2023 Host Shoshona Kish speaks with Two-Spirit artist and performer Ilona Verley.  Hailing from the Nlaka’pamux Nation, Verley’s vibrant and boundary-pushing presence on the reality TV show “Canada’s Drag Race” garnered widespread attention. With a flair for combining Indigenous culture, pop culture, and stunning fashion, they challenge norms and embrace fluidity in both gender and creativity. Beyond the spotlight, Ilona is a passionate advocate for Two-Spirit visibility, mental health awareness, and Indigenous rights. Through their artistry and advocacy, Ilona Verley continues to reshape narratives, inspiring countless individuals to embrace their authentic selves and celebrate their unique journeys. You can follow along with Ilona Verley here: https://www.instagram.com/ilonaverley/

2023 Host Shoshona Kish speaks with Two-Spirit artist and performer Ilona Verley.  Hailing from the Nlaka’pamux Nation, Verley’s vibrant and boundary-pushing presence on the reality TV show “Canada’s Drag Race” garnered widespread attention. With a flair for combining Indigenous culture, pop culture, and stunning fashion, they challenge norms and embrace fluidity in both gender and creativity. Beyond the spotlight, Ilona is a passionate advocate for Two-Spirit visibility, mental health awareness, and Indigenous rights. Through their artistry and advocacy, Ilona Verley continues to reshape narratives, inspiring countless individuals to embrace their authentic selves and celebrate their unique journeys. You can follow along with Ilona Verley here: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ilonaverley/">https://www.instagram.com/ilonaverley/</a>

In recognition of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30th, the Gord Downie & Chanie Wenjack Fund (DWF) is proud to partner once again with major media outlets and radio stations throughout Canada for A Day to Listen 2023.

Join us on September 30 from 6am-6pm, #NDTR National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Radio stations throughout Canada will come together to celebrate the diversity of Indigenous identity with special guests and your hosts, William Prince, Aysanabee, and ShoShona Kish. For more information, visit https://adaytolisten.ca/ 

In recognition of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30th, the Gord Downie &amp; Chanie Wenjack Fund (DWF) is proud to partner once again with major media outlets and radio stations throughout Canada for A Day to Listen 2023.
Join us on September 30 from 6am-6pm, #NDTR National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Radio stations throughout Canada will come together to celebrate the diversity of Indigenous identity with special guests and your hosts, William Prince, Aysanabee, and ShoShona Kish. For more information, visit https://adaytolisten.ca/

A Day To Listen

A Day to Listen on September 30, 2023

Ilona Verley: Finding Your Voice

2023 Host Aysanabee speaks with Mi’gmaq entrepreneur Victoria LaBillois who owns Wejipeg Excavation Inc. and co-owns Wejuseg Construction Inc. She is from Listuguj, Quebec and has served both the First Nation and federal public service, working at the Band, regional, and national levels.  Victoria is currently serving as Vice-Chair of the National Indigenous Economic Development Board. Victoria holds a BA in political science and an MBA both from the University of New Brunswick. She holds a contractor’s license from Régie du bâtiment du Québec. From 2020 to 2022, Victoria represented the National Indigenous Economic Development Board in the development of Canada’s first National Indigenous Economic Strategy. She also served as co-chair for a national Steering Committee with the Canadian Construction Association. She serves as a mentor to Indigenous women at the Coady Institute in Nova Scotia as well as a coach and role model in several leadership and capacity development programs.  Helping to build skills around managing money, Victoria teaches financial literacy to Indigenous youth. Find out more about her work: https://www.wejuseg.com/

