pihtikwê - Visits with First Nations Psychologists

About pihtikwê - Visits with First Nations Psychologists

pihtikwê means "welcome" in the Cree language. In this podcast, three leading First Nations psychologists, Dr. Brenda Restoule, Dr. Holly Graham and Dr. Alanaise Ferguson, welcome Indigenous psychologists and health leaders in the mental wellness fields to share their stories, knowledge, and lived experiences. Together they discuss how that relates to challenges and successes in navigating and working within systems of care, and strength-based and cultural approaches to healing.

Publisher

Ontario Network Environments for Indigenous Health Research

Category

health & fitness · health & fitness · religion & spirituality

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

26 Jun 2024

Latest episode

13 Jul 2026

Latest episodes

13 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   13 Jul 2026

   Episode 4: Reciprocity and reconnection: culturally safe, relevant care with Dr. Gwendolyn Villebrun

   Dr. Gwendolyn Villebrun characterizes her early work by the impacts of TRC on Indigenous peoples’ mental health. During TRC, the integrity shown by survivors of the residential school system were simultaneous with the reopening of emotional wounds. Dr. Villebrun shares many successes from her career, yet she sees psychology as being far from offering culturally safe and relevant services for Indigenous peoples. Accountability from powerful systems and collaboration with communities is needed to drive meaningful change. Our Hosts: Dr. Alanaise Ferguson is a member of the Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation and a Registered Psychologist in the Province of BC. She holds an academic appointment at the University of British Columbia Okanagan in Syilx Territory. She has trained and clinically supervised hundreds of Counseling Psychology students over the past 9 years in her academic roles at Simon Fraser University and the University of British Columbia. Dr. Holly Graham is a member of the Thunderchild First Nation in Saskatchewan. She holds an academic appointment at the University of Saskatchewan. She also has an Indigenous Research Chair in Nursing. She has worked as a Registered Nurse in northern communities and is a Registered Doctoral Psychologist. Dr Brenda Restoule is an Anishinabe-kwe and member of Dokis First Nation in the Robinson Huron Treaty. She is a Registered Clinical Psychologist in Ontario who works in First Nation communities and also leads the First Peoples Wellness Circle, an Indigenous led national not-for-profit organization that is dedicated to raising the profile of Indigenous mental wellness using Indigenous Knowledge and evidence. Our Purpose: The purpose of our podcast series is to mobilize and share Indigenous Knowledge related to trauma repair, recovery from addictions, community survivance, and care across Indigenous communities in Canada.  Our goal is to provide listeners with access to conversations about the lived experiences of First Nations psychologists and leaders in the mental wellness field. We will discuss how that relates to challenges and successes in navigating and working within systems of care, as well as strength-based and cultural approaches to healing for Indigenous people. The podcast episodes will discuss topics related to: 1) Strength-based approaches to care 2) Challenges and successes in the field 3) Personal perspectives and experiences; and 4) Analysis of the systems of care This podcast series is developed by the Healing from Trauma and Reducing Addictions group, part of the Network Environments for Indigenous Health Research (ON NEIHR) Program. Situated in 10 sites across Ontario, ON NEIHR is demonstrating how health systems should move away from Western biomedical treatment of Indigenous medical illness to holistic, culturally based interventions instead. This program is funded by the Government of Canada, through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). This group is led by Dr. Holly Graham (University of Saskatchewan), Dr. Brenda Restoule (First Peoples Wellness Circle), and Dr. Alanaise Ferguson (University of British Columbia-Okanagan). pihtikwê is produced and edited by Kailee Fawcett. Assistant Producers: Carly Zagozewski & Simon Swanek. Our theme music is Kâkike, written and performed by Fawn Wood, an award winning Cree-Salish musician and songwriter. You can learn more about her music at fawnwood.ca (https://publish.blubrry.com/s-3714049/episodes/e-139299836/edit/%C2%A0fawnwood.ca%C2%A0)

2. 

   29 Jun 2026

   Episode 3: Traditional language and ceremony: spiritual healing and recovery with Jeff Wastesicoot

