Spirit Bear Podcast
Welcome to the Caring Society’s Spirit Bear paw’d-cast! Tune in for informative episodes that feature guest appearances from community members, advocates, and experts leading on a number of matters affecting First Nations children, youth, and families. We are bear-y grateful to our friends in Dr. Veldon Coburn’s “Indigenous Politics in Canada” course at the University of Ottawa, who produced Season 1 from January to April of 2022. For more information on what we do and how you can help promote justice and equity for First Nations kids and their families, visit our website at: https://fncaringsociety.com.
Wed, March 05, 2025
S3 E2: Understanding the complex mental health needs for First Nations children, youth and families in Ontario
On this second two-part episode of Spirit Bear Podcast, Dr. Cindy Blackstock, Amber Crowe and Dr. Dr. Barbara Fallon are joined by Dr. Ashley Vandermorris, staff paediatrician in the Division of Adolescent Medicine at SickKids and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Toronto to continue the discussion and explore the complex mental health needs for First Nations children, youth and families in Ontario
Wed, March 05, 2025
S3 E1: New and emerging data from the Ontario Incidence Study on the overrepresentation of First Nations children, youth, and families in the child welfare system in Ontario
On this two-part episode of Spirit Bear Podcast, Dr. Cindy Blackstock is joined by Amber Crowe, a member and resident of Alderville First Nation and Executive Director of Dnaagdawenmag Binnoojiiyag Child &Family Services, an Indigenous Child and Family Well Being Agency and Dr. Barbara Fallon, the Associate Vice-President, Research for the University of Toronto and a Professor at the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, to discuss new and emerging data from the Ontario Incidence Study on the overrepresentation of First Nations children, youth, and families in the child welfare system in Ontario
Tue, March 26, 2024
S2 E11: Bill C-92 is constitutionally valid. Now what?
On February 9, 2024, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that Bill C-92, An Act respecting First Nations, Inuit and Métis children, youth, and families was constitutionally valid in whole, following a challenge to the Bill's constitutionality by the Quebec Court of Appeal. On this episode of the Spirit Bear Podcast, we're fortunate to be joined by two experts, Drs. Naiomi Metallic and Hadley Friedland, to talk about this decision, some of the strengths and weaknesses of Bill C-92, and the policy implications for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit seeking to exercise jurisdiction over child and family services.
Thu, December 07, 2023
S2 E10: Going 0-60 in Prevention Services
In light of some of the monies that are finally starting to reach First Nations communities, as well as within the overall context of Bill C-92, the delivery of effective prevention services is an important topic. While some First Nations have made great strides toward implementing prevention services, others will be starting from ground zero. On this episode of the Spirit Bear Podcast, hear from Laurence Allard, Child and Family Services Advisor with the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador Health and Social Services Commission, as she discusses how Nations can go from "0-60" when it comes to the delivery of community-based, holistic prevention services.
Fri, November 03, 2023
S2 E9: Culturally relevant substance use interventions for First Nations, Metis, and Inuit communities
On this episode of Spirit Bear's Ask an Expert Podcast, we're joined once more by Drs. Barbara Fallon and Ashley Vandermorris, and Genevieve Sansone of the Fraser Mustard Institute for Human Development Policy Bench as they discuss the importance of culturally appropriate, community-based substance use interventions in First Nations, Inuit, and Metis communities.
Mon, September 18, 2023
S2 E8: Are First Nations kids getting what they need through Jordan’s Principle?
On this episode of the Ask an Expert podcast, Cindy welcomes back Dr. Helaina Gaspard of the Institute for Fiscal Studies and Democracy (IFSD) to discuss Jordan's Principle, the child-first legal rule that ensures First Nations children can access the supports they need when they need them. Tune in for a discussion on what we can learn from assessing the available data on Jordan’s Principle and what else is being done to help ensure First Nations kids are getting what they need. For the full episode, visit: https://fncaringsociety.com/spirit-bear-podcast
Mon, August 21, 2023
S2 E7: Unpacking the meaning of culturally relevant, trauma-informed care
This episode features a conversation between long-time friends and colleagues, Dr. Cindy Blackstock and Gary Mavis, RSW. Gary has spent his entire career supporting children and youth in care, as well as providing caregivers, both Indigenous and non, with the resources and training they need to provide culturally relevant, trauma-informed care to First Nations youth. Tune in to hear more about what these terms actually mean, through a discussion of Gary's experiences working with the former Federation of Aboriginal Foster Parents and now as a key member of Teddy's Homes in BC. Visit https://fncaringsociety.com/spirit-bear-podcast to listen to this episode in full!
