Episode 1

A Dene’s Quest for Transformation in 2023

Published on: 17th January, 2023

My First guest for 2023 was Norman Yakeleya. Former Indigenous politician. He was the Vice Chief in NWT for the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) and Grand Chief of 26 Dene Nations. He is a consultant and is semi-retired.

Our conversation is authentic and sprinkled with wise thoughtful words on being Dene. He speaks of his 37 years of sobriety and why it is important to him. As he says, it was simple, but he made it complicated.

Our conversation reminded me of what it is to be Dene. To be Dene, is how we show up in the world, as kind, compassion and empathetic, accept things as they are live in the moment.

Being Dene is more than saying I am Dene, or our DNA it is our action behind the words. It is to keep a safe space for one another.

Treat women in your life your mother, sister, niece, aunt, daughters with respect and honor. See their beauty and strength.

Most of us no longer live off the land. The skills used on the land can serve you in the cities too.

Watch what women in your life do for you, your aunt, and your sisters. They are beautiful and strong. When you view them that way you will be less judgmental more caring, and tender towards them. That is being a Dene. Understand our connection to the land, get to know the seasons each season has a lesson, pay attention.

Being Dene is living with the laws of the Dene on and off the land.

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About the Podcast

Empathetic Witness

Personal stories that will encourage and motivate listeners to thrive rather than survive

Season 1 of Empathetic Witness produced seventeen (17) episodes and was my debut into the podcast world. I found the process to be exciting and exhilarating. The podcasts satiated by curious nature, aided me in meeting and getting to know new people, and discovering new knowledge and information. Sharing is an important part of Indigenous Peoples ways of being and doing. I want to share the experience of discovery of new skills and the feeling of purpose and a reason to be and to wake up each day with podcast listeners.

Empathetic Witness wants you to challenge assumptions about Indigenous Peoples. It encourages Indigenous and non-Indigenous persons to embrace true reconciliation as we examine truths, explore reparations, and show up in the world willing to learn and accept the responsibility of reconciliation. Empathetic Witness addresses a whole array of topics encompassing the impact of the creation of residential schools, cultural genocide, the Indian Act, mental health, resilience, and survival. The end goal is to have every listener finish the podcast of the day with a sense of hope and optimism no matter how difficult the conversation.

Each podcast is an hour long. Listening can occur in a commute to and from work, a road trip, an hour set aside for self actualization, or even while preparing a meal.

All podcasts involve conversations with Indigenous people who share their experiences and honour each and everyone of us with their enthusiasm, presence, and wisdom.

Season 2 has begun with the same enthusiasm and a new focus. The new focus will include generating more podcasts with a larger audience and an expansion of learnings.
The initial 1st season had a vision of supporting Seventh Generation Indigenous Foundation and Training (GIFT) seventhgift.ca and its focus was trauma related.

The 2nd season will concentrate solely on Empathetic Witness and its journey. It will include less conversations on addictions and trauma and will concentrate more on triumph and resilience. Empathetic Witness guest will be inspirational First Nation community leaders who will share personal stories that will encourage and motivate listeners to thrive rather than survive.

Future episodes will include interviews with a human rights activist from Lima Peru, an Indigenous Musician, a Dene language keeper, a political leader on economic development, exciting and motivating First Nations self-sufficiency narratives, and much more.

Grab a tea, listen and take part in the Empathetic Witness Podcast journey of discovery, excitement, and pride.

See You There.

About your host

Angelina Pratt

I am Denesuline (Chipewyan), Buddhist, writer From Northern Alberta. I started my podcast to support seventhgift.ca (GIFT) Foundation. And, I started the podcast to inspire and showcase conversations from around the world that are important to humanity.