   Jeff Wastesicoot shares insight from decades of experience sharing medicine through traditional language and ceremony. With evidence and skilled storytelling – through retelling Indigenous histories and personal stories – Wastesicoot doubly demonstrates the power of language. The nêhiyawak language and culture, which Wastesicoot has dedicated much of his life to preserving, are infused with the laws of the creator. Indigenous languages offer access to spiritual learning and knowledge, and are vital to recovery for many Indigenous Peoples. Our Guest: Jeff Wastesicoot is a member of the Lucky Man First Nation in Saskatchewan. He serves as a headsman for the leadership in the Nation. Jeff dedicates much of his time to helping people overcome personal challenges through ceremonies, traditional medicines and counselling. He's dedicated his life to the preservation of the nêhiyawak language and culture. Jeff recognises the spirit within the tongue as he interprets the parables within the nêhiyawak language. He is recognised and acknowledged among the First Nations communities as a spiritual leader and traditional knowledge keeper. Our Hosts: Dr. Alanaise Ferguson is a member of the Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation and a Registered Psychologist in the Province of BC. She holds an academic appointment at the University of British Columbia Okanagan in Syilx Territory. She has trained and clinically supervised hundreds of Counseling Psychology students over the past 9 years in her academic roles at Simon Fraser University and the University of British Columbia. Dr. Holly Graham is a member of the Thunderchild First Nation in Saskatchewan. She holds an academic appointment at the University of Saskatchewan. She also has an Indigenous Research Chair in Nursing. She has worked as a Registered Nurse in northern communities and is a Registered Doctoral Psychologist. Dr Brenda Restoule is an Anishinabe-kwe and member of Dokis First Nation in the Robinson Huron Treaty. She is a Registered Clinical Psychologist in Ontario who works in First Nation communities and also leads the First Peoples Wellness Circle, an Indigenous led national not-for-profit organization that is dedicated to raising the profile of Indigenous mental wellness using Indigenous Knowledge and evidence. Our Purpose: The purpose of our podcast series is to mobilize and share Indigenous Knowledge related to trauma repair, recovery from addictions, community survivance, and care across Indigenous communities in Canada. Our goal is to provide listeners with access to conversations about the lived experiences of First Nations psychologists and leaders in the mental wellness field. We will discuss how that relates to challenges and successes in navigating and working within systems of care, as well as strength-based and cultural approaches to healing for Indigenous people. The podcast episodes will discuss topics related to: 1) Strength-based approaches to care 2) Challenges and successes in the field 3) Personal perspectives and experiences; and 4) Analysis of the systems of care This podcast series is developed by the Healing from Trauma and Reducing Addictions group, part of the Network Environments for Indigenous Health Research (ON NEIHR) Program. Situated in 10 sites across Ontario, ON NEIHR is demonstrating how health systems should move away from Western biomedical treatment of Indigenous medical illness to holistic, culturally based interventions instead. This program is funded by the Government of Canada, through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). This group is led by Dr. Holly Graham (University of Saskatchewan), Dr. Brenda Restoule (First Peoples Wellness Circle), and Dr. Alanaise Ferguson (University of British Columbia-Okanagan). pihtikwê is produced and edited by Kailee Fawcett. Assistant Producers: Carly Zagozewski & Simon Swanek. Our theme music is Kâkike, written and performed by Fawn Wood, an award winning Cree-Salish musician and songwriter. You can learn more about her music at fawnwood.ca (https://publish.blubrry.com/s-3714049/episodes/e-139299836/edit/%C2%A0fawnwood.ca%C2%A0)

3. 

   15 Jun 2026

   Episode 2 - Safe passage and sparks of life: trauma, suicidality and trauma informed care with Dr. Jeffrey Ansloos

   In this episode, Dr. Ansloos discusses the significant implications of his work pertaining to suicide. He discusses the complexities of caring for individuals with serious trauma related to colonial violence, including how their experiences may be at once deeply painful, requiring support, yet hotly surveilled and sometimes criminalized. He describes his work as harm-reduction. Dr. Ansloos also discusses his personal wellness plan as a psychologist, as well as his critique of the current state of psychologist training and his vision for the future. Our Guest Dr. Jeffrey Ansloos, a Cree and English citizen of Fisher River Cree Nation, Ochékiwi Sípí, treaty five territory, Winnipeg, Manitoba, currently lives in Toronto where he is cross-appointed to the Department of Psychiatry and the Temerity Faculty of Medicine. He holds a tier two Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Studies and Health, Suicide Studies and Environmental Justice, and is the founding director of the Critical Health and Social Action Lab, a CFI funded innovation and research centre advancing Indigenous and community led approaches to health justice. Dr Ansloos is a Dorothy Killam Fellow, 2025, and a member of the College of New Scholars, Artists, and Scientists at the Royal Society of Canada. He is past president and board member of the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention, and contributes to national and international networks advancing suicide prevention and life promotion. Our Hosts: Dr. Alanaise Ferguson is a member of the Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation and a Registered Psychologist in the Province of BC. She holds an academic appointment at the University of British Columbia Okanagan in Syilx Territory. She has trained and clinically supervised hundreds of Counseling Psychology students over the past 9 years in her academic roles at Simon Fraser University and the University of British Columbia. Dr. Holly Graham is a member of the Thunderchild First Nation in Saskatchewan. She holds an academic appointment at the University of Saskatchewan. She also has an Indigenous Research Chair in Nursing. She has worked as a Registered Nurse in northern communities and is a Registered Doctoral Psychologist. Dr Brenda Restoule is an Anishinabe-kwe and member of Dokis First Nation in the Robinson Huron Treaty. She is a Registered Clinical Psychologist in Ontario who works in First Nation communities and also leads the First Peoples Wellness Circle, an Indigenous led national not-for-profit organization that is dedicated to raising the profile of Indigenous mental wellness using Indigenous Knowledge and evidence. Our Purpose: The purpose of our podcast series is to mobilize and share Indigenous Knowledge related to trauma repair, recovery from addictions, community survivance, and care across Indigenous communities in Canada. Our goal is to provide listeners with access to conversations about the lived experiences of First Nations psychologists and leaders in the mental wellness field. We will discuss how that relates to challenges and successes in navigating and working within systems of care, as well as strength-based and cultural approaches to healing for Indigenous people. The podcast episodes will discuss topics related to: 1) Strength-based approaches to care 2) Challenges and successes in the field 3) Personal perspectives and experiences; and 4) Analysis of the systems of care This podcast series is developed by the Healing from Trauma and Reducing Addictions group, part of the Network Environments for Indigenous Health Research (ON NEIHR) Program. Situated in 10 sites across Ontario, ON NEIHR is demonstrating how health systems should move away from Western biomedical treatment of Indigenous medical illness to holistic, culturally based interventions instead. This program is funded by the Government of Canada, through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). This group is led by Dr. Holly Graham (University of Saskatchewan), Dr. Brenda Restoule (First Peoples Wellness Circle), and Dr. Alanaise Ferguson (University of British Columbia-Okanagan). pihtikwê is produced and edited by Kailee Fawcett. Assistant Producers: Carly Zagozewski & Simon Swanek. Our theme music is Kâkike, written and performed by Fawn Wood, an award winning Cree-Salish musician and songwriter. You can learn more about her music at fawnwood.ca  (%5C)

