THE LESSER BLESSED: Chatting With the Cast
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Based on the hit novel by Canadian author Richard van Camp, The Lesser Blessed is a raw, rich and realistic story of Larry Sole, a Dogrib First Nations teenager trying to find his place in the modern world.  Though set in the Northwest Territories, the Sudbury, Ontario area played host to most of the filming and Spartan Youth Radio was there! Not only did our crew get to act in the movie, we also got to sit down with some of the stars.  Spartan Youth Radio reporter Nicole Sago chatted with three of the stars: Kiowa Gordon (Embry Call in The Twilight Saga) Chloe Rose (Katie Matlin in Degarassi: The Next Generation) and Joel Evans in his breakout role. WATCH HERE or on YOUTUBE.

Reel Injun with Filmmaker Neil Diamond
Cree film maker Neil Diamond set out to poke fun at the non-Native actors like William Shatner and Elvis Presley who have played "Indians" in the movies but ended up with Reel Injun, a thorough, entertaining, touching and hilarious investigation into the portrayal of aboriginal people in cinema. Spartan Youth Radio movie reporter Wade Owl, from Sagamok Anishnabek, sat down with Neil Diamond at the Reel Canada Film Festival in Sudbury, Ontario. WATCH ON YouTube or HERE.

Cultural Learning
Aboriginal Issues Reporter Wade Owl chatted with Maheengun Shawanda, an Odawa and Cree man from Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve on Manitoulin Island, Ontario. He is married and the father of 5 children. When not parenting, Maheengun is a professional trainer specializing in Adventure Based Education, First Nation Cultural Awareness and Youth Leadership. LISTEN HERE DOWNLOAD HERE

Demanding Fair Education
In September 2010, students, teachers and leaders from all across the country met to demand that the federal and provincial governments better fund aboriginal education.
WATCH HERE





Marc Nadjiwan in Concert
Wade Owl interviewed Nadjiwan at Espanola's own Boogie Mountain. Nadjiwan had a concert this past spring showing off both his musical talent and his Aboriginal heritage. Wade Owl is quick and concise in asking Nadjiwan about his career, how he got there, and how to get where he is today. Make sure you check out his music! LISTEN HERE  DOWNLOAD HERE


Interview with Elder Hilda
Wade Owl and Nicole Sago attented the Aboriginal Youth Day 2010 in September this spring. While there, they talked to Elder Hilda about their past and their culture. Elder Hilda gives much inspiration to Aboriginal Youth from many different places, and continues to do so each day. Listen Closely as she explains why it is important to grasp your heritage and be proud to be who you are! LISTEN HERE



Home for Christmas with Country Music Star Crystal Shawanda
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.



Survivorman's Les Stroud
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.

Plex
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.

The Healing Brush: A Conversation With Artist Brian J. Waboose
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.


Interview with a Director: Shirley Cheechoo
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: Athlete, Activist
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.

Derek Miller
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.