Relentless Indigenous Woman Podcast

Welcome to the Relentless Indigenous Woman podcast—a space for uncensored and unapologetic conversations on the lived realities of Indigenous Peoples. Hosted by Dr. Candace Manitopyes, a proud Moose Cree First Nation educator, advocate, and scholar, this podcast invites you to listen, grow, and take meaningful action. With a community of over 750,000 followers across social media, Dr. Manitopyes has become a powerful voice in bold Indigenous education, truth-telling, and solidarity. Here, education becomes rebellion. Resistance. Revolution. Whether you are an Indigenous listener or an ally committed to learning, this podcast exists to challenge, inspire, and empower. www.relentlessindigenouswoman.ca

Relentless Indigenous Woman Podcast is a education podcast hosted by Relentless Indigenous Woman, with 67 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Relentless Indigenous Woman hosts Relentless Indigenous Woman Podcast, a education show with 67 episodes published.

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  Relentless Indigenous Woman Podcast

  Ep. 67: From the Rez to the Runway: A Memoir of Fashion and Vogue with Christian Allaire

  Aug 19, 202644 min

  "I've always just loved fashion. It really came from going to powwows." In this final episode of the spring/summer season, the host, Dr. Candace Manitopyes, connects with Christian Allaire, a senior fashion and style writer at Vogue , to explore his incredible journey from Nipissing First Nation to the fashion capital of the world. They dive into his work as an author and his pivotal role in bringing Indigenous fashion into the mainstream, tackling the complex reality of representation in an industry that has often missed the mark. The conversation moves beyond the red carpet as they discuss what true reclamation looks like—treating Indigenous designers as artists first, rather than just objects of temporary interest. Christian shares insights on balancing the intense pressures of the fashion business with the deep, intentional storytelling behind Indigenous design, and why pushing creative boundaries is so vital for future generations. Listeners also get a fun, unfiltered look at the person behind the byline. From a shared obsession with Britney Spears and the comfort of an Indian taco to the chaotic, stress-filled reality of working behind the scenes at a fashion show, this episode captures an honest convo between two Rez kids who dared to ask, "what if there's more ?" It’s an inspiring, must-listen conversation for anyone who loves fashion, culture, and doesn't give a fck if they're seen as weird for pushing artistic boundaries. - Relentless Actions Don’t just "like" Indigenous art from afar—make it a tangible part of your daily life. Commit to researching five new Indigenous designers, buying one small, intentional piece (like earrings or a ribbon shirt), and then actively sharing their story when people ask about it. You aren’t just a consumer; you are an ambassador for that artist’s labor, history, and craft. If you are a Native creator or artist, stop shrinking your vision to fit the "explicitly Native" box the industry expects of you. Reclaim your right to be "weird," avant-garde, and unexpected. Your work is Indigenous because you are Indigenous—it doesn't need to wear a stereotype to be authentic. Build the future you want to see, not the one they told you to create. Relentless Reflections Christian challenged the colonial assumption that diamonds and European silk are the ultimate markers of wealth. Reflect on what you prioritize in your own life. Are you valuing the "dentallium shells"—the rare, meaningful, and cultural treasures—or are you still chasing someone else’s metric of success? True luxury is often what honours your roots, not what costs the most. Writing a memoir is an act of extreme vulnerability, where you have to look at your mistakes, your trauma, and your early "cringe" years with no ego. Reflect on your own story: are you hiding the messy, unpolished, or painful parts of your life? There is a profound, cathartic power in owning your entire narrative—the "nitty-gritty" parts are often the most important ones for your growth. Relentless Resources From the Rez to the Runway by Christian Allaire The Power of Style: How Fashion and Beauty Are Being Used to Reclaim Cultures by Christian Allaire Send Us a Text with Your Thoughts or Questions! Join the RIW Patreon Community RIW Website Music Produced by Award-Winning Anishnaabe DJ Boogey the Beat

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  Relentless Indigenous Woman Podcast

