Episode 3

Ward 1 Indigenous Candidate Debbie Moses

Published on: 2nd October, 2025

I’m honored to welcome my longtime friend, Debbie Moses, as today’s guest on Empathic Witness. Debbie is currently running for the position of Ward One Councilor in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, Fort McMurray, Alberta.

I’ve known Debbie for many years. We first worked together in the 1990s in Edmonton at the Indian Association of Alberta (IAA), where her passion for advocacy and community leadership was already clear. Debbie is a proud Indigenous woman whose caring nature and determination have always guided her work.

That commitment, paired with her compassion and dedication to lifting others, has defined her journey. She continues to stand for Indigenous voices, for community well-being, and for positive change in Wood Buffalo.

In this conversation, we’ll explore her path, her vision for her community, and the values of resilience, care, and responsibility that guide her leadership.

She is not afraid of hard work—after long days of meetings, she would stay up late typing the minutes and have them ready for us the very next morning. Debbie, do you remember when we had a workshop at Nakoda lodge, it just opened.

Major Concerns

1. Economic Stability: A significant concern among residents is the local economy. Candidates are expected to discuss strategies to enhance economic growth and stability, particularly in light of recent fluctuations in the job market.

2. Housing Shortages: There are ongoing issues with housing availability and affordability. The housing market is struggling to keep up with demand, and this remains a critical topic for residents looking for sustainable living conditions.

3. Community Safety: Safety in the community is a pressing issue, including concerns about crime rates and the need for more proactive measures. Candidates should consider presenting plans for enhanced community safety and support for vulnerable groups.

4. Public Engagement: There is a call for better engagement between the council and residents. Voter turnout and participation in local governance are vital, and candidates should propose ways to improve communication and involvement.

5. Environmental Concerns: Environmental issues, including wildfire management and sustainable development practices, are becoming increasingly relevant. Candidates may want to address how they plan to tackle these challenges.

6. Infrastructure Development: As the community grows, there are concerns about infrastructure, including roads, public transportation, and other essential services. Addressing these issues will be essential for candidates.

7. Youth and Family Services: Providing adequate services for families and youth is important, including recreational facilities and educational opportunities. Candidates should highlight their plans for improving these services.

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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

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.