and environmental stewardship.
5. Stolen: Trouble in Sweetwater
Violence. Retaliation. Disappearances. The Navajo Nation is 27,000 square miles of remote terrain with just over 200 tribal police officers. On Season 3 of Stolen, Connie Walker’s investigation into the cases of two missing women leads her on a search for justice in a place where people say you can get away with murder.
6. Pretendians
A fresh addition from CANADALAND, hosted by Robert Jago and Angel Ellis, “Pretendians” delves into complex issues of identity and cultural appropriation within and beyond Indigenous communities, sparking essential conversations on these pivotal topics.
Indigenous Podcasts Rising!
This cross-section of new Indigenous-led podcasts represents a mere snapshot of all the incredible work that’s bubbling up in the Indigenous podcast space. It’s exciting to think about the roots of Indigenous podcasting, winding far back through the diverse and vibrant traditions of oral storytelling found in many indigenous cultures across North America. We recently produced an episode about oral storytelling for Staffbase, featuring three Métis aunties and scholars, Sheila Laroque, Tanya Ball and Kayla Lar-Son. All three are lovers of books, and have their own podcast called Book Women or masinahikan iskwêwak. Huge proponents of oral storytelling, Sheila, Tanya and Kayla’s podcasting serves as a vital platform for education, cultural preservation, and pure entertainment, contributing significantly to a more inclusive media environment.
We are so fortunate to witness and experience this vibrant movement in Indigenous-led digital storytelling, and to hear firsthand how these creators leverage the power of the spoken word to continue their storytelling heritage.
Listen well!
Jen Moss is the Co-Founder and and Chief Creative Officer of JAR Audio. As JAR’s podcast “doula”, collaborating with enterprise brands to bring great podcasts into the world. With a background spanning CBC Radio, Canada’s National Film Board Digital Studio, Vancouver’s Roundhouse Radio and the University of British Columbia, she guides the creation of captivating podcasts at JAR.
