Listen in as our new co-hosts Veronica and Chris chat with Kerri and we share our connections to water. To stay up to date, follow & like our social media pages! https://www.facebook.com/niigaaniin/ https://www.instagram.com/niigaaniin/ https://www.niigaaniin.com/ https://www.enjimaawinjidiyaang.com/ https://www.koognaasewin.com/…

In this episode of the Niigaaniin Podcast, host Kerri Commanda is joined by Jana Lee and Ryan Lamirande, dedicated ServiceOntario Customer Service Representatives. Together, they dive into the remarkable experiences of bringing essential services directly to the doorsteps of surrounding communities along the North Shore of Lake Huron, Ontario and b…

In this captivating episode, we dive deep into the rich history of Mamaweswen, The North Shore Tribal Council, with our esteemed guest Earl Commanda, the Executive Director of Robinson Huron Waawiindamaagewin. Embark on a journey through the late 1900s as Earl Commanda shares his experience while Chief of Serpent River First Nation, where he and hi…

We are excited to welcome Erik Bringleson to the podcast for this episode! In his three-year tenure at Niigaanin Services, Erik Bringleson has been a key figure, forging partnerships and bridging the gap between operations, business relations, and planning, driving the organization's success and growth. In this episode, our host Kerri Commanda and …

Embark on a transformative journey with Niigaaniin as we sit down with Vyron Phillips, a dedicated team member who has just celebrated his third work anniversary with us! Join us in this special episode where Vyron, a well-known figure on the west side of the North Shore of Lake Huron, takes us behind the scenes of his remarkable work leading Youth…

In this episode, join us for an inspiring conversation with Alvin Pangowish, a living treasure in Elliot Lake, as he shares his remarkable journey with Anishnaabemowin. From the heart of our community at the Enji-maawinjidiyaang Indigenous Friendship Centre, Alvin opens up about his experiences teaching this sacred language, weaving stories of resi…

In this episode, we explore the transformative collaboration between Niigaaniin Services and the District of Sault Ste. Marie Social Services Administration Board (DSSAB). This groundbreaking partnership opens pathways to our Land-based programming, Kinoomaagewin Project and Endayaan Endazhi-takookiiyaan workshops for community members who are in t…

In this episode, we chat with Rebecca Csaszar, a Niigaaniin Specialist at SRFN. Rebecca shares her journey of starting a community food cupboard and discusses the pressing need for food sovereignty in Serpent River First Nation. Alongside Kerri, they shed light on their organization's ongoing efforts to empower communities with self-sustaining food…

We're back with an exciting episode! Join us as we welcome Chastity Morningstar, the Enji-maawinjidiyaang Indigenous Friendship Centre Start-up Coordinator, for an insightful discussion! Chastity provides a unique perspective on her role as the 30th member to join the prestigious Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendships Centres (OFIFC). Get rea…

Join us in this enlightening episode as Duckie dives into the profound connections between Anishnaabemowin, and the universal human journey. Discover the rich cultural insights and shared experiences that shape our understanding of identity, heritage and the paths we all travel. Don't miss this captivating exploration of language and life. If you w…

Join us on a groundbreaking episode as Lexi Southwind takes us on the thrilling journey of how Niigaaniin Services made history with the first-ever mobile ServiceOntario trailer. Experience life on the road, delivering vital services to our remote communities in the RHW. Hear heartwarming stories, discover the trailer's accessibility, and be inspir…

Join us as we wrap up our community podcast tour with a special guest, Bobbie-Jo McColman, who takes us on a fun exploration of Thessalon First Nation. In this episode, we discuss family names, favourite spots, community activities, and the upcoming Pow Wow on July 1st, 2023. To stay up to date, follow & like our social media pages! https://www.fac…

Join us on a thirty-minute journey as the Niigaaniin Podcast continues its tour of the beautiful communities along the North Shore of Lake Huron. In this episode, we have the pleasure of welcoming Amber Niganobe from Mississaugi First Nation. Amber brings her unique perspective as an Aaniish Naa GeNaadMoWit in Niigaaniin Services and her deep conne…

