エピソード

  • Match Your Fight With Your Rest

    Match Your Fight With Your Rest
    2026/08/01
    Our Episode 3 begins as it often ends with a look what it means to honestly assess how we are, looking at all parts of our lives with a reminder that “we don’t need to always work”, (02:45). Dani and Marion are joined by Dr. Jeffrey Ansloos. (04:54) Jeffery is of Cree descent, and a Professor at U of T in the area of Indigenous Health and Social Policy and the Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Studies of Health. He is a practicing Psychologist and an author of books for young people. (05:46)Jeffrey talks about his mother’s influence as an educator and his desire to serve his people even as he learned that the fields of healthcare were not designed to serve Indigenous communities. (09:02) Marion and Dani relate to the difficulty of trying to fit into systems not built for you, and how this feels harmful. (12:50) They discuss trying to decolonize these spaces and that sometimes breaking up and restarting relationships with work is necessary. Jeffrey has learned that his justice work often brings him to places of harm (14:57) yet he believes in fighting for the things we love, but that fighting must be matched with rest (16:11). Marion describes the generational attitudes towards work and rest (18:09), how that is changing in her family, and how important it is to have agency to define what works and what doesn’t in our lives. (20:02)Marion and Jeffrey have a deep discussion around hope. Jeffrey has serious concerns about how, in particular, Indigenous youth in his work, (21:46) contend with inaction around racial and environmental inequality, climate change and water access while trying to live a good life (25:00). Marion sees how breaking down these issues and dealing with things within our control (25:53) by organizing and working in governance (26:08) can make them less overwhelming and help find balance. Jeffrey speaks honestly about the question of hope with regard to his work with young people and their mental health. (28:33)WARNING: From 00:30:00 to 01:08:20, Jeffrey, Dani and Marion talk frankly about their experiences with suicide – either personally or with family or with patients. Jeffrey explains that the suicide information (31:22) regarding Indigenous communities is not understood, interpreted or reported accurately – and he tells us the truth around this information. Jeffrey, in his work, tries to show the bigger context contributing to suicide and the longer story contributing to these struggles. (33:05) And he shares a different approach to suicide prevention, which Marion suggests should include sharing, giving, bringing back the sense of community, looking after each other and all that involves (42:26). The conversation turns deeply spiritual as they consider Dani’s question about the line between a death chosen freely and a death shaped by inequity (44:20). Both Jeffrey and Marion share the comfort found in their Indigenous beliefs, values and traditions around death and dying, (46:40), and how MAiD offer a chance to think deeply about dying well and supporting people with dignity at the end of their life. Jeffrey talks about the spiritual journey (54:43) that people often go on as they think about suicide and death, and how we might view suicidal distress not as failure, but as a profound search for meaning. Asking what makes life have purpose, where you belong, and in what relationships, can be a spiritual awakening and offer hope. This is the same for MAiD (55:55). He suggests that looking at these questions and decisions as a matter of spiritual care – and what it means to be an ancestor (56:24) and become part of the stories in our culture – would deepen our health care practice. (56:40) Marion reflects on her own decision to choose MAiD and the clarity and agency it gave her. Dani revisits her teen experiences with suicidal thoughts through this new spiritually focused lens. Jeffrey shares that walking alongside someone as they ask questions about what it means to live a good life (59:58) alters how we respond and navigate suicide, chronic illness, loss, and grief (1:00:40). Together, they ask: What do we want to pass on to future generations? What would it look like if our health systems offered the same unconditional, generous love to someone nearing death—or considering suicide—as we offer a newborn entering the world? (01:08:20)Throughout this episode, Marion and Dani return to the power of family, community, culture, language, and ceremony - from redefining rest as resistance, to being grounded in the strength of Indigenous teachings and values around death and dying, to contending that hope must be matched with organizing, with real political and social action. For young people and caregivers alike, Jeffrey offers a simple, radical invitation: Imagine yourself into a future that needs you, take one small step at a time, keep talking until you are heard, allow people to show up for you, and when they do, hold fast to them – and remember, you ...
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    1 時間 39 分
  • We Can't Fix What We Don't Acknowledge

