APTN News InFocus explores the stories and issues affecting Indigenous Peoples through expert interviews and meaningful conversations. Hosted by reporter Cierra Bettens, each episode offers unique insights and context from people who know the stories best.
Alberta separatism: Could Quebec offer a lesson for First Nations?
On this edition of APTN News InFocus, Cierra Bettens looks at the growing talk of separation in Alberta and what it could mean for First Nations in the province.
Red River Métis journalist Danielle Paradis is the co-producer of the podcast Separation Anxiety: The Alberta Referendum and joins the show to discuss the roots of Alberta's separatist movement and how Indigenous people are responding.
APTN News online reporter Jesse Staniforth also looks back at Quebec's separatist referendums and the lessons they may hold for Indigenous peoples facing renewed calls for separation.
Separation Anxiety: The Alberta Referendum – Listen to it here.
25 Sept 2026
Truth before reconciliation: Fighting denialism with facts
On this edition of APTN News InFocus, guest host Dennis Ward looks at residential school denialism and the ongoing spread of misinformation about residential schools and survivors.
University of Manitoba professors Sean Carleton and Niigaan Sinclair join the show to discuss their new book, Truth Before Reconciliation, along with why denialism persists, questions surrounding the anomalies found at former residential school sites, the role of politicians and Parliament and what it will take to confront denialism.
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APTN National News, our stories told our way.
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18 Sept 2026
Looking deep into Canada's opioid crisis
On this edition of APTN News InFocus, host Cierra Bettens looks at Canada's ongoing opioid crisis and its disproportionate impact on First Nations. Since APTN first reported on fentanyl in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside in 2016, the opioid crisis has continued to claim lives across the country.
APTN News journalist Karyn Pugliese and Raven Brascoupe join the show to discuss their new project that looks deep into the crisis.
The project will include web stories and a podcast examining the opioid crisis through the experiences of people across Canada.
If you're using drugs, please don't use alone. Anywhere in Canada, you can call NORS (National Overdose Response Service) at 1-888-688-6677. Someone will stay on the line while you use. If something goes wrong, they will follow a safety plan that you've agreed to in advance. Again, that's 1-888-688-6677. It's free, it's anonymous and it's confidential.
Who has been a guest on InFocus
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Karyn Pugliese
Angela Belleau
Tom Fennario
Sol Mamakwa
Dan David
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
39,095,698
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
6 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 64 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
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