In this special episode of the Courageous Conversation Series, hosted by Gabrielle Fayant from A7G, Title, we take a deep dive into the unique experiences of Metis Settlements in Alberta with Vice President of the Metis Settlements General Council, Brenda Blyne.

Through a rich conversation, this episode explores the origins of the Settlements, their historical and political development and how they operate today. By centering the voices and experiences of Metis individual from the Settlements, this episode highlights the nuances of Metis identity, the feeling of being “different” within Indigenous spaces and the importance of recognizing the Settlements as distinct self-governing communities within Canada’s broader landscape that deserve a seat at the table and the opportunity to voice their perspectives.

In this special episode of the Courageous Conversation Series, host Gabrielle Fayant from A7G is joined by Jennifer Altenberg, a passionate educator and youth worker who shares her journey working with Indigenous youth across the prairies. From creating safe, empowering spaces outside the classroom to now transforming what education look like within it, we reflect on the deep importance of holding space, speaking the truth, breaking harmful stereotypes and exploring difficult topics. We talk about the realities Indigenous youth face, including systemic barriers and the ongoing struggle to access necessities, and how they continue to face these challenges with strength and resilience.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that real change beings by listening, making room for and walking alongside young people as they find their path.

In this special episode of the Courageous Conversation Series, host Gabrielle Fayant from A7G is joined by Brittany Matthews from the Caring Society and Koral Hamilton from Feathers of Hope for a critical conversation on Indigenous youth leadership, the importance and effects of data sovereignty and the urgent need for accountability in Canada’s policies and actions. Together, they explore how youth are shaping advocacy and policy, not just as participants but as powerful leaders demanding systemic change. The discussion challenges how Canada can stop being a repeat offender and start building a future rooted in long term accountability.

Tune in for a powerful dialogue on how youth are not only speaking truth to power but also reclaiming it.

What does youth engagement look like in child welfare reform and work? In this special guest episode we are joined by John Sharpe, Executive Director of Partners for Youth in New Brunswick, to explore what it means to move beyond tokenism and step into authentic allyship and co-conspiratorship with young people.

What happens when families of disabled children can’t access the support they need—and child welfare becomes the last resort? In this Special Guest episode of Beyond Binaries: Our Stories, Our Worlds, Our Futures, co-hosts Cheyanne Ratnam and Rachelle Matatawabin sit down with Irwin Elman, former Ontario Provincial Child Advocate and current President of Defence for Children International-Canada, to explore the troubling intersection of child welfare and disabilities.

What does equity really look like in child welfare? In this Special Guest episode of Beyond Binaries - Equitable Standards to Youth Transitions – Implementing Equity in Child Welfare, we sit down with Mark Laforge from the Government of New Brunswick to discuss the Equitable Standards to Youth Transitions Evaluation Model. As a pilot partner, New Brunswick is leading the way in implementing tools developed by first-voice experts to bring real equity into youth transitions.

How can storytelling help us process loss, find strength, and reclaim identity? In this special episode of Beyond Binaries: Our Stories, Our Worlds, Our Futures - Storytelling: Processing Loss, Finding Strength, and Reclaiming Identity , co-hosts Cheyanne Ratnam and Rachelle Metatawabin get intimate about their own experiences of loss and healing. Through raw reflection and conversation, they explore how storytelling becomes a powerful tool for processing grief, reclaiming identity, and building strength.

Tune in to hear Cheyanne and Rachelle share their truths about grief, strength, and the reclamation of identity through storytelling.

In this Special Guest episode of Beyond Binaries: Our Stories, Our Worlds, Our Futures - Alumni, Memory, and Storytelling: Eldership, Storytelling, and Healing, co-hosts Cheyanne Ratnam and Rachelle Metatawabin sit down with Marie Christian, a First Voice Advocate elder, to explore how storytelling, memory, and lived experience intersect to shape healing and community leadership.