    We Can't Fix What We Don't Acknowledge
    2026/07/18
    In Episode 2, Marion and Dani continue to learn from the experiences of care providers. They welcomed Don Versluis, Educator and one of Canada's first Nurse Practitioners, to provide medical assistance in dying (MAiD) in 2016. Touching on the different attitudes towards MAiD between provinces, the one thing that remains consistent is that over 90% of those using MAiD are affluent white folks. Why? Why aren’t Indigenous people and other minorities using this option? The reasons are complex and include medical racism, systemic discrimination, and intergenerational trauma that has resulted in broken trust. As Marion says, “We can’t fix what we don't acknowledge.” And Dani reflects that it is hard to maintain hope when the questions on the way to the hospital are “Will they treat me as a human, as worthwhile?” “Will they believe my pain?", “Will they hurt me?” Dani asks how we can build bridges of connection between our systems and institutions to make healing universal? And both Don and Marion offer thoughtful and actionable suggestions. The conversation shifts to perspectives around MAiD, and Don describes it as "enacting personal autonomy, empowering someone to remain in control over how their end of life looks.” Marion asks Don about his responsibilities, which he explains are first, to adhere to safeguards and legislated processes in assuring consent, and then, to incorporate beliefs, values and meaning-making that is important to the patient. He notes that this often includes an opportunity for productive grieving, healing and resolution. Dani asks Don what advice he has for families to medically advocate for loved ones, as well as what supports are available for families left behind, feeling loss. (You can find Don's links to support services in the “resources” section of the podcast description.)All three acknowledge the privilege of being a part of someone’s end-of-life journey. And about the beauty that can be found there. But it is crucial to remember that this work is profound and deeply affecting. Don shares his learnings around self-care, which include a community of empathetic supporters, respecting his own values, and how MAiD has diminished his capacity for negativity and taught him to prioritize joy. And finally, Dani and Marion reflect on how much power there is in these conversations, in making time for critical thinking, having hard conversations, and in connecting with empathetic, compassionate and understanding people. Dani and Marion will continue to normalize these difficult conversations and hope that those of you who are caregivers and providers feel seen, heard and respected. Until next time with ever more questions, thank you for listening or watching.LINKSIsland Health Resources: https://www.islandhealth.ca/health-topics/medical-assistance-dying-maid/medical-assistance-dying-maid/bereavement-group-maidWithin that website is a link to a PDF, also attached here: https://www.islandhealth.ca/health-topics/medical-assistance-dying-maid/medical-assistance-dying-maid/bereavement-group-maid#:~:text=MAiD%20Bereavement%3A%20A%20Guide%20for%20Patients%20%26%20FamiliesMore specific to the Indigenous community, there is a Government of Canada document on Indigenous perspectives at the end of life. That resource is linked here: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/programs/engagement-indigenous-perspectives-medical-assistance-dying/what-we-heard.htmlEpisode Guide0:00 – Check‑in, presence, and gratitude: Marion & Dani open Season 2 1:30 – Introducing Dr. Don Versluis & his work with MAID 2:43 – Marion’s decision to choose MAID after her sister’s death 7:22 – Don’s path into MAID practice and early system challenges 10:48 – What MAID is, in practice, and the relief of eligibility 12:09 – Pushback, hate mail, and leaving social media as a MAID provider 15:16 – Alberta’s Bill 18 and growing barriers to MAID access 17:01 – “Weaponized Christianity,” autonomy, and relief in choosing MAID 18:58 – Why 90%+ of MAID users are white: racism, access, and broken trust 21:28 – Historical and ongoing medical racism, including coerced sterilization 25:12 – Allies, queer history, and hope for systemic change 27:18 – Indian hospitals, epigenetics, and the long road to Indigenous healing 29:53 – How family disagreement can impact a MAID request 33:25 – Beauty at the end of life: apologies, “a million I love yous,” and meaning-making 37:03 – What culturally safe MAID can look like 40:01 – Narrative pedagogy, circle work, and Indigenous ways of teaching 43:35 – Going to the hospital while wondering, “Will they treat me as human?” 44:01 – How Don’s university is (and isn’t) integrating Indigenous perspectives 47:17 – Defining culturally safe MAID and inviting patients’ traditions in 48:37 – Indigenous strengths in death and dying, and why trust is still so fragile 49:47 – ...
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    1 時間 56 分
  • Is the emotional cost of this worth it?