4. 

   1 Jun 2026

   Episode 1 - Introducing Season 2 of pihtikwê - Visits with First Nations Psychologists

   In this first episode our three hosts, Dr. Brenda Restoule (First Peoples Wellness Circle), Dr. Holly Graham (University of Saskatchewan), and Dr. Alanaise Ferguson (University of British Columbia-Okanagan) recap Season 1 and their vision for Season 2 of this podcast and their journeys into the world of psychology and mental health and wellness.

5. 

   4 Dec 2024

   Episode 9: Therapy Begins and Ends with Ceremony with Dr. Ethsi Stewart

   We're thrilled to have a genuine groundbreaker in the world of First Nations Psychology joining us on pihtikwe. Dr Ethsi Stewart is a proud member of the Yellowknife Dene First Nation and a registered psychologist.  She is Director of the Waakebiness-Bryce Institute for Indigenous Health, and the first Indigenous full Professor at the University of Toronto, in the Department of Social and Behaviour Health Sciences at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health. Her research and teaching interests include Indigenous mental health and healing in psychology and Indigenous ethics and research methodologies. She is also the former Chair of the Aboriginal Section of the Canadian Psychology Association and she is committed to advancing Indigenous healing issues through the disciplines of health and psychology.Our Hosts: Dr. Alanaise Ferguson is a member of the Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation and a Registered Psychologist in the Province of BC. She holds an academic appointment at the University of British Columbia Okanagan in Syilx Territory. She has trained and clinically supervised hundreds of Counseling Psychology students over the past 9 years in her academic roles at Simon Fraser University and the University of British Columbia.  Dr. Holly Graham is a member of the Thunderchild First Nation in Saskatchewan. She holds an academic appointment at the University of Saskatchewan. She also has an Indigenous Research Chair in Nursing. She has worked as a Registered Nurse in northern communities and is a Registered Doctoral Psychologist. Our Purpose:The purpose of our podcast series is to mobilize and share Indigenous Knowledge related to trauma repair, recovery from addictions, community survivance, and care across Indigenous communities in Canada.  Our goal is to provide listeners with access to conversations about the lived experiences of First Nations psychologists and leaders in the mental wellness field. We will discuss how that relates to challenges and successes in navigating and working within systems of care, as well as strength-based and cultural approaches to healing for Indigenous people. The podcast episodes will discuss topics related to: 1) Strength-based approaches to care  2) Challenges and successes in the field  3) Personal perspectives and experiences; and  4) Analysis of the systems of care  This podcast series is developed by the Healing from Trauma and Reducing Addictions group, part of the Network Environments for Indigenous Health Research (ON NEIHR) Program. Situated in 10 sites across Ontario, ON NEIHR is demonstrating how health systems should move away from Western biomedical treatment of Indigenous medical illness to holistic, culturally based interventions instead. This program is funded by the Government of Canada, through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). This group is led by Dr. Holly Graham (University of Saskatchewan), Dr. Brenda Restoule (First Peoples Wellness Circle), and Dr. Alanaise Ferguson (University of British Columbia-Okanagan).pihtikwê is produced by David McGuffin of Explore Podcast Productions. Assistant Producer: Graham McGuffin.Our theme music is Kâkike, written and performed by Fawn Wood, an award winning Cree-Salish musician and songwriter. You can learn more about her music at fawnwood.ca  (%C2%A0fawnwood.ca%C2%A0)

6. 

