The Niigaaniin Podcast
EPISODES
Community Member Spotlight
Meet our Community Member Samantha Owl! Chris and Kerri catch up with Samantha as she shares her experience through our Niigaaniin Mino Bimaadizidaa journey, and beyond. To stay up to date, follow & like our social media pages!...
Water
Listen in as our new co-hosts Veronica and Chris chat with Kerri and we share our connections to water. To stay up to date, follow & like our social media pages!...
ServiceOntario Spotlight: Bringing Essential Services Home with Niigaaniin Services
In this episode of the Niigaaniin Podcast, host Kerri Commanda is joined by Jana Lee and Ryan Lamirande, dedicated ServiceOntario Customer Service Representatives. Together, they dive into the remarkable experiences of bringing essential services directly to the...
Unveiling Mamaweswen: Inside the History of the North Shore Tribal Council with Earl Commanda
In this captivating episode, we dive deep into the rich history of Mamaweswen, The North Shore Tribal Council, with our esteemed guest Earl Commanda, the Executive Director of Robinson Huron Waawiindamaagewin. Embark on a journey through the late 1900s as Earl...
Kinoomaagewin: Nurturing Sovereignty with Erik Bringleson
We are excited to welcome Erik Bringleson to the podcast for this episode! In his three-year tenure at Niigaanin Services, Erik Bringleson has been a key figure, forging partnerships and bridging the gap between operations, business relations, and planning, driving...
Journey of Wellness: Mino Bimaadizidaa with Vyron Phillips
Embark on a transformative journey with Niigaaniin as we sit down with Vyron Phillips, a dedicated team member who has just celebrated his third work anniversary with us! Join us in this special episode where Vyron, a well-known figure on the west side of the North...
Voices of Resilience: Alvin Pangowish’s Anishnaabemowin Journey
In this episode, join us for an inspiring conversation with Alvin Pangowish, a living treasure in Elliot Lake, as he shares his remarkable journey with Anishnaabemowin. From the heart of our community at the Enji-maawinjidiyaang Indigenous Friendship Centre, Alvin...
Niigaaniin’s Dynamic Partnership with DSSAB: An Exclusive Conversation with CEO Mike Nadeau
In this episode, we explore the transformative collaboration between Niigaaniin Services and the District of Sault Ste. Marie Social Services Administration Board (DSSAB). This groundbreaking partnership opens pathways to our Land-based programming, Kinoomaagewin...
Empowering Food Sovereignty in SRFN with Rebecca Csaszar
In this episode, we chat with Rebecca Csaszar, a Niigaaniin Specialist at SRFN. Rebecca shares her journey of starting a community food cupboard and discusses the pressing need for food sovereignty in Serpent River First Nation. Alongside Kerri, they shed light on...
Enji-maawinjidiyaang Indigenous Friendship Centre with Chastity Morningstar
We're back with an exciting episode! Join us as we welcome Chastity Morningstar, the Enji-maawinjidiyaang Indigenous Friendship Centre Start-up Coordinator, for an insightful discussion! Chastity provides a unique perspective on her role as the 30th member to...
Connecting with Anishnaabemowin: A Journey with Duckie
Join us in this enlightening episode as Duckie dives into the profound connections between Anishnaabemowin, and the universal human journey. Discover the rich cultural insights and shared experiences that shape our understanding of identity, heritage and the paths we...
Wheels of Change with Lexi Southwind: Trailblazing with the First-Ever Mobile ServiceOntario Trailer
Join us on a groundbreaking episode as Lexi Southwind takes us on the thrilling journey of how Niigaaniin Services made history with the first-ever mobile ServiceOntario trailer. Experience life on the road, delivering vital services to our remote communities in the...
Thessalon First Nation with Bobbie-Jo McColman
Join us as we wrap up our community podcast tour with a special guest, Bobbie-Jo McColman, who takes us on a fun exploration of Thessalon First Nation. In this episode, we discuss family names, favourite spots, community activities, and the upcoming Pow Wow on July...
Mississaugi First Nation with Amber Niganobe
Join us on a thirty-minute journey as the Niigaaniin Podcast continues its tour of the beautiful communities along the North Shore of Lake Huron. In this episode, we have the pleasure of welcoming Amber Niganobe from Mississaugi First Nation. Amber brings her unique...
Special Guest Lee Simpson-Johnston
We are thrilled to introduce our special guest to the Niigaaniin Podcast, Lee Simpson-Johnston! Lee is not only an incredibly talented drummer for the Genaabaajing Jrz, but he has also embarked on an exciting new journey as a Mino Bimaadizidaa Cultural Facilitator...
Two Points Joining | Sagamok Anishnawbek with Curtis Bob
As we travel along the North shore of Lake Huron, our host Kerri Commanda is joined by Curtis Bob, who updates us on the happenings in the stunning Sagamok Anishnawbek Community. Our guest for this episode is Curtis Bob, a renowned community member and former...
Tales of Atikameksheng Anishnawbek with Candace Ozawagosh
Listen to the tales of Atikameksheng Anishnawbek with Candace Ozawagosh and host Kerri Commanda To stay up to date, follow & like our social media pages!...
Bawating ‘The Gathering Place’ | Batchewana
In this episode, our hosts Kerri Commanda and Chris Solomon, talk about the community of Batchewana, highlighting its landmarks, family ties, and historical significance. For many years, Bawating has been a place for Anishinaabe people to gather so we can trade, fish,...
Coming Home to Serpent River with Kerri Commanda
Known for its beautiful landscapes and deep-rooted family history, Serpent River First Nation is located along the North Shore of Lake Huron between Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury, Ontario. In this episode, Kerri Commanda and Chris Soloman talk about the origins of the...
Coming Home to Ketegaunseebee with Chris Soloman
In this episode, Chris Soloman and Kerri Commanda highlight the beautiful Garden River First Nation community and talk about famous landmarks, community leaders, sports and more! Ketegaunseebee is one of the older unchanged settlements along the North Shore of Lake...
Speaker Series
Niigaaniin Services provides staff with a monthly Speaker Series to help the staff members better understand how we got to where we are today. These sessions are open to community members and are a fun way to learn about traditional medicines, Anishinaabemwin,...
We’re Back! The Best Way to Fight the System is to Make Your Own | KINOOMAAGEWIN
Niigaaniin Services is making strides to further help Community Members by providing services that don’t exist. We saw an increase in services needed for Community Members during the COVID-19 pandemic and made it a priority to integrate them into our organization. We...
A Dark Mark on Canada’s History | Revisiting Residential Schools & The Estimated 1,800+ Unmarked Children Gravesites
Warning this episode includes triggering topics. The Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line 24/7: 1 800-721-0066. It's been a little over a year since the 215 unmarked children's grave sites were discovered at Kamloops residential school, and we wanted to...
Revitalizing Anishinaabe Language and Culture at Niigaaniin
It has been a little over a year since language classes have been offered to Niigaaniin staff. In this episode, host and language teacher Jessica Shonias checks back in on language initiatives happening at Niigaaniin. At the same time, cohost Kerri Commanda shares her...
Waubgeshig Rice
In this episode, Waub joins Kerri and Jessica to speak his truth about his journey to being who he is today, both personally and professionally. Waubgeshig Rice is from Wasauksing First Nation and is a national best selling author whose publications include: Midnight...
