Gwekwaadziwin Miikan

About Gwekwaadziwin Miikan

Gwekwaadziwin Miikan is a land-based mental health and addictions program in Northeastern Ontario. This podcast explores the challenges, tribulations and opportunities within the field and shares stories of success and resilience.

Publisher

Gwekwaadziwin Miikan

Category

health & fitness · sports

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

2 Apr 2025

Latest episode

28 Jul 2026

Latest episodes

29 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   28 Jul 2026

   Rooted in Gwekwaadziwin: Season 3, Episode 9 - Dr. Chett Monague

   Episode Description How do we create a healthcare system that truly sees the whole person? In this episode of Rooted in Gwekwaadziwin, we sit down with Dr. Chett Monague, an Anishinaabe chiropractor from Beausoleil First Nation whose personal journey through grief, resilience, and perseverance has shaped both his life and his approach to healing. Chet shares the experiences that led him from a small First Nation community to becoming a healthcare professional, the profound impact of losing his brother, and how those moments continue to influence the way he serves patients and communities today. Together, we explore what happens when Indigenous knowledge and Western healthcare work alongside one another, the importance of relationships in healing, and why cultural identity, humility, and compassion are essential parts of wellness. Chet also reflects on the teaching of walking with "soft moccasins"—a powerful reminder to move through life with kindness, humility, and respect for everyone we meet. Whether you work in healthcare, support others on their healing journey, or are simply searching for a deeper understanding of wellness, this conversation offers thoughtful insights into caring for the whole person and reminds us that healing is about far more than treating symptoms. In this episode, we discuss: Growing up in Beausoleil First Nation The journey into healthcare and chiropractic Grief, resilience, and finding purpose after loss Bringing Indigenous knowledge and Western healthcare together Building trust through relationships The teaching of "soft moccasins" and leading with humility Creating culturally safe spaces for healing Miigwetch to Dr. Chett Monague for sharing his story, his teachings, and his vision for a more connected, compassionate, and culturally grounded approach to wellness. Content Note: This episode includes discussion of the death of a loved one, grief, and mental health. Please listen with care if these topics are difficult for you.

2. 

   21 Jul 2026

   Rooted in Gwekwaadziwin: Season 3, Episode 8 - Waukomaun Pawis

   What shapes the person we become? In this episode of Rooted in Gwekwaadziwin, we sit down with Waukomaun Pawis, an Anishinaabe storyteller, educator, and media professional from Wasauksing First Nation whose career has been guided by one simple belief: the right role model at the right time can change a life. Wauk reflects on growing up in a community experiencing a cultural revitalization, the teachers, Elders, and family members who helped shape his path, and how those experiences led him from the film and television industry to Connected North, where he now helps connect students in remote Indigenous communities with inspiring role models, Knowledge Keepers, artists, scientists, and educators from across the country. Along the way, we explore the power of storytelling, the importance of choosing gratitude over adversity, what it means to discover your gifts, and why investing in young people creates lasting change for generations to come. Whether you're an educator, parent, community leader, or someone searching for purpose in your own journey, this conversation is a reminder that kindness, connection, and believing in others can have an impact far beyond what we may ever see. In this episode, we discuss: Growing up in Wasauksing First Nation during a time of cultural revitalization Lessons learned from family, teachers, and community role models A career journey from film and television to education Using technology to connect youth in remote Indigenous communities The importance of storytelling in healing and identity Finding your gifts and living with gratitude Why positive role models matter

3. 

   14 Jul 2026

   Rooted in Gwekwaadziwin: Season 3, Episode 7 - Chief Rodney Nahwegahbow

   Season 3, Episode 7: Chief Rodney Nahwegahbow – Leadership, Service, and the Teachings That Guide Us In this episode of Rooted in Gwekwaadziwin, Sam and Matt sit down with Chief Rodney Nahwegahbow of Whitefish River First Nation for a thoughtful conversation about leadership, community, and the teachings that continue to shape his life. From growing up on the land as the son of a fisherman, trapper, and harvester to serving with the Ontario Provincial Police, UCCM Anishnaabe Police, and now as Chief of Whitefish River First Nation, Rodney reflects on a lifetime dedicated to serving others. Together, they explore how the values learned through fishing, trapping, harvesting, and family continue to influence leadership today. Rodney shares his perspective on Indigenous policing, governance, mental health, language revitalization, youth mentorship, and the importance of listening with compassion. He also discusses balancing Western systems with Anishinaabe ways of knowing, building trust within communities, and why meaningful change begins with understanding people and their experiences. Throughout the conversation, Rodney returns to a simple but powerful message: leadership is rooted in relationships. Whether speaking about policing, raising children, supporting community members, or preparing the next generation, he reminds us that respect, humility, encouragement, and connection remain some of our greatest strengths. This episode is a reflection on service, purpose, and the responsibility we all share in caring for our communities. Whether you're interested in Indigenous leadership, public service, community wellness, or the teachings that guide Anishinaabe life, you'll find wisdom, humility, and inspiration in this conversation.

Who has been a guest on Gwekwaadziwin Miikan

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Andy Aguonie
• Reggie Leach
• Kathryn Corbiere
• Corey MacDonald
• Dan Ardis

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

3,950

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Spotify

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 22 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

16

Social presence

0

YouTube

68

Engagement

0