Episode 10 is a special edition of our podcast. We want to give back to the community and speak directly to you. Collecting your questions about First Nations inherent right to self-governance from across Canada, we’ve made sure to find specialists who can answer them across the country too.

Host: Catherine MacQuarrie

Guests: Douglas Sanderson, Dwayne Nashkawa, David Newhouse, Frances Abele, Mason Ducharme, Chris Robertson

Executive Producer: Catherine MacQuarrie, Mason Ducharme

Producer: Emma Fazakas

Music Courtesy of:

Constitution Song by The Spiritual Warriors

Inquisitive Orchestra by Musictown on Pixabay

Morning Coffe by Ogi Feel the Beat on Pixabay

Consultation and accommodation with First Nations communities is a legal duty under section 35 of the Canadian constitution. The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples also emphasized the importance of Free, Prior and Informed Consent in decision making. In Episode 9 we’re exploring what it means to consult and accommodate from a First Nation perspective and prioritize First Nations’ self-governance in the decision-making process.

Host: Serena Smith

Guests: Giuseppe Amatulli, Valérie Courtois, Shona Nelson

Producer: Emma Fazakas

Executive Producer: Catherine MacQuarrie, Mason Ducharme

Music Courtesy of:

Constitution Song by The Spiritual Warriors

Inquisitive Orchestra by Musictown on Pixabay

Morning Coffe by Ogi Feel the Beat on Pixabay

Dzawada’enuxw First Nation, Lake Babine Nation, Lil’wat Nation, Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government, Peg’pig’lha Council, and the Upper Nicola Syilx Nation. These are the First Nation community partners across Canada who are all collaborating with RFNG to further study and implement our inherent right to self-government. Last episode we discussed the importance of citizen engagement. In episode 8 we have the opportunity to learn about the personal experiences of those citizens, particularly, those who act as community change champions.

Host: Mason Ducharme

Guests: Colette Sunday, Ernest Armann, Dwayne Nashkawa

Executive Producer: Catherine MacQuarrie, Mason Ducharme

Producer: Emma Fazakas

Music Courtesy of:

Constitution Song by The Spiritual Warriors

Inquisitive Orchestra by Musictown on Pixabay

The heart of the CFNG and RFNG is community. Our project is built on the importance of engagement to create Nation to Nation to Nation relationships. Through community-led analysis on the impact of Indian Act governance, new forms of governance structures based on a communities unique needs can be developed. In Episode 7, we’re exploring how we can engage our communities effectively.

Host: Chris Robertson

Guests: Sonia Leo, Pawa Haiyupis

Producer: Emma Fazakas

Executive Producer: Catherine MacQuarrie, Mason Ducharme

Music Courtesy of:

Constitution Song by The Spiritual Warriors

Inquisitive Orchestra by Musictown on Pixabay

Morning Coffe by Ogi feel the Beat on Pixabay

Languages inspire. They connect. They create our sense of self and our sense of place. They make us who we are. Which is why we must fight to keep our traditional languages alive. In episode 6 our host and guests share deeply personal reflections on how important language is for personal identity, nation-rebuilding, and how youth and Elders play a vital role from a community practitioner perspective.

Host: Mason Ducharme

Guests: Sonia Leo

Lexlixatkwa7 Nelson

Producer: Emma Fazakas

Executive Producer: Catherine MacQuarrie, Mason Ducharme

Music Courtesy of:

Constitution Song by The Spiritual Warriors

Inquisitive Orchestra by Musictown on Pixabay

The Canadian government has twice legislated the inherent right to self-government to recognize specific jurisdictions. One of those times was in 2019 with the passing of Bill C-92. For decades Indigenous voices had pushed for the right to control their own child and family services, and this Bill finally provides supports for that right. Episode 5 delves into Bill C-92 while exploring how some First Nations’ have been structuring their own child and family laws.

Host: Nathan Oakes

Guest: Mason Ducharme

Producer: Emma Fazakas

Executive Producers: Catherine MacQuarrie, Mason Ducharme

Music courtesy of:Constitution Song by The Spiritual WarriorsInquisitive Orchestra by Musictown on Pixabay

Indigenous peoples across Canada have a long history of successfully challenging the courts, governments and the public to recognize their rights. In episode 4, we learn about successful government policy change regarding Aboriginal rights, and how nations can begin implementing their own policies as a step to reclaiming self-governance.Host: Dwayne NashkawaGuests: Catherine MacQuarrie, Frances Abele, Kent McNeilProducer: Emma FazakasExecutive Producers: Catherine MacQuarrie, Mason DucharmeMusic Courtesy of:Constitution Song by The Spiritual WarriorsInquisitive Orchestra by Musictown on Pixabay

Have you ever wondered why and how Canada recognizes Indigenous rights? In episode 3, prepare to learn all about Section 35 – a short but important piece of Canada’s constitution that recognizes the rights of Indigenous peoples across the country. Canada's constitutional obligation to protect these rights, paired with the country’s adoption of the United Nation Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples provides a strong foundation for protecting Aboriginal and Treaty rights in numerous ways.

Host: Julie Williams

Guest: Naomi Metallic

Producer: Emma Fazakas

Executive Producers: Catherine MacQuarrie, Mason Ducharme

Music Courtesy of:

Constitution Song by The Spiritual Warriors

Inquisitive Orchestra by Musictown on Pixabay

Morning Coffe by Ogi feel the Beat on Pixabay