Podcast Summary
Impact of Residential Schools on Charles Joseph's Life: Residential schools had a profound impact on Charles Joseph's life, causing emotional turmoil after leaving, but he found spiritual peace through art and connection to his cultural heritage.
The profound impact of residential schools on Charles Joseph's life. Charles, a native Canadian and accomplished artist, shared his experiences of attending these schools, the emotional turmoil he faced after leaving, and his journey towards finding spiritual peace. This conversation was deeply emotional and provides valuable insight into the historical and personal consequences of residential schools. It's a reminder of the importance of understanding and acknowledging the past to foster reconciliation and healing. Additionally, the episode highlights the significance of art as a means of expression and connection to one's cultural heritage. Charles's carvings, inspired by his native tradition, serve as a testament to the power of creativity and the enduring nature of indigenous art.
The Power of Friendship and Connection: Friendship and connection can heal past wounds, providing joy and hope during difficult times.
The power of friendship and connection can heal past wounds. The speaker shared his experience of growing up with his great-grandparents, being taken away to a residential school, and the challenges he faced during his childhood. He mentioned how he was the first white friend he made due to his past experiences and the mistrust he held. However, he met the speaker at an art show, and their friendship developed over time. One significant moment was when the speaker was in the hospital and a young boy gave him a toy to play with, providing him with joy during a difficult time. The speaker's story highlights the importance of human connection and the impact it can have on individuals who have experienced trauma.
Residential School: Trauma and Survival: The residential school experience involved trauma, confusion, and survival for Indigenous children, with lasting impacts on their identity and learning abilities.
The residential school experience for the speaker involved trauma, confusion, and survival. Upon arrival, they were subjected to physical and emotional abuse, including having their hair cut, being separated from their families, and being placed in unfamiliar surroundings. The speaker struggled to understand the rules and language of the school, leading to further confusion and punishment. Food was scarce, and they resorted to sneaking out to find sustenance. The speaker formed close bonds with other children, but they continued to face abuse and punishment for small infractions. One particularly harrowing experience involved being locked in a closet for days on end. Despite these challenges, the speaker found ways to cope and form connections with others. However, the long-term effects of this experience included confusion around gender identity and difficulties with learning to read and write. Overall, the speaker's story highlights the traumatic and confusing nature of the residential school system and the lasting impact it had on Indigenous children.
Residential school left Charles with emotional wounds and feelings of abandonment: Charles' experience at residential school caused deep emotional wounds, feelings of abandonment, and a profound sense of pain and anger that he has carried with him for decades
The residential school experience left Charles with deep emotional wounds and a sense of abandonment, leading him to question his family and his faith. He was kept in the school for an extended period without being allowed to go home, causing him to feel isolated and confused. Witnessing his family being turned away when they tried to take him back only added to his anger and resentment. The trauma he experienced, including the disposal of children's bodies in an incinerator, left him with a profound sense of pain and anger that he has carried with him for decades. Despite his efforts to recover and find solace in his cultural teachings, the recent news of unmarked graves at residential schools has brought back painful memories and feelings of shame and vulnerability.
Intergenerational Trauma and Injustice: Speaker shares their personal experience of injustice towards individuals who have harmed them and their community, and the importance of preserving and reconnecting with cultural traditions to heal intergenerational trauma.
The speaker feels a deep sense of injustice towards individuals who have allegedly harmed them and their community, yet have not faced consequences or accountability. They question why these individuals have not been charged or incarcerated, while they and others continue to suffer. The speaker also shares their experience of being sent to a residential school as a child, where they were stripped of their culture and identity. Upon returning home, they were met with questions about their past and were sent to learn about their heritage in the forest with their grandparents. There, they received symbols of their culture and were instructed on how to use them for protection and connection to their spirituality. Overall, the speaker's story highlights the intergenerational trauma and injustice experienced by Indigenous communities and the importance of preserving and reconnecting with cultural traditions.
Connecting with nature and ancestors for healing: During transformative experiences, positive affirmations, reminiscing about childhood, focusing on personal growth, and language can provide comfort, strength, and healing.
During a transformative experience, the power of positive affirmation and connection to one's past can provide comfort, strength, and healing. The speaker shares how they found solace in the forest, where they believed trees and ancestors were communicating with them in their native language. This connection helped them process their pain and envision a better future. The use of positive affirmations, reminiscing about childhood, and focusing on personal growth were instrumental in their recovery. The importance of language in conveying meaning and providing comfort was also emphasized. In modern contexts, tools like Shopify and language learning apps like Babble can make achieving goals, whether it be starting a business or learning a new language, more accessible and enjoyable.