    Is the emotional cost of this worth it?
    2026/07/04

    Marion and Dani return for S2, after some really honest conversations about the emotional and psychological cost of showing up authentically in this podcast. S1 began as Marion navigated what she understood to be her final year of life. She had chosen MAiD and was getting things in order. This shared podcast with Dani was part of her legacy. At the end of S1, Marion was approved for a miracle drug that slowed the progression of PH, giving Marion a chance to shift her perspective and revisit what it means to live with intention. Dani had to shift her role as care provider which raised a lot of questions. If daily—or even hourly—monitoring of her mom is no longer needed…, what does she do now? If her main purpose in life has been to care for someone else, who is she now? What does she do with the anticipatory grief she has lived with for so long? And what does self-care look like, when someone else’s care has been her priority?

    Season 2 explores caregiving and the experiences of care providers with honesty. We’ll look at the realities of self-care and how we can and should reframe our attitudes towards taking care of ourselves. Dani and Marion have chosen to continue this sacred and meaningful work of normalizing these difficult conversations in the hope that other carers listening will feel seen, heard and respected. We will all continue to be honest and present on the next chapter of this journey.

    Welcome to Season 2 of Before I Go.

    Vision Quest Communications, the producers of Before I Go, gratefully acknowledge the financial support of Indigenous Screen Office - iso-bea.ca

    You can also watch full Season 2 episodes on our YouTube channel.
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    54 分
  • Before I Go: Season 2 Trailer

    Before I Go: Season 2 Trailer
    2026/06/21
    Season 2 of “Before I Go” returns with mother–daughter duo Marion and Dani as they continue to normalize the conversations most people avoid: about death, grief, illness, and the systems that shape our care. Building on the profound impact of Season 1, they go deeper into the emotional cost of caregiving, what it means to be an Indigenous patient and caregiver within a healthcare system marked by medical racism, and the hard questions around MAiD (Medical Assistance in Dying) and why so few Indigenous people are able to access it.This season, Marion and Dani open up about the toll of sharing their story so vulnerably, the miracle drug that changed Marion’s prognosis, and the unexpected losses that still found their family. Through honest conversations, they explore intergenerational trauma, environmental and medical racism, emotional and medical justice, and the quiet, everyday heroism of caregivers who pour themselves into the people they love.“Before I Go” doesn’t promise easy answers. Instead, it offers a space to feel seen, heard, and held, one listener at a time. If you’ve ever navigated illness, loss, or the weight of caring for someone else, Season 2 is an invitation to keep asking hard questions and to remember to care for your own mind, body, and spirit along the way.*****CONTENT WARNING*****Each episode of this podcast touches on subjects related to trauma, misogyny, racism, medical racism, sexual misconduct, Residential Schools, as well as many aspects of death and dying. Self-care is our priority, and we ask that you please take care as you listen, step away for a break when you need to, and use the resources below for support. Mental Health Support Resources:https://www.hopeforwellness.ca/ , 24/7 telephone: 1-855-242-3310, Online chatNIHB Mental Health Services regional officeFirst Nations Health Authority (BC), Toll-free: 1-866-913-0033, info@fnha.caMAiD Resources:https://www.fnha.ca/what-we-do/healthy-living/end-of-life-journey/medical-assistance-in-dying Centre for Education and Research on Aging https://nctr.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/When-the-Time-Comes-Final-Edit-and-Format3510-march-24.pdf https://www.dyingwithdignity.ca/blog/reclaiming-cultural-teachings-about-mortality-grief-loss-death-and-dying/ https://endoflifedoulaassociation.org/doula-list-maid/ https://camapcanada.ca/ https://abo-peoples.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/CAP-2024-FinalReport-PEOLC-MAID_WEB_EN-.pdf Grief & Loss Support Resources:https://www.beendigen.com/programs/talk4healing/ https://www.hospicenorthwest.ca/services/outreach-program/https://lumarasociety.org/indigenouswellness/ , 1-866-9LUMARA, info@lumarasociety.org https://livingmyculture.ca/ Indigenous Books on Grief and Loss:https://www.strongnations.com/store/item_list.php?it=1&cat=3027 Residential School Support Resources:https://www.irsss.ca/ , 1-800-721-0066 for Survivors and Their Familieshttps://nctr.ca/contact/survivors/ , The National Residential School Crisis Line 1-866-925-4419 Produced with the participation of the Indigenous Screen Office, in partnership with YouTube Canada.
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    3 分
  • MEANING, PURPOSE & JOY