We are thrilled to introduce our special guest to the Niigaaniin Podcast, Lee Simpson-Johnston! Lee is not only an incredibly talented drummer for the Genaabaajing Jrz, but he has also embarked on an exciting new journey as a Mino Bimaadizidaa Cultural Facilitator with the esteemed Niigaaniin Services team. In this episode, Kerri and Lee dive into …

As we travel along the North shore of Lake Huron, our host Kerri Commanda is joined by Curtis Bob, who updates us on the happenings in the stunning Sagamok Anishnawbek Community. Our guest for this episode is Curtis Bob, a renowned community member and former commercial fisherman from Sagamok Anishnawbek. During our conversation, we cover various t…

Listen to the tales of Atikameksheng Anishnawbek with Candace Ozawagosh and host Kerri Commanda To stay up to date, follow & like our social media pages! https://www.facebook.com/niigaaniin/ https://www.instagram.com/niigaaniin/ https://www.niigaaniin.com/ https://www.enjimaawinjidiyaang.com/ https://www.koognaasewin.com/…

In this episode, our hosts Kerri Commanda and Chris Solomon, talk about the community of Batchewana, highlighting its landmarks, family ties, and historical significance. For many years, Bawating has been a place for Anishinaabe people to gather so we can trade, fish, swap stories, and share knowledge. True to its name, it is also where the signing…

Known for its beautiful landscapes and deep-rooted family history, Serpent River First Nation is located along the North Shore of Lake Huron between Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury, Ontario. In this episode, Kerri Commanda and Chris Soloman talk about the origins of the name Serpent River and share some family history, the background of the Cutler Aci…

In this episode, Chris Soloman and Kerri Commanda highlight the beautiful Garden River First Nation community and talk about famous landmarks, community leaders, sports and more! Ketegaunseebee is one of the older unchanged settlements along the North Shore of Lake Huron. Naturally, Garden River got its name from the nutrient-dense land that makes …

Niigaaniin Services provides staff with a monthly Speaker Series to help the staff members better understand how we got to where we are today. These sessions are open to community members and are a fun way to learn about traditional medicines, Anishinaabemwin, legends, stories, Treaties, and more! At the same time, this is also helping our staff be…

Niigaaniin Services is making strides to further help Community Members by providing services that don’t exist. We saw an increase in services needed for Community Members during the COVID-19 pandemic and made it a priority to integrate them into our organization. We are now seeing positive changes in surrounding communities. It is only the beginni…

Warning this episode includes triggering topics. The Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line 24/7: 1 800-721-0066. It's been a little over a year since the 215 unmarked children's grave sites were discovered at Kamloops residential school, and we wanted to touch back on this important topic. Since then, there are now 1,800+ unmarked gravesites, and …

It has been a little over a year since language classes have been offered to Niigaaniin staff. In this episode, host and language teacher Jessica Shonias checks back in on language initiatives happening at Niigaaniin. At the same time, cohost Kerri Commanda shares her firsthand experiences as a language learner at Niigaaniin. Together as learners a…

In this episode, Waub joins Kerri and Jessica to speak his truth about his journey to being who he is today, both personally and professionally. Waubgeshig Rice is from Wasauksing First Nation and is a national best selling author whose publications include: Midnight Sweatlodge, 2011 Legacy, 2014 Moon of the Crusted Snow, 2018 The French version of…

Food security has a different meaning to everyone. In this week's episode, Sonya Cloutier joins Kerri and Jessica to talk about several food security initiatives that are happening right now in the RHW. In addition, Sonya shares some helpful ways we contribute to our food security on a personal and community level. To stay up to date, follow & like…

Do you ever wonder why you or a loved one can't overcome an addiction? In this week's episode, Aaniish Naa Manager - Dorothy Coad joins us to talk about the stages of addiction and the pathways to recovery in the Niigaaniin Services Endaayaan Endazhi-takookiiyaan program. This episode is part 2. Listen to the previous episode - Part 1 if you haven'…

Do you ever wonder why you or a loved one can't overcome an addiction? In this week's episode, Aaniish Naa Manager - Dorothy Coad joins us to talk about the stages of addiction and the pathways to recovery in the Niigaaniin Services Endaayaan Endazhi-takookiiyaan program. This is part 1 of this episode. Part 2 will be released next week! Email aani…

