Métis book inspires new podcast series
Posted on: Jan 30, 2024
Métis book inspires new podcast series
EDMONTON, AB (January 30, 2024) – The authors of the Métis book The True Canadians: Forgotten Nevermore are pleased to announce a new podcast series based on the book and hosted by one of the co-authors, writer and former journalist David Wylynko.
The first episode features Wylynko’s discussion with Andrea Sandmaier, President, Otipemisiwak Métis Government of the Métis Nation within Alberta, sharing her views with retired president Audrey Poitras.
Sandmaier and Poitras describe the many challenges and accomplishments that have punctuated the historic Métis journey toward recognition, right up to the landmark federal legislation currently before Parliament, Bill C-53, which is intended to recognize the Métis right to govern themselves.
The series was conceived by co-author Patricia Russell and focuses on the breadth of topics covered by the book, including Métis economic development and prospects, tourism, veterans and Elders, Métis health, housing, and environmental initiatives, to name but a few. Poitras also provides her views on the topics of the various episodes during their interludes.
“While we were touring the country promoting the book, we discovered that readers wanted to know more about the Métis people, events, and milestones we featured,” said Russell. “A podcast seemed the best way to share greater details on the important roles the Métis have played historically and continue to play in the evolution of Canada.”
Wylynko concurred, noting that not only the public but the media, academics, politicians, lawyers, and social activists were receptive to learning more about the true Canadians. “The interest in this story, which has been so well hidden for so long, is now broad, and it’s graduated to being about more than the legacy of Louis Riel.”
Episodes to be released soon will feature Wylynko’s discussions with Métis lawyer Jason Madden, who possesses an extensive understanding of the Métis legal landscape and milestones, including cases that went all the way to the Supreme Court of Canada, and with Rebecca Lavallee, the recently elected regional Métis youth representative of the new Métis Otipemisiwak Métis Government in Alberta, who talks about the aspirations and opportunities for Métis youth.
The podcast series is accessible from the website www.thetruecanadians.com and on all major podcast platforms, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google, and Amazon.