    MEANING, PURPOSE & JOY
    2025/10/25
    Dedicated to our brother and uncle, Bill Blue.Hard to fathom that this is the final episode of Season 1…what an incredible journey. Today, Marion and Danielle begin by talking about the illness their brother/uncle is facing, the pain of this reality, and processing difficult emotions. Dani addresses the difficulty of being a caregiver, recognizing the strength it takes to carry that burden. “Why me…just because I can?” She has the most beautiful answer - “No, it's because of love."Marion talks about their family’s growth, and generational healing - about creating new neuropathways for change and how cycles can be interrupted. And the courage it takes to continue to stand even when life knocks you down. The two women also talk about how the podcast began on a personal level, but became educational and advocational. The episodes were not all about MAiD, but addressed the intersection of environmental, medical, legal, and educational racism and the lack of agency that impacts Indigenous people every day. The conversation then moves to the knowledge and wisdom shared by our wonderful guests! We celebrate how they have each shaped their spaces, and we hold our hands up to them, and these conversations that have changed us. And finally, this podcast began as Marion planned the end of her life. She will continue to do so, but was able to share that she has been offered a new medical therapy. It is not a cure, but it is slowing the progression of the disease and giving her more quality time with us. We even have an update at the very end of the podcast! Such a positive conclusion to Season 1, this fills us with gratitude and hope. Thank you, dear listeners, for walking on this journey with us. We look forward to being together again for Season 2! Until then, take care of yourselves, and know that we see you. *****CONTENT WARNING*****Each episode of this podcast touches on subjects related to trauma, misogyny, racism, medical racism, sexual misconduct, Residential Schools, as well as many aspects of death and dying. Self-care is our priority, and we ask that you please take care as you listen, step away for a break when you need to, and use the resources below for support. Mental Health Support Resources:https://www.hopeforwellness.ca/ , 24/7 telephone: 1-855-242-3310, Online chatNIHB Mental Health Services regional officeFirst Nations Health Authority (BC), Toll-free: 1-866-913-0033, info@fnha.caMAiD Resources:https://www.fnha.ca/what-we-do/healthy-living/end-of-life-journey/medical-assistance-in-dying Centre for Education and Research on Aging https://nctr.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/When-the-Time-Comes-Final-Edit-and-Format3510-march-24.pdf https://www.dyingwithdignity.ca/blog/reclaiming-cultural-teachings-about-mortality-grief-loss-death-and-dying/ https://endoflifedoulaassociation.org/doula-list-maid/ https://camapcanada.ca/ https://abo-peoples.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/CAP-2024-FinalReport-PEOLC-MAID_WEB_EN-.pdf Grief & Loss Support Resources:https://www.beendigen.com/programs/talk4healing/ https://www.hospicenorthwest.ca/services/outreach-program/https://lumarasociety.org/indigenouswellness/ , 1-866-9LUMARA, info@lumarasociety.org https://livingmyculture.ca/ Indigenous Books on Grief and Loss:https://www.strongnations.com/store/item_list.php?it=1&cat=3027 Residential School Support Resources:https://www.irsss.ca/ , 1-800-721-0066 for Survivors and Their Familieshttps://nctr.ca/contact/survivors/ , The National Residential School Crisis Line 1-866-925-4419
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    1 時間 3 分
  • PART 2 - BECOMING WHAT YOU'VE NEVER SEEN.

