Episodes

  • Cindy Blackstock on Clash Actions

    Cindy Blackstock on Clash Actions
    Apr 17 2026

    Cindy Blackstock on "Clash Actions"

    Cindy discusses how class actions and human rights often clash


    In episode #181, we hear from Dr. Cindy Blackstock, a member of the Gitxsan Nation and Executive Director of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society. She is a well-known advocate and public educator on the rights of Indigenous children and families in Canada. Cindy is a frequent guest on the Warrior Life Podcast, providing us with important updates on her work to push Canada to end racial discrimination against Indigenous children and families.


    Today, she shares the article that she and I published in the Genealogy journal called: "Clash Actions: Indigenous Peoples' Human Rights and Class Actions. She and I talk about our research on how class actions do not always protect the rights of Indigenous peoples. We also discuss the serious ethical concerns raised by some class action lawyers and recent court cases. We end with our ideas on how the system could be reformed.


    You can find the open-access (free) journal article: "Clash Actions: Indigenous Peoples' Human Rights and Class Actions" here:

    https://www.mdpi.com/2313-5778/9/4/122


    The court case we referenced is called: Nootchtai v. Nahwegahbow Corbiere Genoodmagejig Barristers and Solicitors, 2025 ONSC 6071 (CanLII) found here:

    https://www.canlii.org/en/on/onsc/doc/2025/2025onsc6071/2025onsc6071.html


    You can find more information about Cindy's work at the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society here:

    https://fncaringsociety.com/i-am-witness


    -------


    Hi! I’m Dr. Pam Palmater, an Indigenous lawyer, professor, author, and podcaster. I create educational videos, podcasts, blogs, and other content about Indigenous issues. I am a citizen of the Mi’kmaw Nation and a member of Eel River Bar First Nation from Mi’kma’ki (Mi’kmaw territory in New Brunswick, Canada).


    I am the producer and host of the Warrior Life Podcast, which helps lift the voices of Indigenous leaders, advocates, land defenders, water protectors, actors, artists and even chefs! https://www.warriorlifepodcast.ca


    You can also watch the Warrior Life Podcast video versions on my Pam Palmater YouTube channel:

    https://www.youtube.com/@pampalmater


    If you want to follow me on my social media, here is my Linktree:

    https://linktr.ee/pampalmater


    If you would like more information about these issues, you can check out my website at:

    https://www.pampalmater.com


    Please note: Nothing in this podcast/video advocates for violence on Indigenous territories.


    Please also note: The information contained in this podcast/video/stream should not be misconstrued as legal, financial, medical and/or personal advice; nor should it be relied on as such. These podcasts, videos, and live streams are for educational purposes and represent fair political comment. Any pictures, audio clips and/or video clips that do not belong to me or are from the public domain remain the copyright of the owners and are used under the fair use rule for educational purposes.


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    1 hr and 11 mins
  • Cindy Blackstock on CHRT Letter Decision

    Cindy Blackstock on CHRT Letter Decision
    Apr 3 2026

    Cindy Blackstock on CHRT Letter Decision


    In episode #180, we hear from Dr. Cindy Blackstock, a member of the Gitxsan Nation and Executive Director of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society. She is a well-known advocate and public educator on the rights of Indigenous children and families in Canada. Cindy is a frequent guest on the Warrior Life Podcast, providing us with important updates on her work to push Canada to end racial discrimination against Indigenous children and families. Today, she explains the recent Canadian Human Rights Tribunal letter decision (CHRT) approving the Ontario Final Agreement between First Nations in Ontario and the federal government on long-term reform in child and family services for First Nations on reserve.


    Here is a list of her previous episodes so you can go back and listen to them in any order you like:


    Cindy Blackstock Update on Jordan's Principle - Feb.27, 2025

    Cindy Blackstock on Long-term First Nation Child Welfare Reform Draft Settlement - Sept.20, 2024

    SCC Decision on Federal Indigenous Child Legislation (panel with other guests) - Feb.20, 2024

    Cindy Blackstock on Canada's Latest Litigation Tactics - Dec.9, 2022

    Cindy Blackstock on AFN-Canada Settlement - Oct.28, 2022

    Cindy Blackstock on Compensation for First Nations Kids - Feb.25, 2021

    Cindy Blackstock on Bill C-92 Indigenous Child Welfare - Nov.29, 2019

    Cindy Blackstock on CHRT Compensation Order - Nov.22, 2019

    Cindy Blackstock on Justice for First Nations Kids - Part III - Apr.19, 2019

    Cindy Blackstock on Justice for First Nations Kids - Part II - Apr. 12, 2019

    Cindy Blackstock on Justice for First Nation Kids - Part I - Apr.5, 2019


    You can find more information about everything we discussed in the podcast here:

    https://fncaringsociety.com/i-am-witness



    Hi! I’m Dr. Pam Palmater, an Indigenous lawyer, professor, author, and podcaster. I create educational videos, podcasts, blogs, and other content about Indigenous issues. I am a citizen of the Mi’kmaw Nation and a member of Eel River Bar First Nation from Mi’kma’ki (Mi’kmaw territory in New Brunswick, Canada).


