Roy L Hales/Cortes Currents - In a series of tweets between 2019 and 2021, the Conservative candidate for North Island Powell River, Aaron Gunn, argued against the the idea that residential schools were a form of genocide.  In the first of these he agreed that they were ‘truly horrific events,’ but added that people should not refer to them with a loaded word like ‘genocide’ that does not remotely reflect the reality of what happened.” He was wrong, residential schools are a perfect example of genocide.

Mr Gunn’s understanding of the term appears to be limited to ‘killing of a large number of people,’ but when Raphael Lemkin coined the term he stated it wasn’t necessary to kill people. There were also genocides of political and social institutions, culture, language, national feelings, religion, and the economic existence of national groups.

Lemkin was a Jewish lawyer who fled from his native Poland after the Germans overran it in 1939. He was deeply concerned about NAZI Germany’s extermination policy.
In his book Axis Rule in Occupied Europe (1944), Lemkin wrote: 

“By ‘genocide’ we mean the destruction of a nation or of an ethnic group. This new word, coined by the author to denote an old practice in its modern development, is made from the ancient Greek word genos (race, tribe) and the Latin cide (killing), thus corresponding in its formation to such words as tyrannicide, homocide, infanticide, etc. Generally speaking, genocide does not necessarily mean the immediate destruction of a nation, except when accomplished by mass killings of all members of a nation. It is intended rather to signify a coordinated plan of different actions aiming at the destruction of essential foundations of the life of national groups, with the aim of annihilating the groups themselves. The objectives of such a plan would be disintegration of the political and social institutions, of culture, language, national feelings, religion, and the economic existence of national groups, and the destruction of the personal security, liberty, health, dignity, and even the lives of the individuals belonging to such groups.”
He added that. “Genocide has two phases: one, destruction of the national pattern of the oppressed group; the other, the imposition of the national pattern of the oppressor. This imposition, in turn, may be made upon the oppressed population which is allowed to remain upon the territory …”

Lemkin also coined the term cultural genocide, which is the systematic destruction of traditions, values, language, and other elements that make one group of people distinct from another. 
How does this relate to Aaron Gunn’s Tweets?

These three appear to be misguided: 
“There was no genocide. Stop lying to people and read a book …”; 

“I understand that people have a misinformed view of history which they have reached following a steady and persistent attempt to discredit Canada’s past in order to undermine its institutions and future.” 

“Residential schools were asked for by Indigenous bands in Eastern Ontario when John A MacDonald was still a teenager.”

This last remark refers to residential schools in eastern Ontario sometime between 1828 and 1835, when John A MacDonald was a teenager, but according to the Canadian Encyclopedia, the purpose of residential schools changed during the 1870s.

“With the passage of the British North America Act in 1867, and the implementation of the Indian Act (1876), the government was required to provide Indigenous youth with an education and to assimilate them into Canadian society.” 

Aaron Gunn, Residential Schools and the Meanings of Genocide

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

A joyful story celebrating the natural world, the sharing of culture through Noongar language and the awe that comes from seeing, hearing and feeling how elemental forces shape the earth.

Papa says we're going to a special place today.
'If we djinang (look), ni (listen), goordoo (feel), we might hear boodjar wangkiny (earth speak). We might even feel her heartbeat.'
I wonder what that will sound like? Will the earth's heart beat just like ours?

A bush walk in a stunning landscape becomes a heartfelt invitation for children to engage with their senses, care for the environment, and learn some Noongar language words along the way.

Earthspeak by Sean McCann, illustrated by Jade Goodwin

Spinifex w/ Mia - Radio Buena Vida 08.05.25

Conversation with dancer and choreographer JASMIN SHEPPARD about PREPARING GROUND – a new dance work that invites us to join First Peoples’ care of Land as an urgent act for our shared future.

PREPARING GROUND is a First Nations-led dance work co-directed by pioneering indigenous artist Marilyn Miller, alongside Jasmin Sheppard and Katina Olsen. It dances of the future Future—a world where care for Country and community continues generationally. It reminds us that our survival depends on an enduring relationship with the land, and that the path forward is one we must walk together.

