25 Mar 2026
Stitching Stories: An Anishinaabek View on Aging Well
In this special episode we listen, learn, and share as we stitch together stories from an Anishinaabe view on Aging Well.
We are honoured to host this interview with our guests Alice Olsen Williams, a renowned artist and quiltmaker and member of Oshkiigmong Curve Lake First Nation, Dr. Nadine Changfoot from the Trent Centre for Aging & Society at Trent University in Peterborough/Nogojiwanong (Treaty 20), Ontario and co-host, Debra Sayewich, a member of the Wasauksing First Nation, Potawatomi Nation, Robinson Huron Treaty 1850 and a member of the Aging Vibrantly Podcast senior advisory committee.
In this episode we learn what it means to grow older while navigating the ongoing impacts of settler colonialism and the systemic barriers of settler policies and structures. The personal stories shared from Alice, Debra and Nadine enlighten us on how aging in Indigenous communities is grounded in roots of relationships, intergenerational connections, and storytelling. We explore the importance of Indigenous values and teachings of growing older by respecting, and learning from Elders as vital knowledge holders, honoring their wisdom, and resilience.
As we continue our learnings, research and care for aging well with Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples working together, we can engage in meaningful interactions, and reconciliation to support healthy aging. Moving forward in a good way.
Until next time - Stay Vibrant!
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Episode Resources:
Trent Centre for Aging & Society-Indigenous Aging
www.trentu.ca/aging/indigenous-aging
Anishinaabe Indigenous Intergenerational Growing Old/Aging https://www.trentu.ca/aging/sites/trentu.ca.aging/files/documents/2025-09-1720AIIGO20Report20Final-1.pdf
What Indigenous Wisdom Teaches Us About Growing Older
www.trentu.ca/news/story/25/03/27/what-indigenous-wisdom-teaches-us-about-growing-older
Quilt Index-Alice Olsen Williams Quiltmaker Curve Lake First Nation, Michigan, Canada - North American Indian and Native Hawaiian Quilt Collection
https://quiltindex.org/view/view/?type=artists&kid=12-51-63
National Museum of the American Indian-Alice Olsen Williams https://americanindian.si.edu/collections-search/object/NMAI_412305 (https://americanindian.si.edu/collections-search/object/NMAI_412305)
MSU Museum Exhibition The Tree of Peace Saves the Earth - Alice Olsen Williams
https://museum.msu.edu/exhibition/the-tree-of-peace-saves-the-earth/
Alice Olsen Williams - Artwork featured in ReFrame's 2025
https://reframefilmfestival.ca/2025-design/
Conversations on Art in a Pandemic -Alice Olsen Williams and Caroline Langillon SLACK ,August 18, 2020
www.ecthree.org/conversations-on-art-in-a-pandemic-an-interview-with-alice-olsen-williams-by-caroline-langill/
MinoPimaatisiwin Quilts
https://pimaatisiwin-quilts.weebly.com/bio.html
Guests:
Alice Olsen Williams is a renowned quilter and member of the Oshkiigmong Curve Lake First Nation. Alice was born in Trout Lake, Ontario. She received her teaching certificate from Lakehead University and completed her B.A. (1982) from Trent University in Native Studies and Sociology as well as developed her skills in beadwork and sewing.
In 1980 she discovered quilting, mastering the techniques which allow her to create the meticulous hand-quilting in her beautiful bed coverings and wall hangings. Blending her cultural heritage into a unified whole, she envisions the central motif to depict the symbols and themes of Anishinaabe culture, surrounded by the conventional North American quilting blocks and patterns which were developed and continue to be evolved by those women and their descendants who came to this Land from Europe, the legacy of her father's people. Through her understanding of the teachings of the Elders, Alice has created her own Life symbol. She continues to grow as an artist, searching for new ways to express the Spirit of Creation in the images of her designs.
Nadine Changfoot is a full professor in Political Studies and on the Executive of the Trent Centre for Aging & Society at Trent University in Peterborough/Nogojiwanong (Treaty 20), Ontario, Northern Turtle Island now known as Canada. She is deeply moved by storytelling and creative methods and processes that bring to light experiences and visions for social equity and kinder, more livable worlds. She has published widely in journals of arts, community development, community engaged research, philosophy, political science, and sociology. She serves as Board Member on the Peterborough Arts Council, called EC3 (Electric City Culture Council).
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Credits :
Producer: Todd Miller, The Podcast Experts (https://podcastexperts.ca/)
Co-Host: Tom Warner, Member of Aging Vibrantly Podcast Advisory Committee
Music: Redpath Audio
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If you prefer to watch the interview, this episode and all others are available on Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario's YouTube Channel.
Be sure to also check our website eapon.ca to learn more resources on abuse prevention and protecting the rights and dignity of older adults.
Disclaimer :
This content is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as constituting or implying endorsement by EAPO of any entity, product, service or organization mentioned, referenced, or linked.
