In our second episode of the Communities of Wealth Podcast we explore the experiences of Indigenous youth navigating the impacts of pandemic. Specifically, we address how Indigenous youth sought support from OIYPP as grantees during the pandemic, and highlight how OIYPP had to be flexible in our approach to supporting young people during virtual times. Our special guest this episode is Josh Lewis, who is a helper of Assembly of Seven Generations (A7G). A7G is an Indigenous Youth-led and driven non-profit organization that focuses on cultural support and empowerment programs for Indigenous youth in Ottawa, Ontario. We explore the multitude of emerging issues as the world began to lock down, address how that affected young people in urban and rural communities, and discuss the feelings that emerged as we worked alongside funders and the charitable sector to support Indigenous youth.

Co-Hosts and Guests:

Shanna Peltier (@shannapeltier) - Shanna Peltier is a proud Anishinaabe kwe who grew up in Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory located on the beautiful Mnidoo Mnis (Manitoulin Island), Ontario. Shanna is a Ph.D. student in the School and Clinical Child Psychology program at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) - University of Toronto. Her research hopes to explore and conceptualize a critical stance on Indigenous mental health in the areas of suicide prevention and life promotion, especially as it pertains to Indigenous children and youth. She also holds various advisory and representative positions with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), and the Ontario Indigenous Youth Partnership Project (OIYPP).

Thea Belanger (@theabear) - Thea Belanger is an Anishinaabe member of the Nipissing First Nation in Ontario. Coming from a long line of artists and activists, she has seen firsthand the power of Indigenous youth to creatively respond to the issues and challenges facing their communities. As the Director of the Ontario Indigenous Youth Partnership Program, a province-wide charitable initiative, she champions the voices of Indigenous Youth and empowers them to create projects that deepen their connections to culture and community while educating and preparing them to navigate the complex world of philanthropy and social change.

Gabrielle Fayant (Instagram @gabriellevfayant + Twitter @GabrielleFayant) - Gabrielle Fayant originates from Fishing Lake Métis Settlement in Alberta and identifies as a proud Michif woman. Gabrielle has worked with Indigenous youth at a grassroots level for almost a decade. Gabrielle has used her knowledge on the ground to influence systemic changes such as working on the implementation of TRC Call to Action 66. Gabrielle has been a Youth Advisory to OIYPP since 2015. She has witnessed the positive impacts that OIYPP fosters in community and supports the grassroots efforts of Indigenous youth.

Josh Lewis is Anishinaabe from Wikwemikong First Nation & N'Swakamok (Sudbury, Ontario). Josh is currently a helper with Assembly of Seven Generations (A7G) and an educator and student support with the Ottawa Carleton District School Board.

Learn more about the Ontario Indigenous Youth Partnership Project: http://www.oiypp.ca/  and @oiypproject.

Special thanks to Claudia Skunk and Sydney Nolan for being our Podcast Committee Members!

Episode Content Produced by Shanna Peltier and Thea Belanger

Audio Engineering and Post-Production by Velvet Tine Production Co. (velvet.tine.productions@gmail.com) & Pat Peltier Music.

Music Written and Produced by Pat Peltier.