What if we told the story of colonization from an indigenous perspective? From the perspective of the land? How would that influence how we co-exist with nature? The truth is, Turtle Island has been taken, extracted, and used for the benefit of money rather than the way indigenous people used to co-exist with mother earth before colonization. Join …

"When you think about our language, it's alive; it's always moving, it's descriptive, it's old. When we talk in the language, we don't have to draw pictures, and we don't have to write things down because when you're telling stories in the language, you can see it in your mind. That's how real it is." - Don Petahtegoose. It is a time in Anishinaabe…

Jessica and Kerri debate the pros and cons of revitalizing Indigenous culture and nationhood versus decolonizing our communities, governance, and those around us. Do you know the difference? To stay up to date, follow & like our social media pages! https://www.facebook.com/niigaaniin/ https://www.instagram.com/niigaaniin/ https://www.niigaaniin.com…

From the Indigenous urge to put the mattress on the living room floor, all the way up to the most famous Indigenous comedians in the nation, Jessica and Kerri talk about just how funny Indigenous people are. Humour is an Anishinaabe specialty, and it's a dish best served fresh. Don't worry, we keep it PG-13 for this episode. To stay up to date, fol…

In this episode, we welcome special guest Quinn Meawasige, a language speaker and member of Serpent River First Nation, or as it's traditionally known, Genaabajing. Kerri and Quinn talk about how the names of certain places came to be, and some place names you never knew had Indigenous origins. Do you know what your community is called in the Indig…

Everyone deserves to live a good life. This is the underlying belief of Mino Bimaadizidaa. Funny stories, life lessons and heart wrenching moments have all be part of the journey, both for facilitators and community members alike. Dorothy and Kerri join Jessica to reflect on their experiences bringing this program to life, and supporting its growth…

Jessica, Kerri and Chris catch up as the leaves change colours, and the earth prepares for rest in our North Shore region. They chat about what activities they take part in, both traditional Anishinaabe events, and non-traditional. Hunting, fall harvest, halloween, movies and NaNoWriMo are all in the mix here. To stay up to date, follow & like our …

This episode is recorded only in Anishinaabemowin. This week, Jessica and Robyn welcome Albert Owl, a teacher and fluent Anishinaabemowin speaker from Sagamok Anishnawbek. We talk about Tasenwan, and what this day means to all of us. Tasenwan is also known as "All Souls day" or "Feast of the Dead". On November 1st, we celebrate our loved ones who h…

Gimaa (Chief) Brent Bissaillion of Serpent River First Nation joins us as a special guest! Hosted by Jessica and Kerri, Gimaa shares his story, and some philosophy with us. We talk about what it means to be 2SLGBTQQIA and Anishinaabe in the modern world, leading his community through a Pandemic during the first year of his term, and moving back to …

On September 30th, we reflect on Canada's National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day. In honour of Indian Residential School survivors, and those who never made it home. Robyn discusses her experiences attending a residential day school in Wiikwemikoong with Jessica, as they both reflect on how Residential Schools have impacted …

September 9th of each year, we celebrate the signing of the Robinson Huron Waawiindamaagewin (Treaty). This year, we gather to rekindle our council fire. Signed in 1850, spanning 21 First Nations, and hundreds of kilometres, our treaty is older than Canada itself. Jessica, Kerri and Chris discuss what the treaty means to them, and what it should me…

Jessica and Karissa welcome Robyn Recollet of Sagamok Anishnawbek to this episode, where we talk about growing up Anishinaabe in Ontario. We chat about how we raise our Anishinaabe abinoojiiyik (Indigenous kids), and how they fit into the fabric of our communities. We discuss the stories of Indian residential schools in our lives and families. To s…

Jessica Shonias (formerly Benson) of Rama First Nation and Karissa Zack of Garden River First Nation chat about what it’s been like working from home, providing essential services virtually, and doing it all with littles running around. We chat about how Niigaaniin is walking the talk by making Anishinaabemowin a priority for us, and why our langua…