  Ep. 66: Singing the Spirit Home: Language, Legacy, and Love with Fawn Wood

  Aug 13, 202644 min

  Beyond the stage and the following: A raw conversation with Fawn Wood about the realities of sharing your art with the world. In this episode, Dr. Candace Manitopyes connects with Fawn Wood, a celebrated Plains Cree and Salish musician, to discuss the intersection of ancestral traditions, modern digital culture, and the healing power of music. The two women laugh about the weird, small-world connections of the internet and bond over the fact that, despite their public profiles, they’re both just trying to find a bit of genuine peace in an increasingly loud world. Candace and Fawn peel back the layers of what it means to be public figures in a digital age. Fawn opens up about the vulnerability of sharing her music—how it’s a spirit that travels from one soul to another, offering medicine to anyone listening, even those outside their own communities. They get real about the "outrage economy" of social media, admitting that while it used to sting, they’ve both become veterans at protecting their energy. It’s a collective lesson in knowing when to step back, hit the block button, and redirect their focus toward things that actually nurture growth rather than hostility. There’s a refreshing honesty when the talk shifts to the raw, human side of their lives—like needing to blast heavy metal to work through ancestral rage, or simply taking a long drive to let the spirit settle. They bond over the necessity of creating a true sanctuary at home, a safe haven where children can grow up without inheriting the heavy, unspoken baggage of the past. The conversation feels less like an interview and more like a shared commitment to a better future. They circle back to the teaching of living in good relation, acknowledging that while the world can be full of noise and hurt, there’s immense power in choosing kindness and intention. It’s a quiet reminder that their work is built on the hope of paving a path that is just a little bit softer and kinder for the next generation. - Relentless Actions They two women become veterans at protecting their peace, and you should be too. Take an audit of your online space today—if a platform, a group, or an account is feeding the outrage economy rather than offering connection, exercise your power. Use the block button unapologetically. Your peace is not a performance, and your attention is the most valuable currency you have. Ancestral rage is real, and it needs a place to go. Don’t let it sit in your body or explode into a rage-post that you’ll regret later. Find your physical alchemy—whether it’s blasting heavy metal, going for a long drive, or hitting the pavement for a run. Move the energy through you until your spirit settles, then return to your life with a clear head. Relentless Reflections Ask yourself throughout your day: Is the energy I am putting into this room, this relationship, or this screen fostering connection or creating hostility? We often talk about living in good relation as a theory, but it’s a daily practice of checking your intention before you speak or hit enter. Are you building up, or are you just tearing down? As you navigate your day, reflect on what you are inadvertently passing on to the next generation. We are all unlearning patterns to build a better sanctuary for the ones coming after us. Ask yourself: What habits or reactions am I modelling right now that I would be proud for my children (or my community's youth) to inherit? Relentless Resources Follow Fawn Wood on Instagram and TikTok here: @fawnwood Send Us a Text with Your Thoughts or Questions! Join the RIW Patreon Community RIW Website Music Produced by Award-Winning Anishnaabe DJ Boogey the Beat

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  Relentless Indigenous Woman Podcast

  Ep. 63: From Embroidery to Empire: The Power of Starting Small in Entrepreneurship with Michelle Cameron

