Indigenous Climate Hub Podcast: Sharing powerful stories from Indigenous voices on the frontlines of climate change in Canada

About

The Indigenous Climate Hub Podcast brings you powerful stories from Indigenous voices on the frontlines of climate change in Canada. Through insightful conversations with Indigenous climate leaders, organizations, and communities, we explore the challenges, resilience, and innovative solutions shaping Indigenous-led climate action.

Each episode offers a unique perspective on climate change adaptation, traditional ecological knowledge, and the vital role Indigenous peoples play in protecting lands, waters, and ecosystems for future generations.

The podcast is hosted by Dr. Shyra Barberstock (member of Kebaowek First Nation) and Dr. Rye Barberstock, (member of the Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte), and here’s what you can expect:

• Local Stories, Broad Insights: Explore stories close to home, sharing important observations, considerations, and insights happening in our own backyard. The podcast expands this knowledge to include the geographies of many Indigenous Peoples and communities across Turtle Island.
• Indigenous Climate Change and Environmental Lens: The podcast explores climate change topics and environmental challenges, along with discussions on Indigenous ecological knowledge systems and biodiversity using Indigenous perspectives. Our guests represent the broader Turtle Island Indigenous community bringing diverse local and regional insights, realities, and aspirations in our shared roles and responsibilities in advancing climate change adaptation and mitigation.
• Informative and Entertaining Content: Our aim is to create thoughtful content that encourages consideration for the land, water, and natural resources which sustain us all. The podcast is meant to be both informative and entertaining, sparking curiosity and respect for the environment.

Episodes

Episode 7: Wampum as Climate Decision-Maker: Ecological Teachings from the Dish with One Spoon

In this episode, Dr. Shyra Barberstock is joined by co-host and partner Dr. Rye Barberstock to explore the ecological and cultural teachings held within Wampum. Focusing on the Dish with One Spoon Wampum Belt, they discuss how this ancient treaty embodies shared ecological responsibility and informs climate decision-making. The episode highlights how Wampum carries environmental knowledge, guiding Indigenous climate leadership and stewardship through natural law and original agreements with the Earth.

Episode 6: The Dance of Life: Indigenous Ecological Knowledge & Climate Change

In this episode, Dr. Shyra Barberstock interviews co-host Dr. Rye Barberstock, a Haudenosaunee scholar, about the deep ties between Indigenous ecological knowledge and climate change. Dr. Rye shares ancestral teachings on the interconnectedness of all life, the rhythms of Mother Earth, and the power of traditional knowledge. The episode offers a rich reflection on how Indigenous worldviews guide resilience and adaptation in a changing climate.

Episode 5: Resilience and Reflection: Bethany Whiteknife on Climate, Culture, and Community

In this episode, Drs. Shyra and Rye Barberstock speak with Bethany Whiteknife of the Mikisew Cree First Nation, who offers insight into how climate change is affecting traditional land-based practices. As an archaeologist and anthropologist in training, Bethany reflects on environmental changes, cultural resilience, and the vital role of youth in safeguarding Indigenous knowledge. It’s a moving conversation about preservation, stewardship, and Indigenous strength in the face of climate change.

Episode 4: Global Indigenous Advocacy: Celeste Smith’s Journey in Food Sovereignty (Part III)

In the final episode of their three-part series, Drs. Shyra and Rye Barberstock reconnect with Celeste Smith to discuss her global advocacy for Indigenous food sovereignty and climate justice. From her leadership roles with CSIPM, the UN FAO, and La Via Campesina, Celeste is elevating Indigenous voices on the international stage. The episode also highlights her initiatives, Cultural Seeds and We Will Plant Lodge, showcasing how traditional knowledge is driving transformative, Indigenous-led climate solutions.

Episode 3: Advocating for Change: Celeste Smith’s Journey in Food Sovereignty (Part II)

In part two of their conversation with Celeste Smith, Drs. Shyra and Rye Barberstock explore her national-level leadership in Indigenous food sovereignty and land justice. As Co-Chair of the NFU’s International Committee and a leader with Food Secure Canada, Celeste is driving systemic change in food systems. This episode highlights how Indigenous leadership is influencing national policies for a more just and sustainable future.

Episode 2: Reconnecting with the Land: Celeste Smith’s Journey in Food Sovereignty (Part I)

In this second episode, Drs. Shyra and Rye Barberstock speak with Celeste Smith, an Oneida leader in Indigenous food sovereignty and founder of Cultural Seeds and We Will Plant Lodge. Celeste shares her journey from basement gardening to creating an ecological center on Manitoulin Island, focused on healing and traditional agriculture. This first part of a three-part series highlights her powerful work in land stewardship, seed saving, and uplifting women and Two-Spirit voices in environmental justice.

Episode 1: Origins & Storytelling with Special Guest Dr. Paul Chaput

In this first episode of the Indigenous Climate Hub Podcast, hosts Drs. Shyra and Rye Barberstock introduce the origins of the Hub, grounded in Indigenous knowledge and community-driven climate action. They are joined by Métis filmmaker Dr. Paul Chaput to discuss his documentary on the 2018 Indigenous Climate Change Adaptation Gathering. The conversation explores storytelling, film, and cultural resilience as powerful tools in addressing climate change.