    I am the producer and host of the Warrior Life Podcast, which helps lift the voices of Indigenous leaders, advocates, land defenders, water protectors, actors, artists and even chefs!

    https://www.warriorlifepodcast.ca


    If you want to follow me on my social media, here is my Linktree:

    https://linktr.ee/pampalmater



    Please note: Nothing in this podcast/video advocates for violence on Indigenous territories.


    Please also note: The information contained in this podcast/video/stream should not be misconstrued as legal, financial, medical and/or personal advice; nor should it be relied on as such. These podcasts, videos, and live streams are for educational purposes and represent fair political comment. Any pictures, audio clips and/or video clips that do not belong to me or are from the public domain remain the copyright of the owners and are used under the fair use rule for educational purposes.


    If you would like more information about these issues, you can check out my website at:

    https://www.pampalmater.com








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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Warrior Life Podcast Jingle

    Warrior Life Podcast Jingle
    Oct 31 2025
    Tthis is NOT a full episode. This is the Warrior Life Podcast theme song or jingle used for award shows. This song may not be downloaded, copied, or used in any way without the express written permission of the owner - Pamela Palmater. (c) 2019 Pamela Palmater

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    3 mins
  • Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon Governor General of Canada

    Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon Governor General of Canada
    Jun 21 2025
    Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon Governor General of Canada and Commander-in-ChiefHappy National Indigenous Peoples Day 2025!In today's special episode, I got to speak with the first Indigenous person to ever hold the position of Governor General of Canada - Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon.You can check out her website here:https://www.gg.ca/enCREDITS:Video, audio, editing - Mark PeacheyHost, writer, editing - Pam Palmater"A Letter to Canadians" video clip - Governor General of Canada"The Day of the Apology" video clip - Government of Canada (as GC Indigenous)Pictures, crest, and biographical information - Governor General of Canada websiteOfficial photos - Sgt Johanie Maheu, Rideau Hall © OSGG, 2021

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    30 mins
  • January Rogers on Art, Writing & Producing

    January Rogers on Art, Writing & Producing
    May 9 2025
    January RogersWarrior Life PodcastJanuary Rogers is a Mohawk/Tuscarora multi-media artist and writer from Six Nations of the Grand River. She has won numerous awards, including Best Music Video 2020 at the American Film Festival and Best Experimental Sound Prize 2021 at imagineNATIVE.She has been an artist, poet, and writer in residence all over Canada including UofA (2018-19), UofL (2017), OACD (2016), and a mentor for Audible Canada and Banff Centre.She currently owns and operates Ojistoh Publishing and Productions and has many publications, including:Splitting the Heart (2007)Red Erotic (2010)Unearthed (2011)Totem Poles and Railroads (2016)As Long as the Sun Shines (2018)YouTube video versionTBDYou can follow January on social media here:Twitter (X): https://x.com/janetmarierogerFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/january.rogers.14Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/januarymarierogersOjistoh Publishing: https://www.ojistohpublishing.com- - - - - Hi! I'm Dr. Pam Palmater, an Indigenous lawyer, professor, author, and producer. I create educational videos, podcasts, blogs, and other content about Indigenous issues. My production company is Warrior Life Studios Inc.https://www.warriorlifestudios.comI am a citizen of the Mi’kmaw Nation and a member of Eel River Bar First Nation from Mi’kma’ki (Mi’kmaw territory in New Brunswick, Canada).I am the producer and host of the Warrior Life Podcast which helps lift the voices of Indigenous leaders, advocates, land defenders, water protectors, actors, artists and even chefs! https://www.warriorlifepodcast.com- - - - - FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER https://www.twitter.com/Pam_PalmaterFOLLOW ME ON IG https://www.instagram.com/pam_palmaterFOLLOW ME ON TIKTOK https://www.tiktok.com/@pampalmaterFOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/pam.palmater- - - - - - Please note: Nothing in this podcast/video advocates for violence on Indigenous territories.Please also note: The information contained in this podcast/video/stream should not be misconstrued as legal, financial, medical and/or personal advice, nor should it be relied on as such. These podcasts/videos/streams are for educational purposes and represent fair political comment. Any pictures, audio clips and/or video clips that do not belong to me or from the public domain, remain the copyright of the owners and are only used here for educational purposes.- - - -If you would like more information about these issues, you can check out my website at:https://www.pampalmater.com- - - - - MY BOOKS:BESTSELLER - Warrior Life: Indigenous Resistance and Resurgence by Fernwood Publishinghttps://www.amzn.to/3lAleUkIndigenous Nationhood by Fernwood Publishinghttps://www.amzn.to/3R5iZquBeyond Blood: Rethinking Indigenous Identityhttps://www.amzn.to/3xN1jclWARRIOR LIFE PODCAST MERCH:https://www.teespring.com/stores/warrior-life-2A portion of these proceeds supports Indigenous land defenders, water protectors, and grassroots Indigenous women's groups.#indigenous#women#artistsPermission to use photo from January Rogers.