   30 Sept 2024

   Episode 8: Neurodecolonization and Indigenous Mindfulness with Dr. Michael Yellow Bird

   Holly and Brenda are thrilled to welcome Dr. Michael Yellow Bird as our guest on this episode of pihtikwe. He is a proud member of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation in North Dakota, and he is a Professor at the Faculty of Social Work at the University of Manitoba. There his research focuses on the effects of colonization and methods of decolonization, ancestral health, intermittent fasting, Indigenous mindfulness and the cultural significance of Rez dogs.He is also the founder, director, and principal investigator of The Centre for Mindful Decolonization and Reconciliation at the University of Manitoba.  Along with his many academic achievements, he is also the author of a number of acclaimed books including his most recent: "Decolonizing Pathways to Integrative Healing in Social Work."Our Hosts: Dr. Brenda Restoule is an Anishinabe-kwe and member of Dokis First Nation in the Robinson Huron Treaty. She is a Registered Clinical Psychologist in Ontario who works in First Nation communities and also leads the First Peoples Wellness Circle, an Indigenous led national not-for-profit organization that is dedicated to raising the profile of Indigenous mental wellness using Indigenous Knowledge and evidence.Dr. Holly Graham is a member of the Thunderchild First Nation in Saskatchewan. She holds an academic appointment at the University of Saskatchewan. She also has an Indigenous Research Chair in Nursing. She has worked as a Registered Nurse in northern communities and is a Registered Doctoral Psychologist. Our Purpose:The purpose of our podcast series is to mobilize and share Indigenous Knowledge related to trauma repair, recovery from addictions, community survivance, and care across Indigenous communities in Canada.  Our goal is to provide listeners with access to conversations about the lived experiences of First Nations psychologists and leaders in the mental wellness field. We will discuss how that relates to challenges and successes in navigating and working within systems of care, as well as strength-based and cultural approaches to healing for Indigenous people. The podcast episodes will discuss topics related to: 1) Strength-based approaches to care  2) Challenges and successes in the field  3) Personal perspectives and experiences; and  4) Analysis of the systems of care  This podcast series is developed by the Healing from Trauma and Reducing Addictions group, part of the Network Environments for Indigenous Health Research (ON NEIHR) Program. Situated in 10 sites across Ontario, ON NEIHR is demonstrating how health systems should move away from Western biomedical treatment of Indigenous medical illness to holistic, culturally based interventions instead (which include sacred aspects of healing: physical, spiritual, emotional, and mental dimensions). This program is funded by the Government of Canada, through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). This group is led by Dr. Holly Graham (University of Saskatchewan), Dr. Brenda Restoule (First Peoples Wellness Circle), and Dr. Alanaise Ferguson (University of British Columbia-Okanagan). This project aims to centre the voices of Indigenous experts and leaders working in the mental wellness field to promote collective learning and mobilize knowledge to support Indigenous well-being. pihtikwê is produced by David McGuffin of Explore Podcast Productions. Assistant Producer: Graham McGuffin. Our theme music is Kâkike, written and performed by Fawn Wood, an award winning Cree-Salish musician and songwriter. You can learn more about her music at fawnwood.ca (http://fawnwood.ca/)

7. 

   8 Aug 2024

   Episode 7: Healing Through Culture. Dr. Amy Bombay on Intergenerational Trauma

   Dr. Holly Graham and Dr. Alanaise Ferguson are happy to welcome Dr. Amy Bombay to pihtikwê - Visits with First Nations Psychologists. Amy’s work has seen her exploring the relationships between intergenerational and personal experiences of trauma and cultural identity in predicting mental health outcomes among Indigenous peoples in Canada. Her research exploring the ways which Indian Residential School experiences are transmitted across generations has garnered extensive media interest and has been influential in affecting policy and practice related to Indigenous health. Amy is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and the School of Nursing at Dalhousie University. She is a proud member of Rainy River First Nations and completed her MSc and PhD in Psychology and Neuroscience.Our Hosts: Dr Holly Graham is a member of the Thunderchild First Nation in Saskatchewan. She holds an academic appointment at the University of Saskatchewan. She also has an Indigenous Research Chair in Nursing. She has worked as a Registered Nurse in northern communities and is a Registered Doctoral Psychologist. Our Purpose:The purpose of our podcast series is to mobilize and share Indigenous Knowledge related to trauma repair, recovery from addictions, community survivance, and care across Indigenous communities in Canada.  Our goal is to provide listeners with access to conversations about the lived experiences of First Nations psychologists and leaders in the mental wellness field. We will discuss how that relates to challenges and successes in navigating and working within systems of care, as well as strength-based and cultural approaches to healing for Indigenous people. The podcast episodes will discuss topics related to: 1) Strength-based approaches to care  2) Challenges and successes in the field  3) Personal perspectives and experiences; and  4) Analysis of the systems of care  This podcast series is developed by the Healing from Trauma and Reducing Addictions group, part of the Network Environments for Indigenous Health Research (ON NEIHR) Program. Situated in 10 sites across Ontario, ON NEIHR is demonstrating how health systems should move away from Western biomedical treatment of Indigenous medical illness to holistic, culturally based interventions instead (which include sacred aspects of healing: physical, spiritual, emotional, and mental dimensions). This program is funded by the Government of Canada, through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). This group is led by Dr. Holly Graham (University of Saskatchewan), Dr. Brenda Restoule (First Peoples Wellness Circle), and Dr. Alanaise Ferguson (University of British Columbia-Okanagan). This project aims to centre the voices of Indigenous experts and leaders working in the mental wellness field to promote collective learning and mobilize knowledge to support Indigenous well-being. pihtikwê is produced by David McGuffin of Explore Podcast Productions. Graham McGuffin - production assistant.Our theme music is Kâkike, written and performed by Fawn Wood, an award winning Cree-Salish musician and songwriter. You can learn more about her music at fawnwood.ca (http://fawnwood.ca/)

