Join Nelson Bird for another engaging episode as he welcomes Rhonda Donais, the newest Storyteller-in-Residence at Regina Public Library. Rhonda brings a world of stories to life, sharing tales filled with humor, wisdom, and heartfelt life lessons. From captivating narratives to personal reflections, this episode promises to inspire, entertain, and celebrate the power of storytelling. Don’t miss this enriching conversation!

Nelson’s guest, Paula Daigle, Head Librarian at the university, discusses the transformative power of storytelling and reading, particularly for Indigenous communities. Paula emphasizes the cognitive, spiritual, and emotional benefits of storytelling, recounting her own childhood love for books and the pivotal role her mother played in fostering her passion for reading.

Nelson Bird interviews Regina’s newly elected mayor, Chad Bachinski, exploring his journey, leadership vision, and plans for the city. Chad discusses his roots in Regina, professional background, and motivations for tackling key issues like infrastructure, safety, and homelessness. He shares his commitment to diversity and inclusion, especially for Indigenous communities, and emphasizes fostering unity, pride, and collaboration in city governance.

Chad reflects on challenges like snow removal, the importance of community solidarity, and his personal inspirations. Hear his proactive vision for Regina’s future and his determination to create a positive, united city.

In this episode of The Nelson Bird Show, Nelson welcomes special guest Lindell Haywahe for a thought-provoking conversation about the power of storytelling in Indigenous culture.

They discuss the importance of storytelling in preserving culture, connecting with the land, and understanding one's identity. The conversation also touches on the contrast between modern holiday traditions, like Christmas, and the resurgence of winter solstice celebrations within Indigenous communities. 

In this inspiring episode of The Nelson Bird Show, Nelson Bird interviews Carol Adams, a pioneering journalist, author, and former Poet Laureate. Carol reflects on her groundbreaking role as the first Indigenous woman in Saskatchewan’s mainstream television newsroom, starting at CTV Regina in 1983. She shares her journey of overcoming systemic barriers, the influence of Indigenous storytelling traditions, and her transition from journalism to becoming a celebrated author and poet.

This episode highlights resilience, cultural pride, and the enduring impact of storytelling.

In this engaging episode of The Nelson Bird Show, host Nelson Bird talks with Joseph Naytowhow, a respected storyteller and elder from Saskatoon, as they explore First Nations culture in the lead-up to Halloween. Joseph shares personal stories, including a childhood encounter with a mysterious serpent and a haunting experience from his twenties, illustrating the spiritual world’s complexities.

In this special hour long episode of The Nelson Bird Show, Nelson interviews 5 of the candidates in the Saskatchewan General Election, happening October 28, 2024. Special guests include NDP leader Carla Beck, Saskatchewan Green Party Naomi Hunter, the Buffalo Party leader Philip Sajak, Saskatchewan Progress Party's Nathan Bruce, and Saskatchewan Progressive Conservative Party leader Rose Buscholl.

In this episode of The Nelson Bird Show, Nelson Bird speaks with Tessa Cook, a filmmaker and advocate from Peepeekisis First Nation. Tessa reflects on her family’s history, including her grandmother’s resilience as a residential school survivor, and shares her journey into filmmaking. She discusses her research on Cree women in trapline society, conducted during her time at First Nations University, and how it inspired her to create a compelling film centered on her grandmother's experiences and the evolution of household tools.

This week on The Nelson Bird Show, Nelson Bird sits down with artist, author, and traditional dancer Jim Poitras for an inspiring conversation. A survivor of the ’50s Scoop, Jim recounts his journey of being separated from his culture and family and his eventual reconnection with his roots. Having spent over 25 years in Germany teaching and sharing Indigenous culture globally, Jim reflects on how art and tradition helped him overcome adversity. Now in his 70s, he continues to create meaningful work as a painter and author, drawing from his extraordinary life experiences.

In this week’s episode of The Nelson Bird Show, Nelson sits down with Taryn Acoose for an in-depth conversation about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and its powerful impact. They explore the TRC’s mandate and the creation of the Calls to Action, discussing their significance in addressing historical wrongs. As a former student of the First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv) course on the TRC, Taryn shares her insights and growing knowledge on the meaning of reconciliation today.

In this episode of The Nelson Bird Show, host Nelson Bird speaks with Sarah Longman, an educator with 29 years of experience as a classroom teacher, university instructor, consultant, and Supervisor of Aboriginal Education for the Regina Public School Division. Sarah shares her involvement in the ongoing search and reconciliation efforts surrounding unmarked graves in Saskatchewan, focusing on ensuring that the process is conducted with respect and care for the families impacted by residential schools.

Nelson speaks with special guest, FNU President, Dr. Jacqueline Ottmann.
Dr. Ottmann is Anishinaabe (Saulteaux) from Fishing Lake First Nation in Saskatchewan. As of September 7th, 2021, Jacqueline became President of First Nations University of Canada. Get to know FNU’s President on this exciting pilot episode of The Nelson Bird Show!