    PART 2 - BECOMING WHAT YOU'VE NEVER SEEN.
    2025/10/11

    Today, in the second part of our conversation, Marion and Dani talk with Myrna McCallum about choices. About the trauma we carry, and how it informs all of our choices. About recognizing that the legacy of being a survivor of trauma means finding the strength to consciously choose to face each day. Myrna shares her path to making new and better choices, what led her to advocacy work in the legal system, and her belief that the practices of medicine and of law have a responsibility to be trauma-informed, to stop the cycle of pain and racism. And finally, Dani, Marion, and Myrna talk about gratitude for the time they have spent together and how open, honest, and authentic conversations can be centring, inspiring, and healing. Thanks for listening. Please take care of yourselves, and if you need to, make use of the resources listed on our podcast main page.


    Episode-Relevant Links:

    https://angelasterritt.com/

    https://greystonebooks.com/products/unbroken?srsltid=AfmBOoqhuCNYtQusjdLaUrhMK40ubfBurFr4fRpCXe7mfEIpHuc6w42K

    https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-trauma-informed-lawyer/id1514824294

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    53 分
  • HEALING IS THE ONLY IMPERATIVE. PART 1

    HEALING IS THE ONLY IMPERATIVE. PART 1
    2025/09/27

    We would like to dedicate today’s episode to the memory of Ty Iron.
    Today, Marion and Dani share a no-holds barred conversation with lawyer Myrna McCallum who shares her lived experience with incredible honesty and insight. Together they discuss residential schools, the resulting trauma and intergenerational trauma - and carrying the grief of our ancestors. Looking at coping with despair and the strength it takes to choose hope, they talk about the idea that when we heal, we can heal what our ancestors could not. Myrna also shares her experiences as a lawyer, the need for trauma-informed lawyering, and the importance of giving consideration to the people who bring in legal issues, not the legal issues alone. And finally, about healing - about truthtelling, acknowledging trauma, never forgetting the past, and dignity for Indigenous people As always, please take care of yourselves and if you need to, make use of the resources listed on our podcast main page.

    **Content Warning:
    Throughout this episode, there is discussion of the devastating experiences in residential schools and Indian hospitals, and at the time codes listed below, there is talk of suicide and drug use:
    9:47 - drug overdose
    10:13 - 24:48 - thoughts of suicide
    46:05 - 47:36 - drug overdose and death

    ABOUT Myrna McCallum:
    Myrna McCallum is Métis Cree from Treaty Six Territory (Green Lake/Waterhen Lake First Nation), and a true changemaker and a leading champion of trauma-informed lawyering. She is the host of The Trauma-Informed Lawyer Podcast and also acts as a subject matter expert and consultant on trauma-informed advocacy, procedure, and policy. Myrna is also an author of 2 books: “Trauma-Informed Law: Primer for Lawyer Resilience and Healing”, and “Criminal Law: Canadian Law, Indigenous Laws & Critical Perspectives”, and founded the Justice as Trauma conference, which returned for a second year this March in Vancouver. She has taught several courses on trauma-informed principles and is currently writing her memoir. In 2020, Myrna received the Federal Department of Justice’s first ever Excellence in Legal Practice and Victim Support Award. McCallum defines trauma-informed justice as a system rooted in healing, cultural responsiveness, equity and community relationships. It focuses on restoring dignity and supporting the mental and emotional well-being of those who have been harmed while also protecting the psychological well-being of those responsible for delivering justice.


    Episode-Relevant Links:
    https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-trauma-informed-lawyer/id1514824294
    https://goodminds.com/products/healing-the-soul-wound-trauma-informed-counseling-for-indigenous-communities-second-edition?srsltid=AfmBOop62zhSMLzaiZr_-5QJd7wocuFwz6INEsZo63msKCuIWu1v3WRG
    https://markwolynn.com/it-didnt-start-with-you/
    http://www.iap-pei.ca/story-eng.php

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    51 分
  • THE PAST IS THE PRESENT.

