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Conversation Series

Conversations That Lead With Care

These conversations are powerful entry points into the lived experiences, teachings, and leadership shaping Indigenous STBBI research and advocacy across Turtle Island. From gender identity to community-led health initiatives, the Feast Centre brings together Elders, advocates, researchers, and storytellers to unpack urgent issues and celebrate collective knowledge.

Each thumbnail offers a gateway – watch, read, and reflect to deepen your understanding of the work that is transforming lives, policy, and futures.

Conversation On Sex Work

This timely conversation brings together Indigenous sex worker advocates, legal experts, and community leaders to explore the realities of sex work, wellbeing, and advocacy in Canada. Moderated by Elder Sheila Nyman, the panel reflects on stigma, support systems, and the urgent need to center Indigenous voices in labour law and workplace safety. Held ahead of the International Day to End Violence Against Sex Workers, this dialogue uplifts stories of resilience and calls for systemic change rooted in cultural care and lived experience.

Watch the Conversation on Sex Work to hear powerful reflections from Indigenous leaders and advocates on the current realities of sex work, systemic stigma, and the need for culturally grounded support.

Revisiting "Know Your Status"

This panel celebrates the transformative work of Saskatchewan’s First Nations-led STBBI initiatives through the Know Your Status program, highlighting community-driven innovation, harm reduction, and care rooted in Indigenous values. Speakers reflect on its evolution over the past decade and discuss its role in advancing UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets to end the AIDS epidemic.

Watch Revisiting “Know Your Status” to hear firsthand how Indigenous communities are reshaping health responses with strength and care.

Read the Revisiting “Know Your Status” transcript for in-depth insights into the program’s growth, impact, and future.

Understanding Monkeypox In Indigenous Communities

This conversation brings together infectious disease experts and Indigenous leaders to unpack the realities of monkeypox, challenge misinformation, and explore its impact on marginalized communities – including Two-Spirit, trans, and sex worker populations. The panel emphasizes the importance of culturally grounded responses and collective care.

Watch Understanding Monkeypox In Indigenous Communities to hear how Indigenous voices are shaping public health conversations around monkeypox.

Download the Mpox in Indigenous Communities reflection guide for valuable further reading, discussion questions and learning exercises.

Reflecting On The Papal Visit: Sexual Health, Gender Identity And Reparations

This powerful conversation examines the legacy of Euro-Christian churches in shaping colonial violence against Indigenous peoples, with a focus on the Papal visit and its implications for reparations, gender identity, and sexual health. Speakers reclaim Two-Spirit narratives and explore pathways to healing through Indigenous teachings and community dialogue.

Watch Reflecting On The Papal Visit: Sexual Health, Gender Identity And Reparations to hear how Indigenous leaders are responding to historical harms and envisioning futures rooted in justice and care.

Read the Reflecting On The Papal Visit: Sexual Health, Gender Identity And Reparations transcript for a deeper understanding of the discussion, including reflections on gender-based violence, midwifery, and the restoration of Indigenous values.

Hepatitis C In Indigenous Communities: Hearing The Full Story

This heartfelt conversation explores the realities of Hepatitis C in Indigenous communities, blending clinical expertise with personal stories of healing, ceremony, and resilience. Speakers share insights on community-led responses, cultural practices, and the importance of Indigenous leadership in shaping health futures.

Watch Hepatitis C In Indigenous Communities: Hearing The Full Story to hear how medicine and tradition come together to support wellness and advocacy.

Read the Hepatitis C In Indigenous Communities: Hearing The Full Story transcript for a deeper look into the discussion, including reflections from Dr. Marina Klein, Kokum Gayle Pruden, and Ms. Kacheena Naytowhow.

Conversations On Gender – Parts 1 & 2

This two-part series opens a vital dialogue on gender and gender identity through Indigenous teachings, lived experiences, and cultural frameworks. Speakers reflect on tensions, traditions, and the importance of ongoing conversations that honor diverse voices within FNIM communities.

Watch Conversations On Gender – Parts 1 and Conversations On Gender – Part 2 of the conversation to hear reflections on the Sacred Pipe, Auntie roles, and embodied Indigenous knowledge.

The HIV Pandemic And Indigenous Peoples

Elder Albert McLeod shares reflections on the HIV pandemic’s impact on Indigenous communities, weaving together personal experience, historical context, and cultural teachings. This conversation highlights the importance of Indigenous leadership, ceremony, and advocacy in responding to HIV with care and resilience.

Watch The HIV Pandemic And Indigenous Peoples to hear Elder McLeod’s insights on community healing and the power of storytelling.

A History Of Indigenous HIV/AIDS In Canada: A Retrospective With ChangeMakers

This conversation honors the legacy of Indigenous HIV/AIDS advocacy, bringing together community leaders and elders to reflect on decades of activism, resilience, and care. Panelists share stories of grassroots organizing, cultural leadership, and the ongoing fight for health justice in Indigenous communities.

Watch A History Of Indigenous HIV/AIDS In Canada: A Retrospective With ChangeMakers to hear powerful reflections from ChangeMakers shaping the movement.

Read the A History Of Indigenous HIV/AIDS In Canada: A Retrospective With ChangeMakers transcript for a deeper look into the conversation’s historical and cultural significance.

Winter Stories With The Feast Centre Council Of Elders

This heartwarming event invites you into a circle of storytelling led by the Feast Centre Council of Elders, where winter becomes a time of reflection, connection, and cultural wisdom. Through shared stories, teachings, and laughter, the Elders offer inspiration and insight rooted in Indigenous traditions.

Watch Winter Stories With The Feast Centre Council Of Elders to experience the warmth and wisdom of the Winter Stories gathering.