8. 

   1 Aug 2024

   Episode 6: Know Who You Are. Know Where you Come From. with Dr. Ed Connors and John Rice

   On episode 6 of pihtikwê - Visits with First Nations Psychologists, Dr. Holly Graham and Dr. Brenda Restoule are happy to welcome Dr. Ed Connors and John Rice. They are co-founders of the Feather Carriers Leadership for Life Program which speaks to suicide prevention, intervention and postvention.Dr. Connors is a psychologist of Mohawk and Irish descent who has worked with First Nations communities across Canada since 1982. Dr Connors most recent work has involved development of Indigenous Life Promotion projects.Through his career Dr. Connors has worked with Elders and apprenticed in traditional First Nations approaches to healing.John Rice, Zahgausgai/Mukwa Dodem, is an Ojibwe/Anishinabe-ninni from Wasauksing First Nation near Parry Sound, Ontario and a member of the Three Fires Midewiwin Society. John Rice is a lifelong student of the Miikaans Teaching. which speaks to the spirit’s journey to life, through life and its return to the spirit world.Our Hosts: Dr Brenda Restoule is an Anishinabe-kwe and member of Dokis First Nation in the Robinson Huron Treaty. She is a Registered Clinical Psychologist in Ontario who works in First Nation communities and also leads the First Peoples Wellness Circle, an Indigenous led national not-for-profit organization that is dedicated to raising the profile of Indigenous mental wellness using Indigenous Knowledge and evidence.Dr Holly Graham is a member of the Thunderchild First Nation in Saskatchewan. She holds an academic appointment at the University of Saskatchewan. She also has an Indigenous Research Chair in Nursing. She has worked as a Registered Nurse in northern communities and is a Registered Doctoral Psychologist. Our Purpose:The purpose of our podcast series is to mobilize and share Indigenous Knowledge related to trauma repair, recovery from addictions, community survivance, and care across Indigenous communities in Canada.  Our goal is to provide listeners with access to conversations about the lived experiences of First Nations psychologists and leaders in the mental wellness field. We will discuss how that relates to challenges and successes in navigating and working within systems of care, as well as strength-based and cultural approaches to healing for Indigenous people. The podcast episodes will discuss topics related to: 1) Strength-based approaches to care  2) Challenges and successes in the field  3) Personal perspectives and experiences; and  4) Analysis of the systems of care  This podcast series is developed by the Healing from Trauma and Reducing Addictions group, part of the Network Environments for Indigenous Health Research  (ON NEIHR) Program. Situated in 10 sites across Ontario, ON NEIHR is demonstrating how health systems should move away from Western biomedical treatment of Indigenous medical illness to holistic, culturally based interventions instead (which include sacred aspects of healing: physical, spiritual, emotional, and mental dimensions). This program is funded by the Government of Canada, through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). This group is led by Dr. Holly Graham (University of Saskatchewan), Dr. Brenda Restoule (First Peoples Wellness Circle), and Dr. Alanaise Ferguson (University of British Columbia-Okanagan). This project aims to centre the voices of Indigenous experts and leaders working in the mental wellness field to promote collective learning and mobilize knowledge to support Indigenous well-being. pihtikwê is produced by David McGuffin of Explore Podcast Productions. Our theme music is Kâkike, written and performed by Fawn Wood, an award winning Cree-Salish musician and songwriter. You can learn more about her music at fawnwood.ca (http://fawnwood.ca/)

9. 