Tue, August 01, 2023
S2 E6: Breaking News on Compensation for First Nations Children and Families!
We're thrilled to share this mini episode of the Ask an Expert Podcast, where Dr. Cindy Blackstock finds herself in the interviewee chair to discuss some important updates following the recent decision by the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal to endorse the revised Final Settlement Agreement on compensation put forward by the parties. Tune in for more information about how compensation will be delivered and what to expect going forward. Visit https://fnwitness.ca for the latest updates.
Thu, June 08, 2023
S2 E5: Let’s talk about birth alerts
On this episode of Spirit Bear's Ask an Expert series, we are joined once more by the wonderful team of Dr. Barbara Fallon, Dr. Ashley Vandermorris, and Genevieve Sansone to talk about birth alerts. Tune in to find out more about what birth alerts are, how they impact First Nations communities, and how eliminating the practice - when done alongside other methods of keeping kids safe and healthy - could impact the number of First Nations kids in care. Visit https://fncaringsociety.com/spirit-bear-podcast to listen in full!
Mon, May 15, 2023
S2 E4: Funding and Measurement Reform for Thriving Communities
On this episode of Spirit Bear's Ask an Expert Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Helaina Gaspard of the Institute for Fiscal Studies and Democracy, who discusses some of the exciting opportunities that lie ahead for First Nations and agencies in the long-term reform of First Nations Child and Family Services (FNCFS). Ultimately, Dr. Gaspard shows how a reformed, bottom-up approach to funding can help support thriving First Nations children, families, and communities. Visit https://fncaringsociety.com/spirit-bear-podcast to listen to the episode in its entirety!
Mon, April 24, 2023
S2 E3: Parenting Capacity Assessments
On this episode of Spirit Bear's Ask an Expert podcast, Dr. Blackstock is joined by Dr. Barbara Fallon, Dr. Ashley Vandermorris, and Genevieve Sansone of the Fraser Mustard Institute for Human Development Policy Bench to discuss parenting capacity assessments and their usefulness in supporting First Nations, Inuit, and Metis kids and families. Tune into this episode to learn about what parenting capacity assessments are, why they are used, and whether or not they are a solid tool to be used to help support healthy, thriving First Nations, Metis, and Inuit families. Visit https://fncaringsociety.com/spirit-bear-podcast to learn more!
Tue, March 28, 2023
S2 E2: Human rights compensation for First Nations children and families impacted by Canada’s discrimination
On this episode of the Ask an Expert series, Dr. Cindy Blackstock and Sarah Clarke of Clarke Child & Family Law discuss the human rights compensation available for certain children and families who have been impacted by Canada's discrimination. On September 6, 2019, the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal ordered Canada to pay the maximum compensation allowable under the Canadian Human Rights Act to children and families harmed by Canada's discrimination. However, as of March 2023, Canada has yet to pay any of the money ordered by the Tribunal, a further injustice to victims. Tune in to hear more about why compensation was ordered, where the dollar amount comes from, and how this is one step in remedying the hurt caused by Canada.
Thu, March 09, 2023
S2 E1: Stop the discrimination and prevent it from reoccurring: Updates on the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal case with Sarah Clarke
On this episode of the Ask an Expert series, Dr. Cindy Blackstock and Sarah Clarke of Clarke Child & Family Law discuss the ongoing case for equity for First Nations children and families at the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal (Tribunal). As per the Tribunal orders, Canada must stop the discrimination against First Nations children and families and prevent it from reoccurring. But what will that involve? What still needs to take place in order to remedy the harms Canada perpetrated against First Nations young people and their families? Hit ‘play’ to find out.
Thu, March 02, 2023
S2: Trailer
Season 2 of the Spirit Bear Podcast is coming soon! The "Ask an Expert" series, hosted by Dr. Cindy Blackstock, features interviews with leaders in the field of child wellbeing and aims to dig deeper into evidence-based solutions for supporting First Nations young people and their families by dispelling myths and examining what actually works.
