Welcome to the first episode of Mino Bimaadiziwin – a podcast by the Thunderbird Partnership Foundation, thunderbirdpf.org

Mino bimaadiziwin means living the good life in the language of the Anishinabe. We chose that as a name for our podcast because it captures what we all hope for.

This podcast aims to seek and share insight about addictions and mental health issues that many of our families and communities are dealing with. We’re going to be fearless in exploring the tough issues with some of the leading voices in Indigenous wellness.

Our aim is the same as Thunderbird’s – to work with communities to address substance use and addictions issues by taking a wholistic approach to healing and wellness; one that is grounded in culture, Indigenous ways of knowing, respect, community, and above all, kindness and compassion. This podcast is recorded at Eelūnaapèewi Lahkèewiit, the home of the Lenape, in Southwestern Ontario, where Thunderbird houses its head offices.

On this episode, host Sherry Huff is joined by Thunderbird’s CEO Dr. Carol Hopkins to discuss the opioid and methamphetamine crisis that is raging through many Indigenous communities. It is described as the worst public health crisis in modern history. Carol and Sherry discuss the roots of the crisis, and tools communities can use to get out if it, including the role of Indigenous culture, and if declaring a state of emergency is the answer. 

Sherry Huff is a former reporter and producer at CBC Radio and a proud member of Eelūnaapèewi Lahkèewiit. Today, she works for Thunderbird, managing communications. 

Dr. Carol Hopkins is the chief executive officer of Thunderbird. Carol is also Lenape. She has spent more than twenty years working in the field of First Nations addictions and mental health, with a special focus on the use of traditional knowledge and healing. She holds both a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Toronto and a degree in sacred Indigenous Knowledge, equivalent to a PhD in western-based education systems. She is a First Nations Representative to the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs, an Officer of the Order of Canada, and has recently been recognized with an honorary Doctor of Laws from Western University. She’s also someone many people turn to for information about Indigenous addictions and mental health issues. 

Theme music by Courtney Riley, Chippewas of the Thames First Nation.

Produced by David McGuffin, Explore Podcast Productions.