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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • Deborah Richardson on Life, Leadership and Humility

    Deborah Richardson on Life, Leadership and Humility
    Mar 20 2025
    Deborah RichardsonWarrior Life PodcastDeborah Richardson is a Mi'kmaw lawyer from Pabineau First Nation, which is part of the Mi'kmaw Nation in NB. She currently holds the position of Deputy Minister of Health for the Province of Ontario.YouTube video versionTBDYou can follow Deborah on social media here:Facebook https://www.facebook.com/deborah.richardsongoulaisInstagram https://www.instagram.com/deb_1969LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-richardson-78453044/- - - - - Hi! I'm Dr. Pam Palmater, an Indigenous lawyer, professor, author, and producer. I create educational videos, podcasts, blogs, and other content about Indigenous issues. My production company is Warrior Life Studios Inc.https://www.warriorlifestudios.comI am a citizen of the Mi’kmaw Nation and a member of Eel River Bar First Nation from Mi’kma’ki (Mi’kmaw territory in New Brunswick, Canada).I am the producer and host of the Warrior Life Podcast which helps lift the voices of Indigenous leaders, advocates, land defenders, water protectors, actors, artists and even chefs! https://www.warriorlifepodcast.com- - - - - FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER https://www.twitter.com/Pam_PalmaterFOLLOW ME ON IG https://www.instagram.com/pam_palmaterFOLLOW ME ON TIKTOK https://www.tiktok.com/@pampalmaterFOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/pam.palmater- - - - - - Please note: Nothing in this podcast/video advocates for violence on Indigenous territories.Please also note: The information contained in this podcast/video/stream should not be misconstrued as legal, financial, medical and/or personal advice, nor should it be relied on as such. These podcasts/videos/streams are for educational purposes and represent fair political comment. Any pictures, audio clips and/or video clips that do not belong to me or from the public domain, remain the copyright of the owners and are only used here for educational purposes.- - - -If you would like more information about these issues, you can check out my website at:https://www.pampalmater.com- - - - - MY BOOKS:BESTSELLER - Warrior Life: Indigenous Resistance and Resurgence by Fernwood Publishinghttps://www.amzn.to/3lAleUkIndigenous Nationhood by Fernwood Publishinghttps://www.amzn.to/3R5iZquBeyond Blood: Rethinking Indigenous Identityhttps://www.amzn.to/3xN1jclNEW WARRIOR LIFE PODCAST MERCH:https://www.teespring.com/stores/warrior-life-2A portion of these proceeds supports Indigenous land defenders, water protectors, and grassroots Indigenous women's groups.#indigenous#women#leadershipPermission to use photo from Deborah Richardson.

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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Chief Frost on National Children's Chiefs Commission

