Welcome to Good Medicine sponsored by the BC First Nations Health Authority! Im your host Ashley Pimlott, and I want to know “what does Good Medicine means to you?”   Today is our VERY first episode and we are honoured to have Canada's first female Indigenous psychiatrist, with over 20 years' clinical experience working with Indigenous people in both rural and urban settings, and FNHAs new Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Nel Wiemam. 

In this episode Dr. Wieman speaks to why she was drawn to this line of work, her goals for this portion of her medical career, and the importance of making healthier choices like traditional food.

If you or someone you know is in need of culturally safe and trauma informed supports, and emergency health programs, please visit FNHA.ca 

To find more Good Medicine, head to cjnyfm.ca/goodmedicine/, you can also find us on Facebook and Instagram!

If you would like to be featured on Good Medicine or know someone who should, contact us at apimlott@journeyfm.ca

Have a wonderful night and I’ll see you again next week on… Good Medicine!

Good Medicine E1 - Dr Nel Wieman

Today we’re talking about this years upcoming Gathering our Voices Aboriginal Youth Conference- happening March 22-25 in Vancouver, BC! This event includes speakers, workshops, entertainment, a career and education fair, and an artisan marketplace. It’s an unforgettably powerful experience, and who better to have on air with us today than this years Gathering Our Voices, Master of Ceremonies, Elijah Mac here to share his story of how he was inspired to make a difference for youth, and in turn became an inspiration to many. We chat about how he grew as an entrepreneur from newspaper delivery person and high school dropout, to a successful indigenous restaurant owner, and youth advocate.

If you can hear the expresso machine going off in the background, thats a testimate to how hard working and busy Elijah is, recording his interview from his restaurant in Merritt, Kekuli Cafe. 

We chat a bit about its possible to heal intergenerational trauma with love, and pass that love on to next generations. We discuss how Elijah started as a volunteer with Gathering Our Voices and how it inspires youth and volunteers alike. He speaks about how participant walk in as strangers, but leave as family: glowing smiles- full of motivation and pride… here on GOOD MEDICINE.

Good Medicine E2 - Elijah Mack

On todays episode we discuss the ongoing Toxic Drug Crisis in BC. 

Our guest today specialized in psychiatry, and has over 20 years experience working with indigenous Communities. Its First Nations Health Authority, Chief Medical Officer… Dr Nel Wieman!

We chat about what keeps Dr Nel hopeful and healthy, and how she engages in small transformative choices and accountability. Listen to our conversation about how the Covid pandemic amplified the toxic drug crisis, how clean supplies and decriminalization aims to lessen some impacts from substance abuse. 

We explore harm reduction tactics like drug checking, never using alone, starting low and going slow, using the lifeguard app, naloxone, and forming relationships with nurses, prevention workers, and clean sponsors.

We mention how the medias representation of the drug crisis is vastly inaccurate, portraying Vancouvers downtown east side, but in reality, people from all walks of life use substances to escape their pain.  People are dying, they are parents, family members, coworkers, and the teenage kid down the street.

Good Medicine E3 - Dr Nel Wieman

On todays episode we discuss the ongoing Toxic Drug Crisis in BC, and how empathy and love can make all the difference for someone struggling. Our guest today specialized in psychology, and is now the director of health emergency management at the BC First Nations Health Authority… JODIE MILLWARD!
 
Listen to our conversation about what inspired Jodie to pursue this journey, how she utilizes both traditional teachings and western education in her role with FNHA, and what Good Medicine means to her. 

Jodie and I discuss the common misconceptions surroundging addictions, as well as what we can do to help destigmitize the struggle with substance use. We cover important topics like the recent drug decriminalization, how FNHA helps service providors integrate culture and ceremony into the important work they do to remove barriers that isolate people who use drugs.

Remember, not everyone who uses drugs is bad, a criminal, or not safe to be around, and NO one is passed redemption. everyone belongs, everyone has a role to play, no one is less than. The opposite of addiction is NOT abstinence, its CONNECTION. We want you to know, If youre looking for support, continue reaching out, we love you, we hear you we see you, we support you we want to help keep you safe and keep you alive. Dont give up, keep reaching out. start your journey by emailing harmreduction@fnha.ca and they will connect you to the right services.

To find more Good Medicine, head to cjnyfm.ca/goodmedicine, you can also find us on Facebook, Instagram, and SoundCloud!

Have a wonderful night, a safe night, and I’ll see you again next week on… Good Medicine!
 
#good #medicine #health #wellness #traditional #healing #culture #support #FNHA #CFNR #CJNY #firstnations #knowledge #spirituality

Good Medicine E4 - Jodie Millward

Basketball is much more than just a sport for indigenous peoples here in the NorthWest. Due to the impacts of colonization and residential schools, we were almost completely robbed of our culture, our language, our traditions, regalia, and in come cases… our pride. Abused and tramatized to the point that indigenous people unfortunately now sit at the top of statistics for homelessness and addictions, BUT Basketball is a positive demographic that indigenous peoples are proud to dominate to this day. 

The All Native Basketball Tournament held every year in Prince Rupert BC, started as a way to overcome the unjust potlach ban. A way to reclaim our traditions and bring them into the spolight becuase we are people worth showcasing.

The ANBT has great cultural and economic significance, bringing abundance to the businesses who operate within the small community of Prince Rupert, creating lifelong friendships and bonds. 

If you havent been, it's powerful, it moves you, there's an unmeasurable amount of pride to represent your community in that good way. 

We have a young inspiratinal player with us today to talk about her journey with basketball! She’s recently played in the largest youth basketball event in BC, the Jr all Native Basketball tournament, hosted this year by the Snuneymuxw Nation after a two year hiatus due to covid, and exclusively broadcast by Your Nation Your Station, CFNR. Allow me to introduce, up and comming star athlete and honor student, Avryl Jones from Gitanmaax!