  Jul 22, 202654 min

  Ever feel like you need the perfect plan before starting your business? In this episode of Relentless Indigenous Woman, Dr. Candace Manitopyes welcomes Michelle Cameron, CEO of Dreamcatcher Promotions, to talk about the messy, real, and rewarding path of Indigenous entrepreneurship. From their hilarious first meeting stuck in a blizzard-bound minivan in Northern Ontario to Michelle building a multi-million dollar company with nothing but a used embroidery machine and YouTube tutorials, they discuss how you don't need perfection to start, you just need the drive to change your life. The two dig deep into breaking the "poverty mindset," the importance of seeking help through Indigenous Financial Institutions (IFIs) for business planning, and why true luxury is a calm nervous system and time with family. If you’ve been letting fear or shame hold you back from your vision, this conversation is your sign to keep going. Tune in to learn why you deserve to thrive, how to stop trying to do everything yourself, and why "Growth Valley" is where your biggest breakthroughs happen. Relentless Actions Outsource the "Scary" Parts: If "business plan," "taxes," or "finances" are stopping you from starting, stop forcing yourself to do it alone. Seek out your local Indigenous Financial Institution (IFI); they often have programs that provide funding specifically to hire consultants who can write business plans and handle financial setup for you. Audit Your "Spending vs. Investing": Take a hard look at your current money habits. If you are struggling with a "poverty mindset" where money disappears as soon as it arrives, try starting small by setting aside even a minimal amount (like $100/month or a percentage of income) into a "slush fund" or savings account to build a buffer. Practice shifting from impulsive spending to intentional investing in your own business growth. Relentless Reflections Redefine "Growth Valley" vs. "Death Valley": While the first five years of business are often called "Death Valley" due to high failure rates, view them instead as "Growth Valley." This phase is a crucible for your own personal development. It will force you to become more innovative, brave, and honest about what is—and isn't—working in your venture. Wealth is More Than Material: Colonization has distorted our relationship with luxury. True luxury is not just material possession; it is a calm nervous system, the ability to trust your relationships, having time for your family, and the freedom to contribute back to your community. When you ground yourself in these values, you become a more resilient and effective entrepreneur. Resources Indigenous Financial Institutions (IFIs): These organizations are essential for Indigenous entrepreneurs. They provide not just capital, but often access to "aftercare" programs and consultants who can teach you financial literacy and business planning. Look for your regional IFI, such as the First Peoples Economic Growth (Manitoba) or similar entities in your province. Dreamcatcher Promotions: Indigenous-owned and trusted nationwide, we create custom branded merchandise and apparel that reflects your organization’s identity and supports your goals https://www.dreamcatcherpromotions.ca/ Send Us a Text with Your Thoughts or Questions! Join the RIW Patreon Community RIW Website Music Produced by Award-Winning Anishnaabe DJ Boogey the Beat

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  Relentless Indigenous Woman Podcast

  Ep. 62: The Art of Unforgetting: How Land-Based Wisdom Rewires the Western Mind with Patty Krawec

  Jul 15, 202659 min

  What if the very tools we use to understand history (time, progress, and even language) are the exact things preventing us from achieving true collective liberation? In this episode, Dr. Candace Manitopyes welcomes author and speaker Patty Krawec to discuss the profound necessity of "unforgetting." They dismantle the myth that Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives are sufficient, arguing that without a fundamental shift in how we relate to the Land and each other and history, we are simply building a larger, more inclusive colonial tent. Patty shares how Anishinaabemowin and other process-oriented, Land-based ways of knowing offer a radical alternative to the Western, noun-based, and time-obsessed worldview. They explore why our stories, science, and sense of self are inextricably linked to place, and why we must move from passive consumption of information to intentional, capacity-based action. This is an invitation to stop "dunking" on each other on social media and start building webs of knowledge that actually sustain our communities. Relentless Actions The Capacity Audit: Stop "rage-posting" and start organizing. When you feel triggered by an injustice, don't let it paralyze you. Instead, adopt the framework discussed in the episode: Ask yourself four questions: What can I learn about this? Who is already doing the work? What is my actual capacity to help? And what is the most constructive thing I can do right now? Whether it is starting a small book club or supporting an existing group, move from consumption to contribution. Commit to Intellectual Decolonization: Intentionally break your dependence on the traditional canon. Commit to reading broadly—specifically prioritizing Indigenous, Black, and queer authors whose work challenges the "European binary" lens. Treat this as a discipline to rewire your own brain, forcing yourself to engage with perspectives that view history as place-based and relational rather than linear and progress-oriented. Relentless Reflection On Honesty vs. Approval: Dr. Candace asks, "Where is the approval coming from in how you function and operate in the world?" Reflect on a project, role, or political stance you have taken recently. Was it an authentic expression of your heart's alignment, or were you seeking validation from a system you claim to oppose? On Relational History: Patty notes that Western history is obsessed with when things happened, while Indigenous ways of knowing focus on where things happened. How would your understanding of your own family, community, or local history shift if you re-centered your perspective around the land you are on, rather than the dates on a calendar? Relentless Resources Becoming Kin: An Indigenous Call to Unforgetting the Past and Reimagining Our Future by Patty Krawec: A foundational text for excavating history and reimagining our relationships. Thousandworlds.ca : Patty Krawec’s blog, where she continues the vital work of reflecting on literature, history, and our place in the world. Send Us a Text with Your Thoughts or Questions! Join the RIW Patreon Community RIW Website Music Produced by Award-Winning Anishnaabe DJ Boogey the Beat