   25 Jul 2024

   Episode 5: Success Means Prioritizing What Communities Want with Dr. Chris Mushquash

   Today on pihtikwê - Visits with First Nations Psychologists, our guest is Dr. Chris Mushquash.Our hosts Dr. Brenda Restoule and Dr. Alanaise Ferguson engage in a lively and thoughtful conversation with Dr. Mushquash about his journey into psychology, the role spirituality plays in his practice, ways to overcome colonial disruption of traditional healing practices, how to provide positive healing environments for young people where and when they need it, how investing in children creates significant improvements in communities and much more.Dr. Mushquash is a proud member of the Pays Plat Ojibway First Nation on the North Shore of Lake Superior. He is a Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Mental Health and Addiction, and Professor in the Department of Psychology at Lakehead University and the Division of Human Sciences at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine University. Dr. Mushquash is also a registered clinical psychologist providing assessment, intervention, and consultation services for First Nations children, adolescents, and adults at Dilico Anishinabek Family Care. He is currently the chair of the Institute Advisory Board for the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Institute of Indigenous Peoples’ Health. In 2017, Dr. Mushquash was inducted in the Royal Society of Canada’s College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists.  Dr. Alanaise Ferguson is a member of the Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation and a Registered Psychologist in the Province of BC. She holds an academic appointment at the University of British Columbia Okanagan in Syilx Territory. She has trained and clinically supervised hundreds of Counseling Psychology students over the past 9 years in her academic roles at Simon Fraser University and the University of British Columbia.  Dr. Brenda Restoule is an Anishinabe-kwe and member of Dokis First Nation in the Robinson Huron Treaty. She is a Registered Clinical Psychologist in Ontario who works in First Nation communities and also leads the First Peoples Wellness Circle, an Indigenous led national not-for-profit organization that is dedicated to raising the profile of Indigenous mental wellness using Indigenous Knowledge and evidence.The purpose of our podcast series is to mobilize and share Indigenous Knowledge related to trauma repair, recovery from addictions, community survivance, and care across Indigenous communities in Canada.  Our goal is to provide listeners with access to conversations about the lived experiences of First Nations psychologists and leaders in the mental wellness field. We will discuss how that relates to challenges and successes in navigating and working within systems of care, as well as strength-based and cultural approaches to healing for Indigenous people. The podcast episodes will discuss topics related to: 1) Strength-based approaches to care  2) Challenges and successes in the field  3) Personal perspectives and experiences; and  4) Analysis of the systems of care  This podcast series is developed by the Healing from Trauma and Reducing Addictions group, part of the Ontario Network Environment for Aboriginal Health Research (ON NEIHR) Program. Situated in 10 sites across Ontario, ON NEIHR is demonstrating how health systems should move away from Western biomedical treatment of Indigenous medical illness to holistic, culturally based interventions instead (which include sacred aspects of healing: physical, spiritual, emotional, and mental dimensions). This program is funded by the Government of Canada, through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). This group is led by Dr. Holly Graham, Dr. Brenda Restoule and Dr. Alanaise Ferguson.pihtikwê is produced by David McGuffin of Explore Podcast Productions. Our theme music is Kâkike, written and performed by Fawn Wood, an award winning Cree-Salish musician and songwriter. You can learn more about her music at

10. 

    18 Jul 2024

    Episode 4: Be Courageous. Be Strategic. Be More Resistant - with Dr Rod McCormick

    We're thrilled to have Dr. Rod McCormick as our guest on episode 4 of pihtikwê - Visits with First Nations Psychologists for a lively and fascinating conversation on reclaiming Indigenous Health with our host, Dr Alanaise Ferguson. Rod is a Senior Professor and BC Government endowed Research Chair in Indigenous Health at Thompson Rivers University and a proud member of the Kanienkehaka Mohawk First Nation. Before moving to his partner’s home community of TK'emlups te Secwepemc, Rod was a psychologist and counseling psychology professor at the University of British Columbia for eighteen years. For the past 15 years he has been engaged in Indigenous health research capacity building and in Indigenous health research advocacy at the provincial and national levels. In addition, he ran the BC Aboriginal Capacity and Developmental Research Environments (ACADRE), the Network Environment for Aboriginal Health Research (NEAHRBCYT), and Kloshe Tillicum for over ten years. In regard to advocacy work, he is the co-founder/leader of the National Aboriginal Health Research Steering Committee: Kawatsire. He is currently developing a new centre at Thompson Rivers University called "All my Relations'', which will be a national Indigenous family and community health research and training centre to identify research and further develop as well as implement best practices in Indigenous family and community health and healing.Dr. Alanaise Ferguson is a member of the Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation and a Registered Psychologist in the Province of BC. She holds an academic appointment at the University of British Columbia Okanagan in Syilx Territory. She has trained and clinically supervised hundreds of Counseling Psychology students over the past 9 years in her academic roles at Simon Fraser University and the University of British Columbia.  The purpose of our podcast series is to mobilize and share Indigenous Knowledge related to trauma repair, recovery from addictions, community survivance, and care across Indigenous communities in Canada.  Our goal is to provide listeners with access to conversations about the lived experiences of First Nations psychologists and leaders in the mental wellness field. We will discuss how that relates to challenges and successes in navigating and working within systems of care, as well as strength-based and cultural approaches to healing for Indigenous people. The podcast episodes will discuss topics related to:1) Strength-based approaches to care  2) Challenges and successes in the field  3) Personal perspectives and experiences; and  4) Analysis of the systems of care  This podcast series is developed by the Healing from Trauma and Reducing Addictions group, part of the Ontario Network Environment for Aboriginal Health Research  (ON NEIHR) Program. Situated in 10 sites across Ontario, ON NEIHR is demonstrating how health systems should move away from Western biomedical treatment of Indigenous medical illness to holistic, culturally based interventions instead (which include sacred aspects of healing: physical, spiritual, emotional, and mental dimensions). This program is funded by the Government of Canada, through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). This group is led by Dr. Holly Graham (University of Saskatchewan), Dr. Brenda Restoule (First Peoples Wellness Circle), and Dr. Alanaise Ferguson (University of British Columbia-Okanagan). This project aims to centre the voices of Indigenous experts and leaders working in the mental wellness field to promote collective learning and mobilize knowledge to support Indigenous well-being. pihtikwê is produced by David McGuffin of Explore Podcast Productions.Our theme music is Kâkike, written and performed by Fawn Wood, an award winning Cree-Salish musician and songwriter. You can learn more about her music at fawnwood.

