Culture is Healing

#44 - What Indigenous Fashion Week Reveals About Identity and Expression with Aleen Sparrow

In this episode of Culture Is Healing, George Harris Jr. speaks with Musqueam weaver Aleen Sparrow about how culture can be lived as a daily practice of healing, connection, and identity.
 
Aleen reflects on learning to weave at the kitchen table with her mother and aunties, and how those moments shaped her understanding of weaving as both art and relationship.
 
Together, they explore how practices like weaving and canoe pulling build resilience, community, and intention in everyday life, alongside Aleen’s experience walking in Vancouver Indigenous Fashion Week as a powerful expression of identity and cultural pride.
 
This conversation offers a grounded reminder that healing can start with small, meaningful actions—how you show up, who you gather with, and the energy you bring into what you create.

#43 - Applying Traditional Knowledge to Modern Mental Health Challenges with Stan Matthew

This week on Culture Is Healing, George Harris Jr sits down with Stan Matthew to share stories shaped by decades of healing, lived experience, and cultural teachings.
 
Stan is a nuučaan̓uł leader and healing practitioner from the David family of ƛaʔuukʷiʔatḥ First Nation, with over 35 years of experience supporting individuals, families, and communities through healing.
 
Centered on applying traditional knowledge to modern mental health challenges, Stan speaks to how ceremony, prayer, and storytelling supported his journey through trauma and addiction—and how those same practices continue to guide others today.
 
You will walk away with a more personal understanding of how culture can support your everyday life.

#42 - The Medicine Wheel, Yoga, and Everyday Healing with Malina Dawn

We’re back for a new season of Culture is Healing—and we’re starting it off with a powerful conversation with Malina Dawn.In this episode, George and Malina explore what it looks like to live your healing, not just talk about it. Drawing on teachings from the Medicine Wheel and Malina’s relationship to yoga and movement, they reflect on how culture can guide us through different seasons of life—and how practices like ceremony, breath, and connection to land can support emotional balance in a real, everyday way.This conversation is a reminder that healing isn’t something separate from our lives—it’s something we return to, again and again, through the ways we choose to move, connect, and show up.

Stepping Into Leadership for the Next Generation with Tanille Johnston

For our final episode of Season 4 George sits down with Tanille Johnston. Tanille is the first Indigenous person to ever have their name represented on a federal political party's leadership ballot in Canadian history. 
This episode explores the role of ceremony, the teachings of elders, and the responsibility of embracing our individual gifts—not just for personal growth, but for the wellbeing of the community and future generations. 
Tanille also shares her journey into political leadership, reminding us that representation, advocacy, and cultural pride are powerful acts of healing in action.

#40 - Creating Safe Spaces for Young Athletes with Mateo Kostering

George sits down with Mateo Kostering — proud member of the Musgamagw Dzawada’enuxw Nation and the ’Namgis Nation — founder of the Indigenous Athletics Academy, and lifelong athlete whose journey from community tournaments to semi-pro coaching has been guided by discipline, culture, and service. 
Mateo shares why resilience must be practiced daily, why winning isn’t the only measure of success, and how sport can reconnect young people to identity, belonging, and purpose. 
This conversation is a grounded reminder that when you show up as yourself, remain consistent and build strong communities around youth, you’re not just developing athletes — you’re shaping confident leaders for the next generation.

#39 - Learning to Speak Up Without Holding Back with Sonya Williams

What does it mean to carry culture into everyday life — not just in ceremony, but in how we speak, lead, parent, and show up for community?
 
In this episode of Culture is Healing, Sonya Williams (Councillor, Education Coordinator, and Education Committee Chair, Sq’éwlets First Nation ) shares reflections on leadership, family teachings, and the importance of using your voice. She speaks about the responsibility of not walking away with words left unsaid, and how speaking up can be an act of care for community.
 
The conversation also touches on the role of technology in preserving language and traditions, the pride in creating tools for future generations, and the vital role women hold in cultural leadership. Through personal stories and lived experience, Sonya offers insights on balance, faith, and the everyday lessons that shape who we become.
 
At its heart, this episode is about connection — to family, to community, and to cultural roots. A thoughtful listen for anyone reflecting on leadership, identity, and the impact of sharing what’s on your heart.

#38 - Turning Care Into Meaningful Action with Deana Gill

What helps a young person believe in their future? Sometimes it starts with a coach, a ceremony, or one trusted relationship.
In this episode, Deana Gill shares how sport, culture, and mentorship are creating real change for Indigenous youth and communities. From her early days in child protection to leading Hope and Health, she reflects on what she’s learned about showing up with humility, building trust, and creating spaces where young people feel they belong.
This conversation moves beyond big ideas about reconciliation and into what it looks like in action — relationships, cultural safety, and giving youth the support to dream bigger for themselves.
A listen for anyone who cares about youth, community, and the kind of allyship that is built over time.

#37 - Why Vulnerability Builds Stronger Communities with Josh Drummond

Josh shares his story honestly in this one.
Josh Drummond (therapist and close friend of George) speaks openly about growing up Indigenous without being raised with his culture. 
He shares his experiences in child protection work, and the added layers of care, pain, and responsibility that come with supporting Indigenous families through healing. 
This conversation comes back to reconnecting with culture and what that can look like for different people.

#36 - Why You’re Not Meant to Do Life Alone with William Taylor

George sits down with his mentor and educator William Taylor!Drawing on teachings from elders, storytelling, and decades of experience in education, William shares the most meaningful teachings he’s received.George and William touch on how cultural ceremonies and mentorship are grounded in love and support. This conversation encourages you to reflect on your own gifts and how they can strengthen both learning and community.

#35 - Becoming A Good Ancestor with Jessica Johnson

George Harris Jr. and Jessica Johnson discuss what culturally grounded education requires of educators beyond good intentions.
This episode focuses on how teachers can navigate community protocols with care, support language- and land-based learning, and understand belonging as a responsibility rather than an outcome.