More about this work: https://www.blakdance.org.au/articles/preparing-ground

Also featured on the show, a music from SOUND THE ALARM, a 16-piece ensemble led by double bassist Clayton Thomas, in response to the genocide in Palestine. 

The track was recorded during their live performance at Johnston Street Jazz (June 2024). The music is a composed improvisation, described by Clayton as “a sonic allegory and a simple way to collect human energy in the right place for the right reasons.”

All the proceeds from the album go towards humanitarian aid in Gaza: https://claytonthomas.bandcamp.com


Originally aired on Eastside Radio 89.7FM on 12 May 2025.

The track featured at the very beginning is by Samuel Pankhurst who is a sound designer on PREPARING GROUND. 

Sympoiesis radio show is produced on the Gadigal land of the Eora nation, traditional custodians of this land. We pay our respect and gratitude to the elders past, present, and yet to come.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/sympoiesisradioshow
Instagram: www.instagram.com/sympoiesis_radio_show

PRESENTER/INTERVIEWER: Ira Ferris (www.instagram.com/artemisprojects)

EP73: Jasmin Sheppard (Preparing Ground)

In late march 2025 the Co-operatives Federation of Australia held their assembly, or conference.
Align in the Sound was there to have a short yarn with many of the very diverse Co-ops who were present.
Here is one now!


10 Yolngu Midwifery Co-op - Gunj and Guyapil with Sarah CF25

9 Tranby Aboriginal Co-operative - Catherine Stone CF25

Asiah Holm performs LIVE with Zack Elliott on this edition of It Takes A Village on CJSR 88.5 FM

Asiah Holm

Robyn Jean is a Noongar/Yamatji artist and photographer whose work explores cultural identity, resilience, and the healing power of nature. A Curtin University graduate, she creates layered imagery and collaborates on public art projects.

After receiving an unexpected epiphany while watching Star Wars, Robyn decided to chase her dreams.

ABOUT THE COLLECTION:
City of Stirling Backstories at Perth Festival is a collection showcasing stories from members of the community in City of Stirling. These stories were produced in partnership and made possible by generous funding from City of Stirling and Perth Festival. Storytellers participated in a series of workshops where they worked with our specialist story trainer, Vuma Phiri, to craft first-person narratives about their memorable experiences living in this neighbourhood.

In this collection, you will hear live recordings from five unique voices shared at an intimate Perth Festival event.

This story and corresponding images are owned by the storyteller and have been licensed to the Centre for Stories. For reproduction and distribution of this story/image please contact the Centre for Stories.

To support Centre for Stories in helping more important truths to be told and share, please consider donating or partnering with us. You can find out more about Centre for Stories at www.centreforstories.com.

This episode was narrated and produced by Vuma Phiri from Centre for Stories. Original music and sound engineering by Mason Vellios. Live recording by Mason Vellios

City of Stirling Backstories: Robyn Jean

City of Stirling Backstories: Robyn Jean Templeton

All right

The Four Winds by Dujon Niue

Did National Weather Service Cuts Worsen the Disaster in Texas? That story and more on H2O Radio’s weekly news report.

Headlines:

After the devastating floods in Texas, questions have been raised asking whether cuts to the National Weather Service contributed to the disaster.

A new study says melting glaciers could trigger explosive volcanic eruptions globally.

The war in Ukraine has sparked a clean energy revolution in the country.

Integrating Indigenous knowledge can improve solar power forecasts.

This Week in Water for July 13, 2025

“I was born on this planet, why do I pay to exist here?” That’s one question proposed by Hossein in today’s podcast episode. Additionally, we discuss how his political asylum has affected his career as a documentary filmmaker, and dive further into a philosophical discussion, while learning more about his latest award winning film “I Am Gitxsan” which explores a recent high school graduate reconnecting with his Indigenous heritage in Hazelton, British Columbia, Canada.

Visit his production website: www.fazelifilms.com
or for his latest film “I am Gitxsan” on the web: www.iamgitxsan.com

Hossein Martin Fazeli has been an A-List director in North America for many years. He has been producing, directing, and writing fiction and non-fiction television and film for more than two decades and has extensive international experience, having worked on location in a dozen different countries.

