Cara Jones Speaks, Shedding Light On the Extraordinary

Celebrating Pride: Stories of Struggle, Empowerment, and Progress

This episode of Cara Jones Speaks takes a heartfelt look at the evolution of 2SLGBTQIA+ rights and freedoms, celebrating the progress made while acknowledging the challenges that remain. Recorded on Treaty 8 territory, the episode honours the land's original caretakers and reflects on the importance of friendship, truth, and reconciliation.
Join Cara as she reunites with Emerson Sanderson, also known as Denim from Canada’s Drag Race, who shares personal experiences with the youth while performing for the teens at the Rainbow Bright Dance about living in Grande Prairie as a 2SLGBTQIA+ teen and being a part of the documentary From Redneck To Rainbow created by the Grande Prairie City Youth Council.
In a candid interview, longtime activist Gordon Pelleron delves into his journey growing up as a queer individual in Grande Prairie, sharing insights into the changes he has witnessed and his aspirations for the future. From his involvement in founding the Northreach Society to his reflections on allyship and the resurgence of hate, Gordon provides a powerful narrative of resilience and hope.
This episode aims to uplift and spread love through stories of struggle and triumph, illuminating the extraordinary individuals who continue to fight for equality and inclusion. Join the conversation and discover how we can all contribute to a safer, more accepting world for everyone.

Journey of Remembrance: Brett English's Voyage of Discovery

This episode of Cara Jones Speaks, recorded on Treaty 8 territory, embarks on a journey of empowerment, truth, and reconciliation. Cara Jones introduces us to Brett English, a passionate history enthusiast and participant in the Peyakoskan Podcast Initiative facilitated by the Grande Prairie Friendship Centre.
Brett shares his remarkable experience of winning a scholarship from the Vimy Foundation, which took him overseas to France and Belgium. As he recounts his journey, Brett reflects on Canada's contributions to World War I and the emotional impact of visiting historical sites like Flanders Field. He delves into the stories of soldiers, including Indigenous ones, and the profound realization of the sacrifices made during the war.
Through heartfelt conversations, Brett and Cara explore the significance of understanding history, the harsh realities of war, and the importance of preserving Indigenous culture and stories. Brett's insights into the past and present wars and his experiences with Truth and Reconciliation offer listeners an eye-opening perspective on today's world.

Embracing Neurodiversity: A Journey from Struggle to Empowerment

 Host Cara Jones shares her journey with severe epilepsy and the realization of having ADHD, a discovery that came decades after her neurosurgeries. She reflects on the struggles she faced, mistaking them as personality traits, and how social media opened her eyes to neurodiversity.
Cara is joined by Natasha Okimaw, an artist, facilitator, and educator who passionately embraces her neuro-spiciness. Natasha shares her journey of self-discovery, growing up in the 80s and 90s without the language or understanding of ADHD and neurodiversity. They discuss the challenges of impulse control, the benefits of medication, and the importance of understanding one's patterns.
Together, they delve into the evolving perception of neurodiversity in society and workplaces, highlighting the need for more inclusive environments. Through humour and honesty, they explore the unique strengths and perspectives that come with being neurodiverse, challenging the stigma and advocating for greater awareness and acceptance.
Join Cara and Natasha as they celebrate the extraordinary, sharing stories of empowerment and resilience, and shedding light on the vibrant, neuro-spicy world. This episode is a testament to the power of embracing differences and finding strength in one's unique journey.

Music In The North: Sakâwînow Music Festival & The Hip Hop Group Angry Outdoor Kids

This episode of Cara Jones Speaks takes listeners on a vibrant journey through the thriving arts scene in Alberta, with a special focus on the Sakâwînow Music Festival. Set against the backdrop of Treaty 8 territory, the festival celebrates world culture and Indigenous music, featuring electrifying performances from artists like DJ Shub and Snotty Nose Rez Kids.
Join Cara as she interviews festival creator Daniel Desjarlais, discussing the inspiration behind the festival and its unique integration of diverse music genres. Daniel shares his vision for the festival's future, aiming to grow it into an annual event that attracts global audiences while maintaining its cultural roots.
The episode also highlights the local hip-hop group Angry Outdoor Kids, with band members Riley Forsberg and Levi Kirkham sharing their creative journey. They delve into their inspirations, the emotional depth of their music, and the significance of their lyrics that pay homage to their life experiences and friendships.
Explore the eclectic blend of music and culture in Alberta's North, and learn more about the artistic passion driving both the Sakâwînow Music Festival and Angry Outdoor Kids. Discover how these creative endeavours are reshaping the local arts landscape, providing platforms for diverse voices and talents.