S1 E13 · Thu, December 15, 2022
S1E6: First Nations Educational Outcomes with Dr. Veldon Coburn
The students have a conversation with Dr. Veldon Coburn about the education opportunities available to First Nations on reserve, the linkages between historical and contemporary inequities in education, and how this contributes to educational outcomes for First Nations students. The students also consider the importance of balanced and truthful historical accounts being captured in school curricula and how specific systems are upheld when this information is withheld. Dr. Coburn, a member of the Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation, is an Assistant Professor at the University of Ottawa in the Institute of Indigenous Research and Studies. He has a PhD in Political Studies from Queen’s University and holds over a decade of federal policy experience. @VeldonCoburn 1:19 - The Mind the Gap report the students discuss is from 2013. Experts place the disparity rate at anywhere between 30-50%. You can read the report here: https://education.chiefs-of-ontario.org/download/mind-the-gap-fn-funding/ 2:46 – The correct term is “First Nation reserves” not Indigenous reserves. “Indigenous” is a term to refer collectively to First Nations, Metis and Inuit. The reserves system was created through the Indian Act and is specific to First Nations. 9:05 - You can read about the Mi’kmaq Education Act here: https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/m-7.6/FullText.html and the Anishinabek Nation Education Agreement here: https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1517588283074/1542741544614 15:30 - To ensure that Canada’s history (especially around residential schools) is told in a balanced and truthful way, the Caring Society created the Reconciling History initiative, in collaboration with Beechwood Cemetery. You can read more about the initiative here: https://fncaringsociety.com/what-you-can-do/ways-make-difference/reconciling-history For more information on equitable education for First Nations kids, visit the Timeline and Documents section on https://shannensdream.ca . In particular, check out the 2016 report by the Parliamentary Budget Officer and the 2018 report by the Auditor General of Canada. Produced by Rhea Agnihotri, Royita Ise Godwill, Jamie Hurlbut, Alina Khan and Sara Mohmand.
S1 E9 · Fri, November 18, 2022
S1E5: Indigenous Language Resurgence with Dr. Mary Ann Corbiere
The hosts sit down with Dr. Mary Ann Corbiere to discuss Indigenous cultural and language resurgence, including some impacts of the Official Languages Act. Dr. Corbiere invites the students to consider how language repression figures into colonial assimilationist policy, and in the First Nations context, the complex relationship between language, culture and identity. Dr. Corbiere is a member of Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory and is an Associate Professor with the Department of Indigenous Studies at the University of Sudbury. Dr. Corbiere has a PhD in theory and policy studies in education from the University of Toronto. 0:40 - Nishnaabemwin (Ojibwe) is Dr. Corbiere’s mother tongue, and she has developed an extensive online dictionary, found here: https://dictionary.nishnaabemwin.atlas-ling.ca/#/help 5:12 - The Official Languages Act legislated French and English as Canada’s two official languages. All government services must be delivered in both languages. 5:16 - The National Indian Brotherhood is the former name of what is now known as the Assembly of First Nations (AFN). 9:03 - The Department of Indian Affairs has evolved into two separate federal government departments: Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) and Indigenous Services Canada (ISC). 17:30 - Here Dr. Corbiere discusses a viewpoint that separates the Church as an institution from the Christian faith. 8:32 - Views on the Bering Land Bridge/Bering Strait theory are diverse and contested amongst Indigenous peoples 29:32 - The Venture Initiative is an experiential learning initiative involving several courses at the University of Ottawa. https://www2.uottawa.ca/faculty-social-sciences/student-hub/venture-initiative Produced by: Avia Amon, Maya Crawford, Shannon McQuaid and Reese Rowland-Kosticin.
Thu, November 03, 2022
S1E4: Jordan’s Principle with Charlie Angus
The students invite Charlie Angus , MP for Timmins-James Bay, Ontario, to discuss the history and significance of Jordan's Principle. The Motion in support of Jordan's Principle was brought to the House of Commons in 2007 by Mr. Angus' colleague, Jean Crowder (now retired). This episode has been edited for length. For detailed information on Jordan’s Principle, please visit https://jordansprinciple.ca 0:40 - In 2007, the First Nations Child & Family Caring Society (Caring Society) and the Assembly of First Nations filed a human rights complaint alleging Canada was discriminating against First Nation children by knowingly underfunding child welfare and choosing not to implement Jordan’s Principle. Learn more at https://fnwitness.ca 0:51 - The Tribunal also found that Canada was discriminating in its failure to properly implement Jordan’s Principle. 3:34 - Shannen Koostachin of Attawapiskat First Nation led a movement for “safe and comfy” schools and quality, culturally based education for First Nations children. You can learn more about Shannen, and the Shannen’s Dream movement here: https://shannensdream.ca 7:30 - for all developments in the ongoing Canadian Human Rights Tribunal case for First Nations children, please visit https://fnwitness.ca 11:55 - equity for First Nations children is a human rights issue, not a partisan issue. Unfortunately, discrimination against First Nations children has persisted across all Canadian governments. 13:11 - the figure of $40B is for both compensation *and* long term reform of First Nations Child & Family Services. You can read about the Agreement in Principle, signed December 31 2021, and all additional developments to the case here: https://fncaringsociety.com/what-you-can-do/ways-make-difference/i-am-witness-human-rights-case Produced by Hannah Brocanier, Mira Buckle, Michelle Lewis and Benjamin Maracle.
