Episode 16

Conversation with Jean Teillet Métis Lawyer and Author

Published on: 18th December, 2022

Jean Teillet is a senior counsel with national law firm Pape Salter Teillet dealing with Indigenous rights law. She is also a published author of the monumental History of the Métis Nation in Canada, The North-West Is Our Mother. Her book is a gripping and very readable and meticulously researched history and has won the Carol Shields History Award among other accolades.

In addition to these accomplishments, I will be speaking to Jean about her early career and her decision to turn to the law. A direct descendent of Louis Riel’s brother, Jean’s advocacy has advanced Métis rights. She was lead counsel in the landmark Powley decision of the Supreme Court of Canada that established the legal basis for Métis Aboriginal rights under the Canadian Constitution. We speak about the Indian Act the adversarial legal process, which is long and costly for First Nations, and yet the Government of Canada persists in dragging Indigenous people into Court to prove their rights.


In this day of “pretendians” it is refreshing to speak to someone who is proud to speak about her Métis ancestry and the community that claims her.

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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

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Angelina Pratt