    THE PAST IS THE PRESENT.
    2025/09/26
    Today’s episode looks at the term ‘environmental justice’, its meaning historically, and the shift to calling it what it truly is - ‘environmental racism’. Dr. Ingrid Waldron is the author of the award-winning book “There’s Something in the Water: Environmental Racism in Indigenous and Black Communities”. It is also a Netflix documentary of the same name, co-produced by Waldron, actor Elliot Page, Ian Daniel, and Julia Sanderson, and directed by Page and Daniel. Dr. Waldronjoins Marion and Dani to look at the legacy of environmental racism and its health impacts in Indigenous and Black communities in Canada, focusing on the grassroots resistance activities by Indigenous and Black communities against the pollution and poisoning of their communities in Nova Scotia. The environmental justice narrative there fails to make race explicit, obscuring it within discussions on class. This mutes the specificity of Mi’kmaq and African Nova Scotian experiences with racism and environmental hazards. They discuss how the effects of environmental racism are compounded by other forms of oppression to further dehumanize and harm communities already dealing with pre-existing vulnerabilities, such as long-standing social and economic inequality. This is not a thing of the past. This is happening now. The past IS the present. As always, please take care of yourselves and if you need to, make use of the resources listed on our podcast main page.ABOUT Dr. Ingris Waldron:Dr. Ingrid Waldron (MA, University of London; PhD, University of Toronto) is the HOPE Chair in Peace and Health in the Global Peace and Social Justice Program in the Faculty of Humanities at McMaster University. She teaches Peace, Environment and Health and Race, Place & Geographies of Violence in Indigenous & Black Communities (Special Topics Course) in the Global Peace and Social Justice Program in the Faculty of Humanities. She also teaches Social Justice Perspectives on Gender and Health in the Gender Studies and Feminist Research Graduate Program in the Faculty of Humanities. Dr. Waldron’s research interests focus on ecological violence and the structural determinants of health. She is Founder and Director of The Environmental Noxiousness, Racial Inequities and Community Health Project (The ENRICH Project), which inspired the federal private members bill - a National Strategy Respecting Environmental Racism and Environmental Justice (Bill C-230) – approved in 2021. She also co-founded the Anti-Environmental Racism Coalition, which has brought together organizations in the environment and climate change sector across Canada to collaborate on projects and share expertise and resources to address environmental racism and climate change inequities in Indigenous, Black, and other racialized communities in Canada. She is also a Member of the Board of Directors at Research Canada.Episode-Relevant Links:https://tv.apple.com/ca/movie/theres-something-in-the-water/umc.cmc.381z61woajenbm4uozr8gl788?action=playhttps://fernwoodpublishing.ca/book/there8217s-something-in-the-waterhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=itRiNmo3hq8 *****CONTENT WARNING*****Each episode of this podcast touches on subjects related to trauma, misogyny, racism, medical racism, sexual misconduct, Residential Schools, as well as many aspects of death and dying. Self-care is our priority, and we ask that you please take care as you listen, step away for a break when you need to, and use the resources below for support. Mental Health Support Resources:https://www.hopeforwellness.ca/ , 24/7 telephone: 1-855-242-3310, Online chatNIHB Mental Health Services regional officeFirst Nations Health Authority (BC), Toll-free: 1-866-913-0033, info@fnha.caMAiD Resources:https://www.fnha.ca/what-we-do/healthy-living/end-of-life-journey/medical-assistance-in-dying Centre for Education and Research on Aging https://nctr.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/When-the-Time-Comes-Final-Edit-and-Format3510-march-24.pdf https://www.dyingwithdignity.ca/blog/reclaiming-cultural-teachings-about-mortality-grief-loss-death-and-dying/ https://endoflifedoulaassociation.org/doula-list-maid/ https://camapcanada.ca/ https://abo-peoples.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/CAP-2024-FinalReport-PEOLC-MAID_WEB_EN-.pdf Grief & Loss Support Resources:https://www.beendigen.com/programs/talk4healing/ https://www.hospicenorthwest.ca/services/outreach-program/https://lumarasociety.org/indigenouswellness/ , 1-866-9LUMARA, info@lumarasociety.org https://livingmyculture.ca/ Indigenous Books on Grief and Loss:https://www.strongnations.com/store/item_list.php?it=1&cat=3027 Residential School Support Resources:https://www.irsss.ca/ , 1-800-721-0066 for Survivors and Their Familieshttps://nctr.ca/contact/survivors/ , The National Residential School Crisis Line 1-866-925-4419
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    44 分