Wed, October 05, 2022
S1E2: Child and Family Services in First Nations with Professor Naomi Metallic
uOttawa students hear from Dr. Naiomi Metallic, Mi'gmaw professor of law at Dalhousie University, as she discusses the social, legal, and political matters of child and family and social services in First Nations communities on reserve, and the role of the law in reconciliation. Dr. Metallic comes from the Listuguj Mi’gmaw First Nation on the Gaspé Coast of Quebec, and currently holds the Chancellor’s Chair in Aboriginal Law and Policy at the Schulich School of Law at Dalhousie University. Notes: 2:55: The First Nations Child & Family Caring Society is more commonly referred to as “The Caring Society” 3:27: Building on the interest of First Nations child and family services leaders to create a national networking organization, the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada (the Caring Society) was developed at the Squamish First Nation in 1998 at a national meeting of First Nations child and family service agencies. 4:00: The Reconciling History initiative seeks to present a balanced and truthful account of historical figures, places, and monuments. You can visit the website for more information: https://fncaringsociety.com/what-you-can-do/ways-make-difference/reconciling-history 4:48: The Touchstones of Hope reconciliation movement dates back to 2005. Learn more here! https://fncaringsociety.com/what-you-can-do/ways-make-difference/touchstones-hope 6:00: The Tribunal has issued twenty-four additional orders since the January 2016 ruling, many of them non-compliance orders against Canada. 6:36: 1.89 million services, products, and supports for First Nations children have been approved via Jordan's Principle since 2016. 7:00: Jordan’s Principle makes sure First Nations children get the supports they need, when they need them. Supports are provided on the basis of substantive equality, best interests of the child, culturally relevant service provision, and account for distinct community circumstances. 10:00: The CHRT ordered Canada to compensate some children and families who experienced denials, delays or disruptions as a result of the government's narrow implementation of Jordan’s Principle. 10:35: As discussed by Dr. Palmater in our last podcast episode, the agreement in principle is non-binding, and a final settlement agreement has yet to be reached. Visit https://fnwitness.ca to learn more. 11:31: Jordan’s Principle does not “evolve”, rather the Tribunal’s orders have served to push Canada toward full implementation in
S1 E1 · Thu, September 15, 2022
S1E1: Dr. Pam Palmater talks colonial politics
Students interview Dr. Pamela Palmater about the Agreements in Principle signed on December 31, 2022, to 1) reform the First Nations Child and Family Services (FNCFS) Program and ensure proper implementation of Jordan’s Principle and 2) compensate those harmed by Canada’s discrimination. Jordan’s Principle ensures that First Nations children can access the supports they need, when they need them. For information about Jordan’s Principle, visit https://jordansprinciple.ca This episode was recorded in the winter of 2022. For a summary of developments since, see https://fnwitness.ca Dr. Pam Palmater is a Mi’kmaw citizen and member of the Eel River Bar First Nation. Dr. Palmater is a Professor at Toronto Metropolitan University where she is the Chair in Indigenous Governance. Pam has been studying, volunteering and working in First Nation issues for over 30 years on a wide range of social, political and legal issues, like poverty, housing, child and family services, treaty rights, education and legislation impacting First Nations. She was one of the spokespeople, organizers and public educators for the Idle No More movement in 2012-13. To learn more about Professor Palmater and her work, visit her website at https://pampalmater.com Notes: @11:30 – Dr. Palmater says the “Federal Court was appealing” - she meant the federal government was appealing at Federal Court. @12:01 – The Caring Society (not First Nations child and family services directly) that is party to the Agreement in Principle. The Caring Society was created at the request of First Nations agencies in 1998 and its membership today includes many First Nations agencies across the country. Produced by Liam Dodge, Clara Estrella, Emily Lahey, Ziyan Liu and Sol Schafer.
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