    Chief Frost on National Children's Chiefs Commission
    Mar 13 2025
    Chief Frost on National Children's Chiefs CommissionWarrior Life PodcastVuntut Gwitchin Chief Pauline Frost talks to us about her role as Chair of the National Children's Chiefs Commission, which was created to negotiate the final settlement on long-term reform for First Nation child and family servicesYouTube video versionTBDYou can find a full copy of the draft agreement on the AFN website:https://afn.bynder.com/m/5b1f4b4db156231/original/FINAL-AGREEMENT-ON-LONG-TERM-REFORM-OF-THE-FIRST-NATIONS-CHILD-AND-FAMILY-SERVICES-PROGRAM.pdfVuntut Gwitchin First Nation https://www.vgfn.ca Vuntut Gwitchin Government Twitter (x) https://x.com/vuntutgwitchinVuntut Gwitchin Government Facebook https://www.facebook.com/vuntutChief Frost's contact info https://www.vgfn.ca/contact- - - - - Hi! I'm Dr. Pam Palmater, an Indigenous lawyer, professor, author, and producer. I create educational videos, podcasts, blogs, and other content about Indigenous issues. My production company is Warrior Life Studios Inc.Warrior Life Studios Inc.https://www.warriorlifestudios.comI am a citizen of the Mi’kmaw Nation and a member of Eel River Bar First Nation from Mi’kma’ki (Mi’kmaw territory in New Brunswick, Canada).I am the producer and host of the Warrior Life Podcast which helps lift the voices of Indigenous leaders, advocates, land defenders, water protectors, actors, artists and even chefs! https://www.warriorlifepodcast.com- - - - - FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER https://www.twitter.com/Pam_PalmaterFOLLOW ME ON IG https://www.instagram.com/pam_palmaterFOLLOW ME ON TIKTOK https://www.tiktok.com/@pampalmaterFOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/pam.palmater- - - - - - Please note: Nothing in this podcast/video advocates for violence on Indigenous territories.Please also note: The information contained in this podcast/video/stream should not be misconstrued as legal, financial, medical and/or personal advice, nor should it be relied on as such. These podcasts/videos/streams are for educational purposes and represent fair political comment. Any pictures, audio clips and/or video clips that do not belong to me or from the public domain, remain the copyright of the owners and are only used here for educational purposes.- - - -If you would like more information about these issues, you can check out my website at:https://www.pampalmater.com- - - - - MY BOOKS:BESTSELLER - Warrior Life: Indigenous Resistance and Resurgence by Fernwood Publishinghttps://www.amzn.to/3lAleUkIndigenous Nationhood by Fernwood Publishinghttps://www.amzn.to/3R5iZquBeyond Blood: Rethinking Indigenous Identityhttps://www.amzn.to/3xN1jclNEW WARRIOR LIFE PODCAST MERCH:https://www.teespring.com/stores/warrior-life-2A portion of these proceeds supports Indigenous land defenders, water protectors, and grassroots Indigenous women's groups.#indigenous#childwelfare#firstnationsPermission to use photo from Chief Pauline Frost.

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    52 mins
  • Cindy Blackstock Update on Jordan's Principle

    Cindy Blackstock Update on Jordan's Principle
    Feb 25 2025
    Cindy Blackstock Update on Jordan's PrincipleWarrior Life PodcastIn today's episode, we hear from Gitxsan advocate - Dr. Cindy Blackstock, head of the First Nation Child and Family Caring Society - who gives us an update on the backlog in the Jordan's Principle program as well as where the draft settlement for long-term reform on child welfare for First Nations stands.YouTube video versionhttps://youtu.be/l0ykUtXCSvYYou can find a full copy of the draft agreement on the AFN website:https://afn.bynder.com/m/5b1f4b4db156231/original/FINAL-AGREEMENT-ON-LONG-TERM-REFORM-OF-THE-FIRST-NATIONS-CHILD-AND-FAMILY-SERVICES-PROGRAM.pdfDr. Cindy Blackstock is the head of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society: https://fncaringsociety.com- - - - - Hi! I'm Dr. Pam Palmater, an Indigenous lawyer, professor, author, and producer. I create educational videos, podcasts, blogs, and other content about Indigenous issues. My production company is Warrior Life Studios Inc.Warrior Life Studios Inc.https://www.warriorlifestudios.comI am a citizen of the Mi’kmaw Nation and a member of Eel River Bar First Nation from Mi’kma’ki (Mi’kmaw territory in New Brunswick, Canada).I am the producer and host of the Warrior Life Podcast which helps lift the voices of Indigenous leaders, advocates, land defenders, water protectors, actors, artists and even chefs! https://www.warriorlifepodcast.com- - - - - FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER https://www.twitter.com/Pam_PalmaterFOLLOW ME ON IG https://www.instagram.com/pam_palmaterFOLLOW ME ON TIKTOK https://www.tiktok.com/@pampalmaterFOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/pam.palmater- - - - - - Please note: Nothing in this podcast/video advocates for violence on Indigenous territories.Please also note: The information contained in this podcast/video/stream should not be misconstrued as legal, financial, medical and/or personal advice; nor should it be relied on as such. These podcasts/videos/streams are for educational purposes and represent fair political comment. Any pictures, audio clips and/or video clips that do not belong to me or from the public domain, remain the copyright of the owners and are only used here for educational purposes.- - - -If you would like more information about these issues, you can check out my website at:https://www.pampalmater.com- - - - - MY BOOKS:BESTSELLER - Warrior Life: Indigenous Resistance and Resurgence by Fernwood Publishinghttps://www.amzn.to/3lAleUkIndigenous Nationhood by Fernwood Publishinghttps://www.amzn.to/3R5iZquBeyond Blood: Rethinking Indigenous Identityhttps://www.amzn.to/3xN1jclNEW WARRIOR LIFE PODCAST MERCH:https://www.teespring.com/stores/warrior-life-2A portion of these proceeds go to support Indigenous land defenders, water protectors and grassroots Indigenous women's groups.#indigenous#childwelfare#cindyblackstockPermission to use photo from Cindy Blackstock.PATREON SHOUT OUT - Thank you Werner D. for all your support in the past!

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    1 hr and 6 mins