His films have been broadcast around the world, including on CBC, BBC, ARTE, and Canal+, winning 45 international awards in the process.

Throughout the years he has collaborated with organizations such as UNDP, European Commission, and Nonviolence International on a wide range of film and television projects, including national and regional campaigns, exploring issues such as human rights, women's rights, and minority rights.

His 2007 production, "The Tale of Two Nazanins", about a teenage girl imprisoned on death row in Iran, was broadcast on major international networks such as the BBC and CNN and is credited with igniting an international campaign that saved her life.

In 2008, Fazeli was chosen by the Sundance Institute to take part in their International Filmmakers Award. He has lectured around the world on the ever changing face of film production and has held workshops with students at various educational institutions such as SFU (Canada), SOAS (UK), Aarhus University (Denmark) and the European Film Academy.
For more info, please visit: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3347515/

Please visit our youtube channel for more videos and be sure to like and subscribe. 
https://www.youtube.com/@BreakingIndie

Ep. 13 Hossein Martin Fazel, “I Am Gitxsan”

This warm and accessible title in the bestselling and award-winning Welcome to Our Country series invites children to feel the vastness of the Dreaming and its central place in the spirituality and lives of First Nations people. From Australian of the Year Adam Goodes, former journalist Ellie Laing and Barkindji illustrator David Hardy.

In my dreaming at night, I see pictures behind my eyes that take me far away.
Way way back in the beginning, Akurras slithered, carving rivers, in a Creation story from my Dreaming, my Muda.
Law men came down from the sky to teach us about our Country.
In my Muda, the Ancestors are never far, and I can see how I fit and who I am.

Told in a child's voice, Dreaming is a joyful and thought-provoking story in the bestselling and award-winning Welcome to Our Country series, and follows one young girl as she imagines what it might be like to be part of the Dreaming, past and present.

Dreaming: Welcome to Our Country by Adam Goodes and Ellie Laing, illustrated by David Hardy

Rekindled Systems feat. Melbourne Chamber Orchestra Live at Chapter House on 19th October 2024

Ancient voices hum beneath the soil. Dreamtime and eternity merge as the seeker learns to listen — to the land, the ancestors, the enduring pulse of creation. The Earth herself becomes sacred scripture. This song honors Indigenous wisdom not by speaking for it, but by reverently listening to its echoes — understanding that the divine is not owned, but shared through time, and that the "song of the past setting us free" is an invitation to step into eternity by returning to our most ancient roots.

Eternal Echoes

Get ready because... Our teaser episode has arrived! 

Hear the voices, insights, and stories of Nations reclaiming self-government all over the country.

Are you interested in the Inherent Right to self-government, section 35, Aboriginal rights, and Indigenous rights? This podcast is for you.

Covering all these topics and more, join us on the journey as we learn from multi-generations of informed voices. 

Full podcast launches Nov 17 — follow us so you don’t miss it! 

Available on Spotify, Facebook, YouTube, and SoundCloud.

Don't forget to follow our Instagram and LinkedIn as well.

IG: @iriv.podcast
LinkedIn: Rebuilding First Nation Governance
Spotify: Inherent Rights Informed Voices
FB: @Inherent Rights Informed Voices
YouTube: Inherent Rights Informed Voices


Inherent Rights Informed Voices | Podcast Trailer

Cortes Currents is a news platform that asks what's current in Cortes and the Discovery Islands. Web articles & radio podcasts: Cortes Island, Quadra Island, Discovery Islands, Campbell River: news, lifestyle, local politics, affordable housing, economy, food security, health, ferries, tourism, history,  culture, environmental issues, sustainable forestry, oyster farming, the arts, First Nations, energy, climate change, overshoot

Welcome to Inherent Rights Informed Voices, a podcast brought to you by the Centre for First Nations Governance and the Rebuilding First Nations Governance project. On this journey, our podcast delves into what we’re learning with our partner First Nations about leaving behind the Indian Act to exercise their inherent right to self-government. We have some of Canada's best practitioners and experts in self-government sharing their insights into this important work to take back responsibility for ourselves and our territories.

