In the ever-popular, ever-evolving world of podcasts, the voices of young Indigenous, First Nation creatives are standing out among the crowd. With an estimated 4.3 million podcasts (and counting) worldwide (Podcast Index 2024) the Great Podcast Boom is re-adjusting after an industry wobble in 2023 and the impact of AI. Authentic conversations, rooted in solid grounding, which stand for something, are valuable assets in today’s audio market.
The Young and Indigenous (YAI) podcast emerged as part of the Children of the Setting SunYoung Tribal Leaders Program (YTLP).
Michelle from the YAI team explains: “YAI Podcast stands for Young and Indigenous – and that is who we are: Tribal youth creating an outlet to express opinions, voice ideas and concerns, and share stories that have been, until now, untold. By listening to the voices of our ancestors, we are reclaiming our narrative and preserving our way of life. Join us on our journey!”
“We started by having a youth gathering, where young people expressed the concern that their voices and others in their community were not being heard, both within the Lummi community and the larger society. Thus was born the Youth Podcast.”
Children of the Setting Sun Productions has an holistic mission “to heal Mother Earth. We’re taking our rightful place within the global environmental movement to fulfil our responsibilities to Mother Nature. We build hope grounded in Indigenous knowledge and values and believe that Native storytelling is central to solving the climate crisis of our time. We take the lead from those that have come before us as we recognise that the work we do is for those who have yet to come.”
At the heart of the podcast is learning and practicing the appropriate cultural protocols including respect of elders in interviewing, gift-giving, strengthening their knowledge of the language, and learning and sharing tribal stories; this process ensures keeping alive ancient oral traditions with modern technologies.
The podcast’s talented team includes Young Tribal Leader / Podcast Producer / Project Coordinator, WyKeklyaa Curleybear.
“As a community it is our responsibility and duty to come together as one and make important decisions that should only benefit all of us” says Michelle. “In order to do that we must first listen to the people of the community for their thoughts and opinions, this includes everyone: the council, the fisherman, the elderly, the youth, and the children.
There is a lack of communication in our community and we need to fix it. It can affect the council, the people, our economy, and our future if we continue to let it grow. Many things contribute to this problem including social media- when people only voice their opinions through a screen. A lot of the younger voters who do not vote can also add to the lack of communication in this community by not influencing the voting system and elected members because it is a chain reaction. And once the people who are elected stop asking the community members for their input, they start deciding things on their own. Therefore creating a division between the council and the people.
The proposal to the solution is asking the community for their opinions and thoughts through an on-the-go podcast group. During the interview, many questions will be asked regarding the community as a whole and its future. Once we have heard the ideas of the people we will then go to the council and hear their input as well.
This podcast can help deliver strength and unity within our community and help us know a better and brighter future. One where everyone’s voice is heard and put to thought. The power of communication can bring a community even closer.”
@yaipodcast
