“Inherent Rights, Informed Voices” New Podcast Launching November 17

“Inherent Rights, Informed Voices” is for First Nations leaders, administrators and citizens who want to learn about their inherent rights; the power that citizens have to transform the way their nation is governed; and how the Indian Act obstructs their ability to develop effective self-governance and take their rightful place as citizens within their own nations and within Canada. The podcast is also an important educational tool for all Canadians to better understand our shared history and the importance of creating a shared future together. Effective self-governance is critical to the survival, health and well-being of First Nation peoples. It is a central pillar in reconciliation and in the creation of a new nation-to-nation relationship with the Crown; and is vital to building Canada’s global strength.

The podcast is produced by the Rebuilding First Nations Governance (RFNG) research project in collaboration with its lead partner, the Centre for First Nations Governance (CFNG). It features experts across the country who are partners, collaborators and practitioners helping First Nations to find pathways out of Indian Act administration back to governing themselves and their territories.

The first five episodes of the podcast will be released weekly until December 15th, with another five in production for release in the New Year. It will be available on YouTube, Facebook, Spotify and SoundCloud. Episode dates and details below.

Episodes: 2025

EP1: Rebuilding What Was Always Ours: The Inherent Right to Self-Government

November 17, 2025

“Where it all began…” Exploring the history of the Indian Act and the inherent right to self-government. Episode 1 covers how First Nation communities governed themselves successfully before the arrival of European settlers and how the introduction of colonial government and the Indian Act changed ways of life that had been practiced for millennia.

Host: Catherine MacQuarrie

Guests: Frances Abele, Terry Poucette

https://www.youtube.com/@InherentRights

EP2: Inherent Rights Explained

November 24, 2025

Indigenous governance can be a tricky concept to wrap your head around. Terms like self-determination, self-governance, inherent right to self-government, reconciliation, Section 35, are thrown around. But what do they actually mean? Episode 2 explores the key concepts of the inherent right to self-government. What does it mean for First Nations to be self-determining? And how does that shape reconciliation in Canada?

Host: Mason Ducharme

Guests: Satsan (Herb George), Chris Robertson

EP3: From Section 35 to UNDRIP: Honouring Indigenous Rights

December 1, 2025

Have you ever wondered why and how Canada recognizes Indigenous rights? In episode 3, prepare to learn all about Section 35 – a short but important piece of Canada’s constitution that recognizes the rights of Indigenous peoples across the country. Canada’s constitutional obligation to protect these rights, paired with the country’s adoption of the United Nation Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples provides a strong foundation for protecting Aboriginal and Treaty rights in numerous ways.

Host: Julie Williams

Guest: Naiomi Metallic

EP4: From the Courts to the Community: Asserting Self-Governance

December 8, 2025

Indigenous peoples across Canada have a long history of successfully challenging the courts, governments and the public to recognize their rights. In episode 4, we learn about successful government policy change regarding Aboriginal rights, and how nations can begin implementing their own policies as a step to reclaiming self-governance.

Host: Dwayne Nashkawa

Guests: Catherine MacQuarrie, Frances Abele, Kent McNeil

EP5: Self-Government in Action with Bill C-92: Indigenous Laws for Our Children

December 15, 2025

The Canadian government has twice legislated the inherent right to self-government to recognize specific jurisdictions. One of those times was in 2019 with the passing of Bill C-92. For decades Indigenous voices had pushed for the right to control their own child and family services, and this Bill finally provides supports for that right. Episode 5 delves into Bill C-92 while exploring how some First Nations’ have been structuring their own child and family laws.

Host: Nathan Oakes

Guest: Albert Peeling, Mason Ducharme