Entrepreneurship, Truth & Reconciliation with Mariah Battiste

As an entrepreneur, I can relate to the many struggles and achievements that come with insurmountable learning curves when starting a new business. Not to mention the ridiculous amount of self-doubt you constantly try to talk yourself out of when faced with obstacles. Along with the incredible highs when you persist and find solutions. 
The last ten years have been an era of rapid digital technology transformation, creating opportunities for people to start home-based businesses and service clients worldwide. As a result, people living in rural communities can compete in the global market and run six-figure businesses from their basements. 
But how does equity play a part in the lives of new entrepreneurs when it comes to accessing resources that we might take for granted? How does colonization affect entrepreneurs who live on an Indigenous reserve? 
My guess today is,Mariah Battiste, beadwork designer and owner of Sundaylace Creations & Bling. Raised in Unamaki (Cape Breton) in Nova Scotia, her business is rooted in contemporary beaded jewelry for weddings, special occasions, or everyday wear. 
Mariah's business has received awards and has grown exponentially over the last few years. She was the keynote speaker for the 2022 In.Business Youth Mentoring Conference at Cape Breton University and Unama'ki College, her presentation was funny, insightful and shocking. Of all the things she thought would be a struggle when starting her business, she never imagined her biggest battle would be with Canada Post.
 
Mariah's website: sundaylacecreations.com

BELEIVING WOMEN.Flat Fashion & Breast Cancer with Tina Martel

Why do so many women experience adversity when it comes to being believed? Why do our voices seem lost in a sea of skepticism regarding our bodies, experiences and health?
In February 2020, about four weeks before the world shut down from the Covid-19 pandemic, artist, educator and friend Tina Martel asked me to write one of my poems on her. I wrote on Tina before, but this time was particular because she was still healing from a double mastectomy. To say I was honoured that she asked me is an understatement, but I knew the perfect poem for the occasion, and as an artist, Tina would appreciate it.
You are taught many things in art school, but one debate sticks out for me: the difference between nakedness and nudity. Édouard Manet's 1863 painting, Olympia, is often used as an example because, at the time of the unveiling at the Paris Salon, it caused massive outrage. Manet used a model who shamelessly stared directly at the viewer; for the public, this was more controversial than her nudity or nakedness. It was as if she was giving a big middle finger to how society perceived women and their bodies.
I wrote the poem "Olympia Is Over It" as a tribute to women's ongoing struggle when being believed about their bodies, health, and experiences over a century later.
Tina, unfortunately, knows this struggle all too well. Her book, Not In The Pink, documents her breast cancer experience and is one of the only books I have ever read that can make me laugh and cry when it comes to Cancer. Her message is important and one that everyone should hear because, like Olympia and me, Tina is over it.
Check out
Tina Martel on Instagram - @not_in_the-pinkMy site: carajonesspeaks.tvMore about Édouard Manet: https://www.widewalls.ch/magazine/edouard-manet-olympia

Bead The Change with Mi’gmaq Fashion Designer Cheyenne Isaac-Gloade

Cheyenne Isaac-Gloade is a Mi'gmaq business owner, designer, creator and beader. Originally from Listuguj, Quebec and now based in Millbrook, Nova Scotia.
Cheyenne grew up surrounded by her culture, language and the Mi'gmaw way of life. She is a jingle dress dancer in Pow Wow celebrations across Turtle Island and was featured in the music video "Powerless" by Halifax rapper Classified.
Her love of Mi'gmaq culture combines both past and present through her unique beaded creations such as earrings, necklaces, bangles, right her fashion and design label, Chey Designs. Her works of art have travelled across the country, worn by influencers, artists, respected officials and featured in films, media, music videos and more. 
Like many people, Cheyenne faced a lot of hardship due to the pandemic, but one day it all turned around when she shared the exciting news that she would be working with Nike beading unique Indigenous designs for the brand.
The story of how this all came to be is filled with synchronicity, reconciliation and the reminder that what we perceive as insignificant actions can be the catalyst for significant change. 
Click these links to learn more about:
Chey Designs
Artist Christi Belcourt
Mi'kmaq activist Annie Mae Aquash
Watch Classified's video POWERLESS
 

Dying For A Diagnosis With Survivor Daniel Ross

As the omicron variant sweeps the globe with its high rate of infection, our health care systems continue to be over-extended, in-person appointments have been switched to phone calls, essential surgeries have been delayed, and terminally ill people have been forced to deal with the repercussions of a pandemic that has influenced access to fundamental care.
My friend Daniel Ross, owner of Ross Screenprint, shares how what seemed like a harmless tumble during a family ski trip turned into an uphill battle for a diagnosis. So what do you do when all your tests come back negative, but you know there is something incredibly wrong? Dan persevered in the face of resistance and in the end, saved his life.