We are an artist collective on a mission to strengthen the things that remain.

Our music lives in the space between ruin and revelation — where the end of one world becomes the birth of another. "Beautiful Judgment Day" is not about destruction for its own sake; it’s about awakening. It’s the sound of everything collapsing so something true can finally stand.

We see beauty in the breakdown, redemption in the noise, and holiness in the act of facing truth — no matter how corrosive it feels. Judgment Day is the moment we stop running from ourselves.

- Wolf Who Stands In Front From Bear Clan - WPG -

Allara is a powerful Yorta Yorta winyarr. She is a storyteller, composer, director, producer, musician and sound-designer. With humour and integrity, Allara uses the double-bass and sound samples from Country to weave textures for healing in her work “I am Sovereign, I am Free”. Allara‘s innovative music speaks to Blak justice and sovereignty. Allara was the recipient of the Archie Roach Foundation Award for Emerging Talent (Music Victoria Awards 2021) and is a founding member of Ensemble Dutala. Allara is driven by collaboration and improvisation, inspired to bring language and cultural practice to the forefront of her work. Mentored by matriarchal Songwomen; her Djetja, Dr Lou Bennett AM, Deborah Cheetham AO and anganya Nancy Bates, Allara has become an unstoppable force for love, art, music and transformation, empowered by her yakapna (family) and her Ancestors, dhama yenbena (old people).

Align in the Sound is a podcast combining audio from three sources:
 - Radio Behind the Lines
 - The New Economy Network of Australia
 - Co-ops Commons and Communities Canberra.

Radio Behind the Lines (BTL) has been going to air every week on Community Radio 2XX 98.3FM in Canberra, Australia for over 30 years. We talk with anyone who is trying to make the world a better place. 
The New Economy Network of Australia (NENA) was conceived in 2016. NENA is an Australian Co-operative which aims to bring together people around the continent who are creating and thinking about a new economy which serves people and planet, and amplify the fantastic work already being done. BTL has recorded 3 of their national conferences, which can be found here.
Co-operatives, Commons and Communities Canberra (CoCanberra) is building the new economy in Canberra, Australia, through the creation of “Climate Co-ops”.
This means you will continue to hear the eclectic mix of interviews and field recordings from Behind the Lines, mixed up with snapshots of what NENA’s various hubs and people are up to, various conferences, and recordings from the regular meetups of CoCanberra.
Use the playlists to browse through our archive to discover interviews, rallies, lectures and more from all sorts of people who are trying to make the world a better place, and many recordings from the NENA conferences.

Thanks to Jacopo Werther [CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)] for the Romanesco Broccoli natural fractal photo. Find the original at https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Romanesco_Broccoli_detail_-_(1).jpg
Enjoy!
The Align in the Sound team.

PODCAST-CONVERSATIONS with artists and art theorists, from visual to performing arts, discussing conceptual frameworks and philosophical outlooks. Also some SOUND-COLLAGES, assembled together on variety of themes, such as: sleep, silence, intuition, collaboration, failure, and more. 

Available via iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/artemis-projects/id1462300886

PRODUCER & HOST: Ira Ferris (https://www.artemisprojects.com.au/projects-ira-ferris)

Allen & Unwin is Australia's leading independent publisher. Here you can find readings and other audio ditties from our books.

Centre for Stories is a vibrant, inclusive literary arts and cultural organisation based in Perth, Western Australia. We use storytelling to inspire social cohesion and improve understanding of diverse communities. We cultivate stories that inspire thought, spark empathy and challenge intolerance, with a focus on empowering people whose experiences and perspectives are often marginalised.

H2O Radio is journalism about water. We follow water wherever it leads us and report on what we find. We interview experts— from engineers and scientists to legislators and politicians in order to get the facts. But we also talk to ordinary folks to ask how water issues affect their lives. Why? Because we're all in this together. This is a conversation about water and our collective water future.

www.buenavida.co.uk

Community radio. Broadcasting live from Cafe Buena Vida in Glasgow, Scotland. Come visit us.

24/7.

New tracks tagged #First Nations