Dene means people, and Dene Talk is just that; it’s a podcast talking to Indigenous people and listening to their stories. On this podcast you’ll hear from writers, burlesque dancers, psychologists, artists, land defenders, full spectrum birth workers, and storytellers, and we delve into contemporary issues facing Indigenous peoples. Dene Talk doesn’t shy away from the nitty gritty of the violence and dispossession Indigenous peoples face from coast to coast to coast, but the podcast seeks to showcase stories of Indigenous rejuvenation, hope, and brilliance.
Episode 5: What are the possibilities of Indigineous Creativity
What are the possibilities of Indigenous creativity?
In this episode we hear from Dusty LeGrande, the Nehiyaw owner and operator of mobilize ᐊᐧᐢᑲᐁᐧᐃᐧᐣ waskawewin (https://www.mobilizewaskawewin.com/) and Artwear (https://www.artwear.biz/), and Jeremy Dutcher (https://jeremydutcher.com/), the 2-Spirit Wolastoqiyik classical signer and composer. We learn about the possibilities of Indigenous creativity and future artifacts.
Dene Talk is created, written and produced by Cassidy Villebrun-Buracas. Nicola Watts is the story editor and project manager. Amy Jeffery-Uehara is the associate producer. Special thanks to Coulee Ross and Kattie Laur (https://www.podthenorth.ca/) for creative support and to Phoenix Bain for social media and event planning, and the volunteers and staff of CFUV 101.9 FM For all the support through the project. Artwork done by Halie Finney (https://www.haliefinney.com/) and original music produced by Daniel Calihoo (Wihkitow (https://linktr.ee/wihtikow)).
29 Jan 2026
Episode 4: What are the ups and downs of the creative Journey?
What are the perils and gifts that arise from a creative practice.
In this episode Haudenosaunee pop icon Semiah (https://semiah.com/) and Navajo musician, painter, and illustrator Hataałii Nez Wheeler (https://www.instagram.com/hataalii_/) talk about the ups and downs the creative journey.
Dene Talk is created, written and produced by Cassidy Villebrun-Buracas. Nicola Watts is the story editor and project manager. Amy Jeffery-Uehara is the associate producer. Special thanks to Coulee Ross and Kattie Laur (https://www.podthenorth.ca/about-podthenorth) for creative support and to Phoenix Bain for social media and event planning, and the volunteers and staff of CFUV 101.9 FM For all the support through the project. Artwork done by Halie Finney (https://www.haliefinney.com/) and original music produced by Daniel Calihoo (Wihkitow (https://linktr.ee/wihtikow)).
15 Jan 2026
Episode 3: How is creativity nourishing?
What happens when we reach the end of our rope, or we arrive at the cusp of our dreams coming true?
In this episode we hear from Lisa Walker (https://www.lisabeading.com/), a Haisla Beader and Cree Dusty LeGrande, the Nehiyaw owner and operator of mobilize ᐊᐧᐢᑲᐁᐧᐃᐧᐣ waskawewin (https://www.mobilizewaskawewin.com/) and Artwear. We learn about the nourishing power of creativity in closing the gap between our dreams and reality, and how creativity can help us change and chart new paths when we are at our lowest.
Dene Talk is created, written and produced by Cassidy Villebrun-Buracas. Nicola Watts is the story editor and project manager. Amy Jeffery-Uehara is the associate producer. Special thanks to Coulee Ross and Kattie Laur for creative support and to Phoenix Bain for social media and event planning, and the volunteers and staff of CFUV 101.9 FM For all the support through the project. Artwork done by Halie Finney (https://www.haliefinney.com/) and original music produced by Daniel Calihoo (Wihkitow (https://linktr.ee/wihtikow)).
1 Jan 2026
Episode 2: Why is creating so difficult
Creating can feel like being stuck in traffic with a toddler in the back seat. Confronting creative blocks can seem impossible.
In this episode, we hear from Sam Nock, a Cree-Métis retired blogger and author of A Family of Dreamers (https://talonbooks.com/books/a-family-of-dreamers), and returning guests Jessica Johns, Halie Finney and Jeremy Dutcher. We learn about how to navigate through creative blocks like imposter syndrome, procrastination, and burnout will challenging our perceptions of creativity.
Dene Talk is created, written and produced by Cassidy Villebrun-Buracas. Nicola Watts is the story editor and project manager. Amy Jeffery-Uehara is the associate producer. Special thanks to Coulee Ross and Kattie Laur for creative support and to Phoenix Bain for social media and event planning, and the volunteers and staff of CFUV 101.9 FM For all the support through the project. Artwork done by Halie Finney (https://www.haliefinney.com/) and original music produced by Daniel Calihoo (Wihkitow (https://linktr.ee/wihtikow)).
18 Dec 2025
Season 2 Episode 1: Why is the creative journey worth it
Creating can feel like being lost in the desert dying of thirst and with the state of the world these days, what’s the point of being creative?
In this episode, we hear from Jessica Johns, a queer Nehiyaw Aunty and writer and Halie Finney, a Métis illustrator, tattooer, and comic book artists. Through their stories we learn how revenge can be a powerful motivator through the creative journey, and how being brave and asking the world for what you want can help you achieve your dreams – though when you get there all might not be exactly as it seems.
Check out Halie Finney's (https://www.haliefinney.com/) Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/woof.wah.tattoo/), subscribe to her newsletter and buy her comic book Cousin Bear Comes to Visit (https://magpiebooks.ca/events/908220241002). Also check out Jessica John’s book Bad Cree (https://magpiebooks.ca/item/ihViYpG-txWJoP5G3WQhGA) and her podcast Cree and D. (https://grunt.ca/cree-d/)
Dene Talk is created, written and produced by Cassidy Villebrun-Buracas. Nicola Watts is the story editor and project manager. Amy Jeffery-Uehara is the associate producer. Special thanks to Coulee Ross and Kattie Laur for creative support and to Phoenix Bain for social media and event planning, and the volunteers and staff of CFUV 101.9 FM For all the support through the project. Artwork done by Halie Finney and original music produced by Daniel Calihoo (Wihkitow (https://linktr.ee/wihtikow)).
24 Feb 2021
Resurgence
In this episode, we hear from jaye simpson, an Oji-Cree Saulteaux poet, writer, and thinker, and Nicole Neildhart, a Diné multi-media artist exploring the physicality of land, temporality, and futurisms. We delve into the wave of Indigenous brilliance and thought making the future bright for Indigenous peoples.
10 Feb 2021
Resistance
In this episode, we hear from two Indigenous land defenders: Pihêsiw Crane and Nii-Lax Aks (Kolin Sutherland-Wilson). In this episode we learn about the history of colonial rule, the current ramifications, and glimpses of hope for the future.
4 Feb 2021
Resilience
In this episode, we hear from two Indigenous women: Shayli Robinson and Gwen Villebrun. Through their stories, we explore the challenges that Indigenous women face through their lives. We hear stories of violence, dispossession, shame, but also about reclamation, connection and hope.
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