Episode 25

Georges Erasmus INTERVIEW 2024 Author of Hotá Georges' Book and Personal Journey

Published on: 4th December, 2024

A Indigenous Politician’s Love Story

 

Georges Henry Erasmus, OC is a Canadian politician. He was the national chief of the Assembly of First Nations(AFN) from 1985 to 1991. Georges Erasmus was born in a Dene community in the Northwest Territories to a family of 12 children. George Erasmus is continuing his work as negotiator for the Dehcho First Nations in NWT.

My interview with Georges was both long overdue and insightful, discussing our shared Dene heritage, the importance of language in preserving Dene culture, and the evolution of leadership within Indigenous communities. And on his 50 years in leadership. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/204133626-h-t-a-enough

 

We also discussed the historical context of the Royal Commission (RCAP) on Aboriginal Peoples report, the impact of residential schools, and lastly, we touched on the challenges and progress of reconciliation in Canada, and my journey of creating a non-profit foundation, seventhgift.ca and our personal reflections on Georges' book. and our personal reflections on Georges' book.

• George Erasmus will send me the name of the Indigenous author's book he recently read about a father-son journey.

• Canadian government to implement recommendations from the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples report.

• Canadian government to reinstate the Aboriginal Healing Foundation.

1. Dene Heritage, Language, and Leadership

We discussed our shared Dene heritage and the importance of our mothers. I believe Dene mothers are a powerful and stabilizing force in our life. We also discussed the significance of language in preserving our culture. 

 

Our conversation then shifted to the topic of Indigenous leadership.

2. Indigenous Leadership and Rights Evolution

We discussed the evolution of leadership within Indigenous communities. George explained that the shift in leadership from older to younger generations in the 1960s and 1970s was a response to the liberation and newfound rights that came with the end of colonialism. He also mentioned the struggles faced by indigenous nations in Canada, including the challenge of treaty rights and the push for recognition and governance. I agreed with George's perspective and expressed uncertainty about what would motivate the youth of today to stand up for their rights. George concluded by stating that he believes the struggles of Indigenous communities will continue.

3. RCAP Report's Impact and Reconciliation

We discussed the historical context of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples (RCAP) report and its lack of implementation. George expressed his disappointment in the report's reception, particularly under the leadership of . Jean Chrétien, highlighting the report's importance and the need for government action. We also touched on the impact of residential schools on Indigenous peoples, the creation of the Healing Foundation, and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission as steps towards healing. We agreed that the burden of reconciliation is shared between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, and that acknowledging the past is the first step towards healing.

4.Residential School Payments and Concerns

We discussed the payment of $350 million to survivors of residential schools in Canada. George shared his experience at a meeting where survivors expressed anger and confusion about the use of the funds. Maggie Hodgson was a Director. They were concerned that the money might be used to repay damages instead of creating healing programs.

George discusses the Aboriginal Healing Foundation's efforts to fund community-driven healing programs for residential school survivors using settlement money, noting genuine healing was starting to occur before funding ran out after 17 years, far short of the time needed to address the multi-generational trauma.

5. Challenges and Progress in Reconciliation

We discussed the challenges and progress of reconciliation in Canada, particularly in relation to the implementation of treaties and the role of the Aboriginal Healing Foundation. George emphasized the importance of patience and the need for continued efforts towards self-determination and self-governance. He also shared his personal experiences and the lessons he has learned throughout his life. I agreed with George's advice, emphasizing the importance of perseverance, and not giving up on the struggle for reconciliation.

My interest in partnering with Pound Makers Lodge, a treatment center. GIFT continues to develop courses and train counselors in First Nations communities based on the foundations created 50 years ago with the Nechi institute.

 Links:

https://seventhgift.ca/

https://publications.gc.ca/Pilot/LoPBdP/EB/prb9924-e.htm

https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1524494530110/1557511412801

https://poundmakerslodge.ca/

https://nechi.com/

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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.  
 
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About your host

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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.