Language learning app Babbel's benefits and current deal: Babbel, created by experts, offers a 20-day refund, beautiful interface, and a three-for-one subscription deal. It's based on scientifically proven methods.
Language learning app Babbel, created by over 100 language experts with scientifically proven methods, offers a beautiful interface, a 20-day money-back guarantee, and is currently providing a three-for-one subscription deal. Meanwhile, Charles shared his personal story of surviving abuse at a residential school, emphasizing the traumatic experiences he endured, including being raped by a nun and a preacher, and the lasting impact it had on his self-perception, leading him to avoid looking in mirrors for 22 years due to shame. His story underscores the importance of addressing past injustices and providing safe and supportive environments for children. The Babbel language app, with its evidence-based methods and user-friendly design, can be a valuable tool for individuals seeking to learn a new language and expand their horizons.
The value of preserving cultural traditions and seeking knowledge from elders: Learning from our ancestors and their teachings can provide inspiration, guidance, and a sense of connection to our heritage. Even in difficult times, it's important to seek out positive influences and continue learning from those around us.
Our ancestors and their teachings hold immense value and can serve as a source of inspiration and guidance throughout our lives. The story shared highlights the importance of preserving cultural traditions and seeking knowledge from our elders, even in the face of adversity. The speaker's great-grandmother, despite being sick and facing the possibility of losing a limb, refused to let go of her life and continued to impart her wisdom to her family. This experience left a profound impact on the speaker and motivated him to seek out positive influences and continue learning from those around him. The art of carving, which was passed down through generations in his family, served as a reminder of his heritage and a source of personal fulfillment. Ultimately, the speaker's journey underscores the importance of staying connected to our roots and seeking out the wisdom and guidance of those who came before us.
From logging and fishing to carving: how dreams fuel creativity and recovery: Dreams provide inspiration and guidance for creative pursuits and can aid in overcoming addiction
The speaker's art and dreams are deeply interconnected and have played a significant role in helping him overcome addiction and improve his life. He shares that he used to be a logger and a fisherman but gave those up to pursue carving full-time. His dreams, which often feature the figures and animals he carves, have become a source of inspiration and guidance for his work. He starts each piece from the bottom up, and when his dreams come to life in front of him, they appear much larger than they do in reality. The speaker believes that the true power of his art comes from the stories and legends associated with it, rather than the physical carvings themselves. He has been sober for 31 years, and attributes his ability to quit drinking and drugs to the fulfillment he finds in his cultural practices and art.
Immersed in Cultural Practices: A Spiritual Experience: Indigenous traditions connect art, culture, and community through spiritual experiences, passing down history and teachings, and inspiring future generations.
The connection between art, culture, and community runs deep in Indigenous traditions. The speaker describes the feeling of being immersed in their cultural practices as a spiritual experience, drawing energy from their guests and giving it back through song, dance, and storytelling. The carvings and artifacts hold generations of history and teachings, serving as a reminder of one's heritage and responsibilities. The speaker also shares how their dreams can inspire and inform their artistic creations, which in turn become a part of their family's treasure box of traditions. The importance of passing down these traditions and stories from one generation to the next is emphasized as a means of preserving cultural identity and staying connected to one's roots.
Dreams as Inspiration for Art: Dreams can inspire creative pursuits by providing stories and meaning to our creations. Trust and listen to the messages that come from within, even if they originate from dreams.
Our dreams can serve as a source of inspiration and guidance for creative pursuits. The speaker shares how his dreams have influenced his carving and art, providing stories and meaning to his creations. The stories come to life as he carves, revealing new insights and memories. The speaker's personal experiences of incorporating dreams into his art are illustrated through the example of a log cabin filled with carvings, which was inspired by a shared dream with his partner. Additionally, the speaker's commission of a large totem pole from the artist was influenced by a conversation about a mutual friend with the same name, leading him to seek guidance from his grandparents before sharing his personal story of residential school experience during a cultural exchange. Overall, the speaker emphasizes the importance of listening to and trusting the messages that come from within, even if they originate from dreams.
