Telling Our Twisted Histories

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Words connect us. Words hurt us. Indigenous histories have been twisted by centuries of colonization. Host Kaniehti:io Horn brings us together to decolonize our minds– one word, one concept, one story at a time.

CBC Podcasts


    • Jun 21, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 25m AVG DURATION
    • 16 EPISODES

    Ivy Insights

    The Telling Our Twisted Histories podcast is a deeply educational and eye-opening show that delves into the histories and struggles of Indigenous peoples in Canada. As someone with Puerto Rican heritage, I greatly appreciate the opportunity to learn about native peoples from all over the Northern Hemisphere, especially considering how much of their language, culture, and bloodlines have been wiped out due to colonization. This podcast has provided me with a wealth of knowledge and has allowed me to see history from new perspectives.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is its commitment to uncovering the truth and sharing untold stories. The hosts are courageous in shedding light on the dark history of settler colonialism and addressing the atrocities committed against Indigenous peoples. The show presents a nuanced view of history that challenges traditional narratives taught in schools, making it an invaluable resource for education and decolonization efforts. Moreover, the inclusion of native languages and customs adds authenticity and richness to each episode.

    Sadly, one of the worst aspects of this podcast is realizing how much misinformation has been perpetuated in our education systems. As mentioned by one reviewer, even in places like Ohio there were false teachings about indigenous peoples. It is disheartening to think that such propaganda was woven into curriculums, further erasing or distorting native voices.

    In conclusion, The Telling Our Twisted Histories podcast is an exceptional example of how history should be taught. It serves as a vital resource for anyone seeking knowledge about the struggles faced by Indigenous communities in Canada and beyond. By amplifying indigenous voices and uncovering hidden narratives, this podcast creates space for important conversations about decolonization and anti-racism work. I am grateful for the hard work put into this series and eagerly anticipate each new episode airing.



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    Latest episodes from Telling Our Twisted Histories

    Bonus: How to celebrate National Indigenous People's Day all summer long

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2024 52:00


    Today we have a special bonus episode for you from our sibling show Unreserved, a fearless space for Indigenous voices. Host Rosanna Deerchild is ready to Indigenize your summer with a tastemaker's guide to the best books, movies, podcasts and more. More episodes of Unreserved are available at: https://link.chtbl.com/u2dCcads

    Telling Our Twisted Histories Introduces: The Urbariginal

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2023 25:33


    Rudy Kelly's dad was a great chief of the Tsimshian Nation - a champion of the language, culture, and community. Everyone loved him. But did Rudy? As a kid, he looked up to him. Idolized him. But also feared him. And even hated him. He told Rudy that to succeed, he would have to leave everything behind: his family, friends, and culture. In this six-part series, Rudy's journey brings him back in time, to learn how colonization impacted Indigenous people, from those who lived it. To find out who and what his dad really was, and to discover more about himself - the Urbariginal. More episodes are available at: https://link.chtbl.com/eQm8Crpy

    Telling Our Twisted Histories Update and Introducing: Kuper Island

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2022 33:31


    Kuper Island is an 8-part series that tells the stories of four students: three who survived and one who didn't. They attended one of Canada's most notorious residential schools – where unsolved deaths, abuse, and lies haunt the community and the survivors to this day. Hosted by Duncan McCue. More episodes are available at hyperurl.co/kuperisland

    Telling Our Twisted Histories Introduces: The Secret Life of Canada

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2022 45:15


    The Secret Life of Canada is a podcast about the country you know and the stories you don't. Join hosts Leah-Simone Bowen and Falen Johnson as they reveal the beautiful, terrible and weird histories of this land. The Secret Life of Canada is back with season 4 and in this episode, you'll hear the story behind a now famous "before and after" photo of a little boy who was taken to residential school in Regina, Saskatchewan. Who is this boy? Where is he from and what happened to him after he was taken away from home? More episodes are available at http://hyperurl.co/secretlifeofcanada

    history canada twisted saskatchewan secret life falen johnson leah simone bowen
    RECONCILIATION

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2021 25:09


    It's made its way into Canada's political vocabulary and into Indigenous communities. Some see it as yet another empty promise; others see it as a path forward. It's a word that is both divisive and complicated. Together, we will look at the fractured relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations to look for a way forward that is balanced and fair.