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  Relentless Indigenous Woman Podcast

  Ep. 61: Building the Muscle of Leadership with Jocelyn Formsma, CEO of Indspire

  Jul 8, 202654 min

  This conversation opens with the beautiful, grounding discovery that Dr. Candace (the host) is blood kin with Jocelyn, a reminder that this work is always rooted in relationship and interconnectedness. In this episode, Dr. Candace connects with Jocelyn Formsma, CEO of Indspire, to unpack what leadership looks like when we move beyond top-down models and into the role of a "big auntie"—someone who shows up to mentor, advocate, and walk beside the next generation. They explore the transformative power of bravery, reframing "faking it till you make it" not as a deception, but as a practice to build the muscle of strength already within us. By prioritizing professional networks and mentorship, we are creating a foundation of capacity-building that ensures our youth feel safe, proud, and supported in their leadership journeys. They dig into what decolonial and solidarity work truly demands, acknowledging that it isn’t found in slogans or performative gestures, but in the messy, consistent work of showing up, immersion, and genuine care. When facing the overwhelm of these big spaces, Jocelyn reminds us to lean into curiosity (asking "why" instead of retreating into segregation) and to embrace the duality of strength, where we can be both powerful leaders and vulnerable humans, fuelled by the joy and humour that keep us going. Relentless Actions Implement "30 Seconds of Bravery" for Networking: When you feel the hesitation of being shy or uncertain, set a physical or mental 30-second timer. Use that window to introduce yourself, walk to the front of the room, or send that outreach email you’ve been holding onto. Don't let the "water get colder" by waiting—just jump in. Build Your Professional Peer Network: Following Jocelyn’s advice, actively identify and nurture a peer group separate from your personal circle—people you trust to discuss work, strategy, and challenges. These are the people who will provide the "real responsibility" and ongoing mentorship you need to advance, just as your own mentors did for you. Relentless Reflections On the Duality of Strength: Are you allowing yourself to hold conflicting truths simultaneously? Reflect on whether you are suppressing your vulnerability in an attempt to project "badass" leadership. True endurance comes from balancing the knowledge that you are powerful with the humble acknowledgment of your own humanity and mistakes. On Moving Beyond the "Settler Question": Instead of constantly asking for spoon-feeding or seeking comfort in these dialogues, reflect on whether you are doing the "messy work" of immersion. Are you showing up in ways that go beyond slogans, hashtags, or performative gestures to build actual, lived relationships with Indigenous people and communities? Relentless Resources The "Oshkatsuck" Youth Council: Look into the work of the Oshkatsuck (formerly the National Decade for Youth Council), which Jocelyn highlights as a gold standard for youth engagement and capacity building. Use their model as a template for how to center youth voices in your own organizational structure. Indspire’s Educational Programs: Explore the resources and scholarships offered by Indspire . Even if you aren't directly applying, their model of "capacity-building" and educational support is a powerful roadmap for how to systemically value and invest in Indigenous futures rather than just offering charity. Send Us a Text with Your Thoughts or Questions! Join the RIW Patreon Community RIW Website Music Produced by Award-Winning Anishnaabe DJ Boogey the Beat

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