NS 345 — Wahkotowin Podcast Series
On April 10th, Native Studies 345 and professor Matthew Wildcat, hosted the launch of their Wahkohtowin podcast series.
This series was created as a class initiative in Native Studies 345 — Management Issues in Indigenous Communities. The four-episode series is discussing Wahkohtowin, a Cree-word meaning “kinship, relationship, and family but can expand to mean the whole of creation and our responsibility and reciprocal obligations to one another and the entire world around us.” The episodes discuss Wahkohtowin in ways that each team has uniquely connected to.
The podcast episodes are:
Episode 1: The Complexity of Aboriginal Identity
This episode explores the complex idea of what Aboriginal Identity is and what it means to each of the episode creators. Despite attempts by the government to define and separate Aboriginal people the teachings of wahkotowin continues to connect us. Aboriginal identity cannot be defined by physical appearance, where you are from, or whether or not you know your culture. Identity comes from being true to yourself and being respectful to your surroundings.Episode 2: Urban Native/Concrete Indian
This episode explores finding our wahkotowin within an urban setting. Some people believe living in the city doesn’t allow them to be involved in their culture and have connections to their community. However, we challenge this idea by showing how wahkohtowin can be practiced within the city to help find connection to your people and your community.Episode 3: Weent! That’s Your Cousin — A Discussion on Lateral Violence
A discussion on the roots of lateral violence, what it is/can be in a situational context, and a round table discussion of the ways in which we as group members have experienced discrimination from other Aboriginal people. This episode offers a look at lateral violence in a way that highlights the fact that this does not just occur within a band office but in other situations as well.Episode 4: Promoting Wahkotowin: Indigenous Women and the Drum
This episode seeks to explore the relationship between Indigenous women and the drum. With such diversity in culture among Indigenous communities, the relationships and protocols surrounding women and the drum are equally as varied. Through round-table discussion, this podcast will question the impact of colonial patriarchy on Indigenous women and the drum, the variation in protocol and impact of sacred law and customs on Indigenous women and the drum and the role of the drum and practice of drumming in the promotion of wahkohtowin.
To listen to the podcasts and learn more, please visit the Wahkohtowin Podcast Website