11. 

    11 Jul 2024

    Episode 3: Carol Hopkins - "Culturally Based Means We Start from Culture First"

    Dr Carol Hopkins is our guest on episode three of pihtikwê- Visits with First Nations Psychologists. She is the Chief Executive Officer of the Thunderbird Partnership Foundation - a leading advocate for First Nations culturally-based mental wellness services. Carol has spent more than 25 years working in the field of First Nations addictions and mental health, with a special focus on the use of Traditional Knowledge and healing. Carol is a proud member of the Lenape First Nation in Southwestern Ontario. She holds both a Masters of Social Work degree from the University of Toronto and a degree in Sacred Indigenous Knowledge, the equivalent of a PhD. In recognition of her work as a landmark influencer in the field of addictions and mental health, in 2018 Carol was appointed as an Officer of the Order of Canada.In this smart and thoughtful conversation with Carol, our hosts, Dr Alanaise Ferguson and Dr Brenda Restoule, discuss the many lessons Carol has learned in her long career working with individuals and communities struggling with addictions, and the importance of using Traditional Indigenous healing methods.Dr. Alanaise Ferguson is a member of the Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation and a Registered Psychologist in the Province of BC. She holds an academic appointment at the University of British Columbia Okanagan in Syilx Territory.She has trained and clinically supervised hundreds of Counseling Psychology students over the past 9 years in her academic roles at Simon Fraser University and the University of British Columbia.Dr Brenda Restoule is an Anishinabe-kwe and member of Dokis First Nation in the Robinson Huron Treaty. She is a Registered Clinical Psychologist in Ontario who works in First Nation communities and also leads the First Peoples Wellness Circle, an Indigenous led national not-for-profit organization that is dedicated to raising the profile of Indigenous mental wellness using Indigenous Knowledge and evidence.The purpose of our podcast series is to mobilize and share Indigenous Knowledge related to trauma repair, recovery from addictions, community survivance, and care across Indigenous communities in Canada.Our goal is to provide listeners with access to conversations about the lived experiences of First Nations psychologists and leaders in the mental wellness field. We will discuss how that relates to challenges and successes in navigating and working within systems of care, as well as strength-based and cultural approaches to healing for Indigenous people.The podcast episodes will discuss topics related to:1) Strength-based approaches to care2) Challenges and successes in the field3) Personal perspectives and experiences; and4) Analysis of the systems of careThis podcast series is developed by the Healing from Trauma and Reducing Addictions group, part of the Ontario Network Environments Indigenous Health Research (ON NEIHR) Program. Situated in 10 sites across Ontario, ON NEIHR is demonstrating how health systems should move away from Western biomedical treatment of Indigenous medical illness to holistic, culturally based interventions instead (which include sacred aspects of healing: physical, spiritual, emotional, and mental dimensions). This program is funded by the Government of Canada, through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). This group is led by Dr. Holly Graham (University of Saskatchewan), Dr. Brenda Restoule (First Peoples Wellness Circle), and Dr. Alanaise Ferguson (University of British Columbia-Okanagan). This project aims to centre the voices of Indigenous experts and leaders working in the mental wellness field to promote collective learning and mobilize knowledge to support Indigenous well-being.pihtikwe is produced by David McGuffin of Explore Podcast Productions.Our theme music is Kâkike, written and performed by Fawn Wood, an award winning Cree-Salish musician and songwriter.

