Episode Notes & Learning Resources
In this episode, Risa speaks with Na'kuset, executive director of the Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal, about the search for justice beyond the limits of the Canadian state, the Permanent Peoples’ Tribunal hearings, and the ongoing work of truth-telling around genocide, colonial violence, and Indigenous resistance.
If this conversation moves you, please consider supporting Indigenous-led organisations directly, sharing this episode, and participating in local acts of witness and solidarity.
Note: This episode is part of our annual Reparations Season and fundraiser, the prizes are incredible this year and we'd love to make repair with you. Find out more at https://www.missingwitches.com/reparations/
Support
Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal
https://www.nwsm.info/
Historical & Political Context
Permanent Peoples’ Tribunal
An independent international tribunal founded in 1979 to hear cases involving colonial violence, crimes against humanity, and human rights abuses when official institutions fail to act. It does not wield state power, but creates a public record through testimony and legal judgment.
Learn more:
https://permanentpeoplestribunal.org
Residential Schools
A system of church- and state-run institutions designed to forcibly assimilate Indigenous children by removing them from families, language, culture, and land. Survivors have documented abuse, neglect, and lasting intergenerational harm.
Learn more:
https://nctr.ca/
Sixties Scoop
The mass apprehension of Indigenous children by child welfare agencies beginning in the 1960s and extending for decades, placing many into non-Indigenous homes and severing family and cultural ties.
Learn more:
https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/sixties-scoop
MMIW / MMIWG2S+
Refers to the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit people. In Canada, the National Inquiry concluded this violence constitutes genocide.
Learn more:
https://www.mmiwg-ffada.ca/
Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC)
Established in 2008 to document the truths of residential school Survivors and issue Calls to Action for governments and institutions.
Learn more:
https://nctr.ca/records/reports/
Nuremberg Trials
Post-Second World War tribunals prosecuting Nazi leaders for war crimes and crimes against humanity. Often referenced as a foundation of modern international accountability.
Learn more:
https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/the-nuremberg-trials
Every Child Matters
A movement honouring children taken to residential schools, Survivors, and their families. Commonly symbolised through orange shirts and acts of remembrance.
Learn more:
https://orangeshirtday.org/
Bill C-31
A 1985 amendment to the Indian Act intended to address sex discrimination that stripped many Indigenous women and descendants of legal status.
Learn more:
https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/
Idle No More
An Indigenous-led grassroots movement founded in 2012 defending sovereignty, treaty rights, land, water, and collective futures.
Learn more:
https://idlenomore.ca/
Places, People & Organisations Mentioned
Chiefswood Park
A heritage and community site in Six Nations of the Grand River connected to cultural memory and the life of poet E. Pauline Johnson.
Six Nations of the Grand River
The largest First Nations reserve in Canada by population, home to members of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy.
Learn more:
https://www.sixnations.ca/
David Suzuki
Canadian scientist, broadcaster, and environmental advocate.
Learn more:
https://davidsuzuki.org/
Waseskun Healing Centre
An Indigenous healing lodge near Montreal supporting healing and reintegration through culturally grounded programs.
Learn more:
https://www.waseskun.net/
Aboriginal Legal Services
An Indigenous-led legal organisation offering culturally rooted justice programs, advocacy, and support.
Learn more:
https://aboriginallegal.ca/
Know History
A research and consulting firm focused on history, archives, Indigenous engagement, and public memory projects.
Learn more:
https://www.knowhistory.ca/
Daphne Art Centre
A contemporary arts platform and residency space supporting creative practice and exchange.
Learn more:
https://daphne.art/
A Closing Invitation
History is not past. It moves through law, land, memory, and bodies. If this conversation stirs something in you, let that feeling become action: learn more, donate, show up, speak truth, tend fire.
Risa Dickens
