First Nations

Crystal Shawanda is the multiple award-winning country music sensation topping the Canadian and American country music charts. Hailing from Wikwemikong Unceded Reserve on Manitoulin Island, this powerhouse proves that you don't need to be raised in Nashville to hit it big on both sides of the border. This interview includes an exclusive advance peek of two songs from her upcoming Christmas album "I'll Be Home For Christmas." LISTEN HERE.

You might know him best as that hard-as-nails survival expert who treks out to the middle of the Alaskan boreal forest or deep into the Amazonian jungle with nothing more than his camera and his mad skills. He is Les Stroud, the Survivorman. But he's also an accomplished musician (his backup band are the famed Northern Pikes), rock and roll video producer and self-appointed world ambassador. In our interview, you'll learn about his new series where he will live the aboriginal people from across the world. Listen Here.

Aboriginal hiphop emcess and producer PLEX, aka Doug Bedard was interviewed by Spartan Youth Radio reporters Kris Dickson and Brad Bourcier. Plex is an emcee, producer, public speaker and advocate for aboriginal musicians. You can win an autographed copy of his debut album BRAINSTORM by answering the following question: does music do a poor job of representing itself and youth culture? Listen to the end of the show for information on how to enter. Listen here.

For around three decades, Ojibwe artist Brian J. Waboose has been using painting and sculpture to help heal from wounds inflicted upon him through his experiences in a residential school. Physical, emotional and sexual abuse led Brian to drugs, alcohol and a loss of his culture. Through his artwork, Brian works towards his recovery and to promote his Ojibwe heritage. Listen here.


Shirley Cheechoo is an award-winning Cree director, actor and artist from Michigeeng First Nation on Manitoulin Island. As founder of the Debajehmujig Theatre Company, one of the most respected independent Native theatre companies in the world, she has propelled aboriginal stories onto the stage and into film. In 2008, Cheechoo won a Lifetime Achievement Award by the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation. Listen here.

Waneek Horn-Miller is a triple threat: athlete, activist and inspiration. She has been stabbed by soldiers, posed nude on the cover of Time Magazine, represented Canada at the Sydney Olympics and still takes time to travel Canada to promote and celebrate her aboriginal heritage. Spartan Youth Radio reporters Madeline Lemire, Morgan Kagesheongai and Caitlin Dougon chatted with Horn-Miller on the phone. Whether you're an athelete, a social activist or a fan of a good story, what Horn-Miller shares is interesting and inspirational. Listen here.

Spartan Youth Radio sat down with our first celebrity guest, Juno Award winning Mohawk blues rock virtuoso Derek Miller about his career and his struggle with drugs and alcohol. Listen here.




Do you have an interesting story to tell? Do you agree to disagree with something you heard in a show? Email us at spartanyouthradio@gmail.com, leave a comment here or call the Spartan Youth Radio Megaphone at (705) 869-1590 extension 6264.