This episode features Jerry Fontaine, an esteemed Anishinaabe scholar, author, and community leader from the Sagkeeng First Nation. Known for his dedication to Indigenous sovereignty and environmental justice, Jerry has spent decades working to protect Indigenous rights, traditional lands, and cultural heritage. His work centres on reclaiming and revitalizing Anishinaabe knowledge systems, blending academic rigour with ancestral wisdom to advocate for Indigenous rights.

As an author, Jerry has published significant works that explore Indigenous governance, intergenerational resilience, and the teachings of the Anishinaabe people. His commitment to empowering Indigenous youth, preserving language, and advancing community well-being reflects his vision for a future rooted in self-determination and respect for the land. A powerful speaker and advocate, Jerry’s voice resonates as a beacon of knowledge, healing, and inspiration for communities locally and globally.

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This episode features Randy Trudeau. Randy Trudeau is a hunter, trapper, fisher, artist, and traditional medicine harvester from Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory on Manitoulin Island, located in Northeastern Ontario. Deeply connected to the land and its teachings, Randy's life revolves around Indigenous practices and traditional ways of living. As a skilled hunter and trapper, he has extensive knowledge of the land's resources and cycles, which he combines with expertise in fishing and traditional medicine harvesting.

Randy's art draws inspiration from the natural world and his deep-rooted cultural heritage. His work reflects the beauty and wisdom of his community's traditions. Through his various crafts, Randy continues to share and preserve the stories and teachings of his ancestors, ensuring that these vital practices remain strong in the present and for future generations.

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Welcome to part two of this two-part special, co-hosted with Dr. Karen Hill of the Department of Family Medicine at McMaster University and host of Two Row Medicine podcast.

Two Row Medicine is a new podcast navigating relationships from a traditional Indigenous perspective in the 21st century.

On June 8th and 9th, 2024, Indigenous healers, elders, health administrators, and physicians gathered at the Six Nations of the Grand River in Southern Ontario to discuss strategies for addressing the growing demand for Indigenous healers. It was the third gathering, with the previous two taking place on Manitoulin Island and in Rama in 2022. This gathering brought together healers and Indigenous physicians in meaningful dialogue to explore ways of collaborating on health issues, such as addiction.

We invited participants to provide their perspectives on collaboration in this episode:

• Kevin Deer – Lead Cultural Advisor at First Nations Technical Institute
• Terri Debassige – M'Chigeeng First Nation
• Randy Trudeau – Artist, designer, and educator
• Dr. Annelind Wakegijig – Lead Physician at the Baawaating Family Health Team

We would like to acknowledge the financial contributions to this podcast made by the Department of Family Medicine at McMaster University and AMS Healthcare.

Listen to the Two Row Medicine podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts

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