Randy Jackson and Grace Dillon join Doris to explore how Indigenous Futurisms shape visions of healthy, sexually expansive futures for generations to come. Centering the concept of biskaabiiyang – “returning to ourselves” – this episode highlights strengths-based research grounded in Indigenous ways of knowing and being.

Episode 1 Transcript

Martin Morberg and Lane Bonertz share the creation of the Medicine Bundle – an HIV prevention tool rooted in Two-Spirit culture, tradition, and leadership. This episode highlights how CBRC’s Two-Spirit Program blends self-testing with reconciliation and community-driven action.

Episode 2 Transcript 

Gayle Pruden joins Doris to share stories from her Anishinaabe upbringing, reflecting on the love, language, and teachings passed down by her great-grandfather and grandparents. Interwoven with Anishinaabemowin and humor, this heartfelt episode celebrates embodied tradition and cultural strength across Turtle Island.

Two-Spirit Elder Marjorie Beaucage shares her journey as a filmmaker, activist, and Water Protector, weaving storytelling, art, and ceremony into social change. From HIV advocacy to her 1900Km Water Walk, this episode honours creation, truth, and the transformative power of Indigenous resistance and care.

Episode 4 Transcript

Feast Centre Elders Wayne Seward and Catherine Martin reflect on cultural healing through cedar brushing, traditional medicines, and the power of laughter. With storytelling and songs, they honour the sacred gifts they carry and generously share with community.

Episode 5 Transcript

Honouring World AIDS Day, this episode celebrates Ka Ni Kanichihk Inc. – an Indigenous-led organization rooted in community ceremony and the wisdom of Aunties and Elders. Leslie Spillett, Jacqueline Flett, and Laverne Gervais share how medicine, leadership, and love shaped its founding and purpose.

Episode 6 Transcript

Inuk Elder Naulaq LeDrew shares her journey of holding fast to Inuit knowledge and culture while living away from her homeland. From the survival teachings of food gathering to the sacred sounds of throat singing and the story of Sedna, this episode celebrates resilience, tradition, and land-based identity in urban life.

Episode 7 Transcript

Author and scholar Joshua Whitehead reflects on the evolution of Indigiqueer literature, sharing how his memoir Making Love with the Land explores the beauty and grit of queer Indigenous relationships. Rooted in Indigenous Futurisms and youth legacy, this episode honors the voices blazing trails for Two-Spirit and Indigiqueer communities.

Melissa Morris and Dr. John Schellenberg share how they blended Indigenous and basic science methods to assess syphilis rapid-testing needs, spotlighting the importance of centering Knowledge Translation from the start. Released during World AIDS Day 2024 and Indigenous AIDS Awareness Week, this episode celebrates advances in Indigenous and scientific HIV research.