Resisting, reclaiming and reconnecting to culture

Women have always been leaders in our nations, whether as mothers, elected officials or front line warriors. But colonization, government intervention and loss of tradition changed that. Now, Indigenous women are resisting, reclaiming and reconnecting to culture. 

Last week new NDP MLA Nahanni Fontaine, who is Anishinabe, broke from the usual protocol of using a bible to be sworn-in to the Manitoba legislature. Instead, she used her traditional sacred pipe.

Artist Susan Blight is renaming and reclaiming.  She is returning language to public spaces in Toronto through the use of billboards and street signs.  

Like many Canadian cities, Ottawa is home to a growing Indigenous population. People move to the capital for school, work, family and many other reasons. But despite often being far away from their communities, many Indigenous people strive to maintain a bond with the place they call home. CBC Ottawa's Waubgeshig Rice collected their stories. 

Purdue University archaeologist Kory Cooper, and a group of high school students learn how to work with copper along the banks of the Yukon River. 

Ellen Gabriel stood at the front line during the Oka Crisis. Now she says it's time women take back their leadership roles.

We take you to Kayleen Hanna and Alex Harry`s big day. The Nlaka'pamux Nation couple included traditional elements in their wedding ceremony. 

This week's playlist:

Don Amero - It's Up to You

Digging Roots - Cover Me

Kelly Fraser - Fight for the Rights

The Johnnys - Time to Shine