Avryl has played for multiple teams such as her Jr and Sr girls highschool teams, the Jr Mystics, Womens Mystics, and the Every Child Matters womens league.  
 
We explore how Avryl got started on her basketball journey, how she physically and mentally prepares for a large tournament, what players she looks up to, and where she sees herself in 5 years. 

Listen to our conversation about how playing ball influences her mental state and brings families and communities together.

We chat about what inspires her to keep a positive life balance like family and community support, her overall love for the game, pride in representing her people, and more... here, on Good Medicine.

Good Medicine E5 - Avryl Jones

Today, on Good Medicine, we discuss the topic of safe, sexual health within the LQBTQIA2S+ community. 
 
Our special guest has worked in multiple clinics in Kamloops and Vancouver, at remote practices within indigenous communities, and is currently the Two-Spirit Program Manager at the Vancouver Community based research centre. He is known for his passion about access to safe and competent care, and decolonizing research and practice. He is a voice for those struggling with sexual violence, suicide among men, and sexual self worth. It's Certified, Registered Nurse, and 2-Spirit advocate, Jessy Dame!
 
Listen to our conversation about… how sex is sacred here on Good Medicine.
 
If you are searching for culturally safe, gender inclusive sexual health care please visit cbrc.net

To listen to this conversation, head to the link in our bio!
 
#good #medicine #health #wellness #traditional #healing #culture #support #FNHA #CFNR #CJNY #firstnations #knowledge #spirituality #LGBTQ #LGBTQIA #LGBTQIA2S+ #2Spirit

Good Medicine E6 - Jessy Dame

On todays episode of Good Medicine with Elaine Alec...

We discuss breaking cycles, making goals, and having compassion for yourself. Hear Elaine explain about how everyone deserves to take up space just as they are, and how living your authentic life actually inspires others to do the same.

Remember… you dont have to change who you are to make other people comfortable.

If you are an organizatin or team looking to hire Elaine to come into your community, please visit Naqsmist.com

If youre looking for workshops, public training, events, or Elains book “Calling my spirit back” go to elainealec.com 

If you would like to become a trainer, access more information at cultivatingsafespaces.com

#good #medicine #health #wellness #traditional #healing #culture #support #FNHA #CFNR #CJNY #firstnations #knowledge #spirituality

Good Medicine E7 - Elaine Alec

Today, on Good Medicine, we discuss indigenous representation within the acting community. 

Our special guest today is an Actress, singer, songwriter; was nominated for the Canadian Screen Awards in 2014 for her performance on Blackstone; has a recurring role on Degrassi: Next Class; and has been on the acting scene since she was 12 years old! It’s CHERI MARACLE!

We discuss her most recent role in the play White Noise, written by the late Taron Kootenhayoo. His dream originally postponed due to the pandemic, but now being fulfilled by the amazing cast and crew. Cheri tells us how this play pushes boundaries and uses humour to talk about serious issues.

Listen to the story of how it all started for Cheri at the Firehall, and how it feels now, almost 30 years later, back again at the Firehall for the White Noise Play. 

We discuss the important role we play as indigenous people and what an honour is it to share this message… here on Good Medicine. 
 
If you want to check out WHITE NOISE, the Firehall Arts Centre and Savage Society will honour Kootenhayoo’s memory by presenting his play, White Noise, Until May 1st.

#good #medicine #health #wellness #traditional #healing #culture #support #FNHA #CFNR #CJNY #firstnations #knowledge #spirituality

Good Medicine E8 - Cheri Maracle

Today, on Good Medicine with Lisa Mueller… 

We discuss the annual Nation 2 Nation conference, a First Nations business forum in Terrace, BC happening since 2015, and the new She Leads Nation 2 Nation Womens Gathering Happening May 25-26 in Smithers, BC. 

Our special guest, Lisa Mueller, has a Passion to see FN flourish in the business economy. Lisa created the N2N Forum to bring together First Nations, Government, Industry and community leaders to engage in important conversations about economic development and doing business with First Nations.

Lisa speaks to how the experience gathers energy in that good way—a safe and honest space to share a connection and expand leadership journeys of self improvement.

Listen to the story of how the N2N Conference started, what makes the Women's Gathering so special, and Lisa’s message to aspiring entrepreneurs!

To find more information about the N2N gatherings, or to suggest future presentation topics, visit nation2nation.ca. You can also find them on Linked in, Facebook, and Twitter.
 
#good #medicine #health #wellness #traditional #healing #culture #support #FNHA #CFNR #CJNY #firstnations #knowledge #spirituality #N2N #Witset #PNW

Good Medicine E9 - Lisa Mueller

Today, on Good Medicine with Tom Morris. BE COURAGEOUS.

We learn about the life-changing Transformations Retreat that takes place at Ness Lake Camp in Prince George, BC. We talk about what makes the youth retreat so awesome, and the adult retreat so effective. Tom explains how life is hard… but we get to choose our hard, and the hardest part of recovery is deciding to make a change.

Looking for more information about the Transformations Retreat? Head over to transformations.ca

#good #medicine #health #wellness #traditional #healing #culture #support #FNHA #CFNR #CJNY #firstnations #knowledge #spirituality

Good Medicine E10 - Tom Morris

Director Lyana Patrick joins Char on the JourneyFM to talk about her new Documentary, "Nechako: It Will Be a Big River Again", which is screening at Vancouver's DOXA Film Festival, Saturday, May 3rd and Friday, May 9th, 2025. Check out DOXAFestival.ca

Nechako: It Will Be a Big River Again, Interview with Director Lyana Patrick

Northern Native Broadcasting