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July 05, 2025 at 11:37 — By Ryan Munoz, Leaf & Thought
In the heart of Winnipeg's North End, a powerful new podcast series is offering a platform for Indigenous voices rarely heard in mainstream media. 'Voices from the North End,' produced by local community members, explores themes of identity, resilience, and cultural revival through intimate conversations with elders, artists, and activists. The podcast is recorded at a grassroots studio set up in a converted community centre, allowing for easy access and local involvement from neighborhood residents.
One of the podcast's most popular episodes features a conversation with Elder Mary Sinclair, who recounts growing up during the Sixties Scoop and her journey toward cultural reconnection. Through laughter and tears, she shares the pain of displacement alongside the joy of relearning language and traditional teachings. This deeply personal storytelling format has resonated with listeners both within Winnipeg and across Canada, shining a light on lived experiences that have long been marginalized.
The creators of the podcast—co-hosts Tyler Bear and Autumn Fontaine—were inspired to start the project after realizing how many local stories go untold. Their goal was not only to document life in the North End, but also to challenge prevailing narratives that frame the neighborhood solely through lenses of poverty or crime. Instead, 'Voices from the North End' presents a vibrant portrait of cultural pride, everyday survival, and community strength.
Each episode is carefully crafted to center authentic voices, with soundscapes recorded on location—from drum circles to local markets—giving listeners a sense of place. The production team prioritizes ethical storytelling, obtaining full consent from guests and ensuring that narratives are never sensationalized. With themes ranging from intergenerational trauma to Indigenous entrepreneurship, the series reflects the complexity of life for many in Winnipeg’s Indigenous population.
Community feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Listeners have written in to express how the stories helped them feel seen, validated, and connected. For some, the podcast has even inspired personal journeys of rediscovery—reconnecting with lost family members, participating in cultural workshops, or learning Indigenous languages. The project has also prompted collaborations with local schools, who now use episodes as learning tools.
Looking ahead, the team plans to expand the podcast with a second season focused on land-based teachings and environmental stewardship. They hope to travel beyond Winnipeg to feature voices from remote communities across Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Northern Ontario. At its core, 'Voices from the North End' remains a tribute to storytelling as survival, reminding listeners that Indigenous narratives are not only historical but alive and essential to Canada’s future.