Today we speak with Regan Rat Misponis, a member of the Pinehouse Lake community and student at the University of Saskatchewan. Our conversation takes us across themes of community, belonging, finding one’s identity, and speaking your truth. We begin our in-depth discussion with Regan by finding out more on his background. Regan then shares how he adjusted to city life after living in a one-road town. He contrasts his life by highlighting his feeling of elation from being accepted into university with the stark reality of living in an unjust society. He tells us how the Colten Boushie shooting impacted him, his struggle for identity, and finding a way in a system that was not designed to benefit indigenous people. Throughout our conversation, we ask Regan difficult questions, like what advice he gives to those who are trying to integrate into a predominantly white society. Before we leave, Regan describes his favorite aspects of university and shares a nugget of wisdom for young students to chew on. Be sure to join us in this rich and stirring episode.  

Key Points From This Episode:

• Introducing today’s guest, Regan Rat Misponis.
• Regan talks about his initial struggles after leaving Pinehouse.
• Hear about why Regan’s acceptance into the University of Saskatchewan meant so much.
• Regan talks about his transition into city life.
• We hear Regan’s deeper opinion on the Colten Boushie shooting and how he responds to the comments from others.
• Regan shares his thoughts on the first Nakota class being given.
• What Regan would tell a non-indigenous person about integrating themselves in society.
• Regan lets us know what he’d say to those who fear voicing their opinion. 
• Advice Regan has for people entering institutions that weren’t designed to benefit them.
• Regan tells us about his favourite experiences at university.

Tweetables:

“One of my high points over 25 years of living was opening a letter that said, ‘congratulations you are being welcomed to come and attend the University of Saskatchewan.’” — Regan Rat Misponis [0:08:02]

“It was really the community and being immersed into the community that helped me get a good understanding. It’s helped me to keep going.” — Regan Rat Misponis [0:11:10]

“The society we live in right now wasn’t designed to benefit people of colour, nor was it developed to benefit indigenous people.” — Regan Rat Misponis [0:34:06]

“There is a saying that those that don’t know history are likely to repeat it. I can understand that people want to voice their sentiments and opinions, and, yes, what they have to say is important, but they need to understand the history.” — Regan Rat Misponis [0:38:36]

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Sienna Waskewitch on Twitter

Dany Muembo on Twitter

University of Saskatchewan