Preserving Cultural Traditions and Healing: Embrace traditions, even if uncomfortable, to honor family and culture. Carved poles represent owners' heritage and can symbolize healing and connection.
Family and cultural heritage are valuable and meaningful, and it's an honor to carry on traditions, even if it means stepping out of one's comfort zone. The speaker shares a personal story about being asked to dance in traditional regalia for his family, despite initial hesitation due to his son's inability to dance. He also discusses the significance of a carved pole, which represents the owners of the pole and their family, and includes elements welcoming children home from residential school and acknowledging the impact of Christian religious figures on Indigenous communities. Ultimately, the speaker values positive connections and feelings, and seeks to surround himself with like-minded individuals. The pole carving serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving cultural traditions and healing from past traumas.
Connecting with art and respecting traditions: Respecting traditions and spiritual connections fuel personal growth and creativity. Quitting alcohol can lead to emotional well-being and improved focus.
Respect and spiritual connection play significant roles in the creative process and personal growth. The speaker shared how she connects with her art and respects the spirit people and teachers that taught her the art. She also discussed the importance of quitting alcohol for her writing and emotional well-being. The speaker's family was also involved in the creation of large polls, and they felt proud and connected to their culture through the experience. The speaker's art, which is now located on a busy street in Montreal in front of the Museum of Fine Art, represents the importance of respecting traditions and the power of family and community in creative endeavors. The speaker's personal journey towards quitting alcohol and finding meaning in her art is a testament to the transformative power of spiritual growth and the importance of respecting oneself and one's cultural heritage.
Proposing a new totem pole collaboration as a reconciliation initiative: Wendy suggests fostering reconciliation through collaboration on a new totem pole, focusing on building relationships and understanding rather than dwelling on past wrongs.
The speaker, Wendy, proposed an alternative idea to returning a stolen totem pole to its original owners, suggesting instead that they collaborate with Mohawk artists to create a new one. She believes this would foster reconciliation and strengthen relationships between different Canadian nations. However, she hasn't received a response yet. The museum did implement another initiative, where visitors could leave their footprints and share their thoughts about the totem pole's story. Regarding reconciliation, Wendy shared a personal story about a friend who felt guilty for being an "interloper" and an "occupier" due to historical injustices. She believes reconciliation is about getting to know each other and bridging the gaps, rather than admitting fault or wrongdoing. The speaker, Jordan, added that reconciliation means different things to different people. Wendy expressed her discomfort with the common practice of acknowledging the land's original owners before public events, considering it hypocritical and insincere. She feels that Canadians should focus on building relationships and understanding each other's perspectives, rather than dwelling on past wrongs.
Old friendship reconciled after years of tension: Despite past conflicts and negative emotions, individual efforts to reconnect can lead to stronger relationships and a deeper appreciation of shared experiences.
Reconciliation is a complex and challenging process. The speaker shares a personal story of an old friendship with Dennis, who threatened him after being reprimanded by their teacher for chewing gum. The fear and tension between them lasted for years, but eventually led to a heartfelt reconciliation. The speaker reflects on the importance of individual efforts to reconnect and build stronger relationships, even when there is a lot of history and negative emotions involved. He also emphasizes the significance of their shared experiences, including a potlatch ceremony where they were adopted into each other's families. The speaker's health issues and the public accusations he faced at the university added to the complexity of the situation, but ultimately led to a deeper appreciation of their friendship and the positive impact it had on his life.
Embrace new experiences and cherish the feelings they bring: Stay curious, embrace new experiences, and cherish the feelings and growth they bring, no matter how fleeting they may be.
Experiencing new things and learning from them, even if it's just for a moment, can bring a sense of positivity and fulfillment. It's a reminder that we all have the capacity to understand and connect with various emotions and experiences, no matter how unexpected they may be. It's important to embrace these moments and appreciate the personal growth they bring. Charles expressed his desire to soak up every experience he could and cherish the feelings that came with it. He felt good about being able to relate to emotions he once thought were unfamiliar. This sense of positivity, no matter how fleeting, is a valuable feeling worth holding onto. Jordan's conversation with Charles was a reminder of the importance of staying curious and open to new experiences. It's a reminder that growth and learning can happen at any stage in life and that it's never too late to pursue new passions or dreams. In essence, the conversation between Charles and Jordan highlights the importance of staying curious, embracing new experiences, and cherishing the feelings and growth that come with them.