2023 Host Aysanabee speaks with Mi’gmaq entrepreneur Victoria LaBillois who owns Wejipeg Excavation Inc. and co-owns Wejuseg Construction Inc. She is from Listuguj, Quebec and has served both the First Nation and federal public service, working at the Band, regional, and national levels.  Victoria is currently serving as Vice-Chair of the National Indigenous Economic Development Board. Victoria holds a BA in political science and an MBA both from the University of New Brunswick. She holds a contractor’s license from Régie du bâtiment du Québec. From 2020 to 2022, Victoria represented the National Indigenous Economic Development Board in the development of Canada’s first National Indigenous Economic Strategy. She also served as co-chair for a national Steering Committee with the Canadian Construction Association. She serves as a mentor to Indigenous women at the Coady Institute in Nova Scotia as well as a coach and role model in several leadership and capacity development programs.  Helping to build skills around managing money, Victoria teaches financial literacy to Indigenous youth. Find out more about her work: <a href="https://www.wejuseg.com/">https://www.wejuseg.com/</a>

Victoria LaBillois: Breaking Business Barriers

2023 Host Shoshona Kish speaks with Cindy Blackstock, a member of the Gitxsan First Nation, and the Executive Director of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society.  She is also a professor at McGill University’s School of Social Work. She has over 30 years of experience working in child welfare and Indigenous children’s rights and has published on topics relating to reconciliation, Indigenous theory, First Nations child welfare, and human rights. A recipient of the SSHRC Gold Medal, Cindy worked with First Nations colleagues on a successful human rights challenge to Canada’s inequitable provision of child and family services and failure to implement Jordan’s Principle. This hard-fought litigation resulted in hundreds of thousands of services being provided to First Nations children, youth, and families. Cindy is frequently sighted in the company of the Caring Society’s reconciliation Ambearrister, Spirit Bear, engaging children in meaningful actions to implement the TRC Calls to Action. Find out more about her work: https://fncaringsociety.com/

2023 Host Shoshona Kish speaks with Cindy Blackstock, a member of the Gitxsan First Nation, and the Executive Director of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society.  She is also a professor at McGill University’s School of Social Work. She has over 30 years of experience working in child welfare and Indigenous children’s rights and has published on topics relating to reconciliation, Indigenous theory, First Nations child welfare, and human rights. A recipient of the SSHRC Gold Medal, Cindy worked with First Nations colleagues on a successful human rights challenge to Canada’s inequitable provision of child and family services and failure to implement Jordan’s Principle. This hard-fought litigation resulted in hundreds of thousands of services being provided to First Nations children, youth, and families. Cindy is frequently sighted in the company of the Caring Society’s reconciliation Ambearrister, Spirit Bear, engaging children in meaningful actions to implement the TRC Calls to Action. Find out more about her work: <a href="https://fncaringsociety.com/">https://fncaringsociety.com/</a>

Cindy Blackstock: Our Children Are The Future

2023 Host Aysanabee has a conversation with Alan Greyeyes, the Festival Director for the sākihiwē festival who has been providing artist and project management services in the music industry for nearly 20 years. He also volunteers with the Polaris Music Prize board of directors; the RBC Convention Centre board of directors; and the Indigenous committees at the National Music Centre and the Winnipeg Folk Festival. In 2023, Alan received the Making a Difference award from the Winnipeg Arts Council and in 2020 he earned the Arts Award of Distinction from the Manitoba Arts Council. Alan is a member of Peguis First Nation. Find out more about Alan's festival: https://www.sakihiwe.ca/

2023 Host Aysanabee has a conversation with Alan Greyeyes, the Festival Director for the sākihiwē festival who has been providing artist and project management services in the music industry for nearly 20 years. He also volunteers with the Polaris Music Prize board of directors; the RBC Convention Centre board of directors; and the Indigenous committees at the National Music Centre and the Winnipeg Folk Festival. In 2023, Alan received the Making a Difference award from the Winnipeg Arts Council and in 2020 he earned the Arts Award of Distinction from the Manitoba Arts Council. Alan is a member of Peguis First Nation. Find out more about Alan's festival: <a href="https://www.sakihiwe.ca/">https://www.sakihiwe.ca/</a>

Ilona Verley: Finding Your Voice

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