12. 

    4 Jul 2024

    Episode 2: Dr Melanie Nelson - Winning Trust of Children and Communities

    Our guest on this episode of pihtikwe: Visits with First Nation Psychologists is Dr. Melanie Nelson. She is a proud Samahquam (St’at’imc) woman and an Assistant Professor at the University of British Columbia, School and Applied Child Psychology program.Dr. Nelson's research focuses on the experiences of Indigenous caregivers within Western systems, including the assessment and diagnosis process. She also investigates how Indigenous youth identify and access support for mental health and wellness in their schools and their communities. In this fascinating and lively conversation with Dr Nelson, our hosts, Dr Alanaise Ferguson and Dr Holly Graham, engage in ways to gain trust in communities and with clients as well as destigmatize the work that psychologists do. The roles Western psychology, spirituality, and traditional Indigenous healing play in working with clients is explored, along with how to blend those approaches and meet clients where they are. The conversation also centres on the importance of passing on Traditional healing methods from elders, and why working with the whole community in healing is important. The importance of First Nations people practicing psychology, using Indigenous healing methods, and trying to work on changing the system from within is also discussed. Dr. Alanaise Ferguson is a member of the Sandy Bay Ojibway First Nation and a Registered Psychologist in the Province of BC. She holds an academic appointment at the University of British Columbia Okanagan in Syilx Territory. She has trained and clinically supervised hundreds of Counseling Psychology students over the past 9 years in her academic roles at Simon Fraser University and the University of British Columbia. Dr Holly Graham is a member of the Thunderchild First Nation in Saskatchewan. She holds an academic appointment at the University of Saskatchewan. She also has an Indigenous Research Chair in Nursing. She has worked as a Registered Nurse in northern communities and is a Registered Doctoral Psychologist.The purpose of our podcast series is to mobilize and share Indigenous Knowledge related to trauma repair, recovery from addictions, community survivance, and care across Indigenous communities in Canada. Our goal is to provide listeners with access to conversations about the lived experiences of First Nations psychologists and leaders in the mental wellness field. We will discuss how that relates to challenges and successes in navigating and working within systems of care, as well as strength-based and cultural approaches to healing for Indigenous people.The podcast episodes will discuss topics related to:1) Strength-based approaches to care 2) Challenges and successes in the field 3) Personal perspectives and experiences; and4) Analysis of the systems of care This podcast series is developed by the Healing from Trauma and Reducing Addictions group, part of the Ontario Network Environments Indigenous Health Research (ON NEIHR) Program. Situated in 10 sites across Ontario, ON NEIHR is demonstrating how health systems should move away from Western biomedical treatment of Indigenous medical illness to holistic,

13. 

    26 Jun 2024

    Episode 1: Introducing pihtikwê - Visits with First Nations Psychologists

    Welcome to pihtikwê!In this first episode our three hosts, Dr. Brenda Restoule (First Peoples Wellness Circle), Dr. Holly Graham (University of Saskatchewan), and Dr. Alanaise Ferguson (University of British Columbia-Okanagan) talk about their vision for this podcast and their journeys into the world of psychology and mental health and wellness.The purpose of our podcast series is to mobilize and share Indigenous knowledge related to trauma repair, recovery from addictions, community survivance, and care across Indigenous communities in Canada. Our goal is to provide listeners with access to conversations about the lived experiences of First Nation psychologists and leaders in the mental wellness field. We will discuss how that relates to challenges and successes in navigating and working within systems of care, and strength-based and cultural approaches to healing for Indigenous people.The podcast episodes will discuss topics related to:1) Strength-based approaches to care;2) Challenges and successes in the field;3) Personal perspectives and experiences; and4) Analysis of the system/s of careThis podcast series is developed by the Healing from Trauma and Reducing Addictions group, part of the Ontario Network Environments Indigenous Health Research (ON NEIHR) Program. Situated in 10 sites across Ontario, ON NEIHR is demonstrating how health systems should move away from Western biomedical treatment of Indigenous medical illness to holistic, culturally based interventions instead (which include sacred aspects of healing: physical, spiritual, emotional, and mental dimensions).This program is funded by the Government of Canada, through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). This group is led by Dr. Brenda Restoule (First Peoples Wellness Circle), Dr. Holly Graham (University of Saskatchewan), and Dr. Alanaise Ferguson (University of British Columbia-Okanagan).This project aims to centre the voices of Indigenous experts and leaders working in the mental wellness field to promote collective learning and mobilize knowledge to support Indigenous well-being. The central theme in this work is healing from trauma and reducingaddictions. Indigenous psychologists and leaders in the mental wellness field will share their stories, knowledge, and lived experiences.pihtikwe is produced by David McGuffin of Explore Podcast Productions.Our theme music is Kâkike, written and performed by Fawn Wood, a Cree-Salish musician and songwriter.

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