Unreserved heads to Six Nations of the Grand River

Six Nations of the Grand River is one of the biggest reserves in Canada with the highest population. It is home to an unusually large number of talented artists. 

The expansive community is just over 100 kilometres southwest of Toronto. Six Nations, or "6nay," as the cool kids call it, sits among rolling hills and beautiful oak, birch and sassafras trees. 

Hang a left off Highway 403 down some windy roads, over a couple hills and you'll find yourself on Chiefswood Road. It is the main road through the territory of the Haudenosaunee people.

The meandering Grand River is always nearby and big old houses dot the land. The streets are named after each of the six nations that make up the Iroquois Confederacy: Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca and the Tuscarora people.

Here are some of the people you'll meet on the show:

What is the connection between Six Nations and the American Revolution? Chief Ava Hill of the Six Nations Elected Council, Lonny Bomberry and Phil Monture talk about the history and future of the reserve.

Sharing the seeds of culture, Mohawk seedkeeper Terrylynn Brant feeds the past, present and future generations by keeping traditional foods alive.

Up-and-coming musician Logan Staats explains an unusual legacy left behind by the local residential school — one of creativity.

Poet Janet Rogers takes us on a tour of the house of E. Pauline Johnson, the Mohawk poet who was the second woman to appear on a Canadian stamp, after the Queen. 

Residential school survivors Audrey Hill and her aunt Roberta Hill share their memories of what it was like to attend the Mohawk Institute.

And artist Elizabeth Doxtater, who owns the Everything Cornhusk store, explains why she uses artwork to "reverse colonialism."

This week's playlist:

​Logan Staats - Rolling Like a River 
Murray Porter - I Feel Lucky 
Derek Miller (featuring Willie Nelson) - Damned If You Do