    GOD

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2021 22:29


    Through missionary work and later, the government-funded residential school system, our rituals and spiritual practices were broken. We were forced to follow Christianity's top-down, hierarchical doctrine, under its vengeful and punitive god, but our circular worldview survived. In our view, all things coexist in an interconnected relationship with the universe. Together, we will decolonize the word GOD and uncover the richness of our spiritual traditions.

    OBEY

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 19, 2021 23:11


    The word OBEY does not exist in Indigenous languages. Our ancestors lived by their own systems of governance that sought to maintain harmony among all living things. The concept of obedience was forced upon us by church and government authorities. It slowly took hold and changed both our way of life and our way of governing ourselves. The time has come to consider regaining our sovereignty and reclaiming our original ways of decision making.

    BANNOCK

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 12, 2021 19:40


    Flour, baking powder, a pinch of salt and a bit of water. Beloved and delicious, this traditional fry bread is a staple in Indigenous kitchens, but its colonial roots come with serious health repercussions This episode is a mouth-watering journey decolonizing the word BANNOCK.

    POCAHONTAS

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 5, 2021 19:12


    How do you dismantle the colonial myth of POCAHONTAS? Disney's portrait of the Indian Princess has been indelibly pressed into young minds: she is naïve and noble, sexualized, innocent, and needy of a white saviour to win her heart. In reality, Indigenous women have always played strong and valued roles in their communities, leading by will and courage. Western society has created the archetype of the Good Indian, frozen in time, smiling and helpful. Together, we will decolonize this stereotype and examine portrayals of Indigenous people in Hollywood and beyond.

    SAVAGE

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2021 23:31


    How did we go from 'noble savages' to 'dirty savages'? Over time, the meaning of the word has shifted from natural, free, and pure to a derogatory word used to diminish us and cast us aside. Indigenous people were considered "uncivilized", synonymous with barbaric, bestial, and cruel. This word has inflicted deep wounds and fuels prejudices to this day. Together, we'll recall the true meaning of the word SAVAGE, and explore its current impact.

    INDIAN TIME

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2021 16:56


    Running late? The importance of being on time is cultural, as are differences in priorities and perspectives. Together, we will decolonize INDIAN TIME and examine how Indigenous perceptions of time persist, even while 'running late'.

    FAMILY NAMES

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2021 23:05


    Where do surnames O'Bomsawin, Mukash, and Ikey come from? In our culture, names are powerful gifts given us by our ancestors, highlighting a character trait that shows up at birth, or designating a life mission for each of us to embrace. But ever since settlers arrived on our shores, our names have been distorted, or flat-out fabricated. Together, we will explore and decolonize the stories of our FAMILY NAMES.

    SCHOOL

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2021 23:27


    For over 150 years, Indian Residential Schools were one of the primary means by which the government assimilated us in order to “kill the Indian in the child.” These compulsory SCHOOLS shattered our families, our languages, and our cultures. This great pain was passed down from generation to generation and impacts our communities to this day. Together, we will decolonize the word SCHOOL and share our truths about learning. The Indian Residential School Survivors Society has created a helpline for residential school survivors and can be reached at 1-866-925-4419. If you are a survivor and you need to talk, please call.

    DISCOVERY

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2021 22:04


    70 conversations. 15 Indigenous communities. 11 words with the power to hurt. In this first episode, host Kaniehti:io Horn decolonizes the word, 'discovery'. Christopher Columbus, Jacques Cartier, even Leif Erikson all claimed to have found a 'new' land. But by the time they reached the shores of the Americas, millions of people had already been living here for at least 11,000 years. The Doctrine of Discovery –a papal bull from the 1400's– justified the dispossession and displacement of the First Peoples from their Lands. Together, we'll explore words that are now helping us to rewrite our history. Telling our Twisted Histories is a podcast series made by Indigenous people for anyone who wants to start decolonizing their vocabulary – and their histories – one word at a time. Telling Our Twisted Histories is a Terre Innue and CBC co-production.

    RESERVE

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2021 24:51


    We lived in balance with nature for thousands of years, inhabiting this land without borders or titles. We were relocated to tiny parcels of land, owned by the Crown, in order for colonial authorities to gain unhindered access to our lands. Today, we still dream about the vastness of our lands and waters. In this episode we'll decolonize the word RESERVE together, and discuss how land is so much more than property. Telling Our Twisted Histories is a Terre Innue and CBC co-production.

    Introducing Telling Our Twisted Histories

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2021 1:07


    Words have the power to shape how we see the world and each other. Listen up with Kaniehti:io Horn as she guides us through conversations with more than 70 people from 15 First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities. Coming May 31 2021.

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