

InFocus | Podcast
InFocus advances the latest news stories. Join Host Melissa Ridgen as she puts issues into perspective and provides in-depth analysis. Informational and educational, InFocus provides a detailed examination of the issues affecting our communities.
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New and old shows shine on APTN and Lumi
We’re putting some old favorites, along with some brand new APTN programs InFocus.
On this episode, we’re joined by Moosemeat & Marmalade’s Art Napoleon, as well as Working It Out Together’s Waneek Horn-Miller.
Originally aired February 17, 2021
Child welfare worker ‘shocked’ that Winnipeg CFS is keeping children from parents
When child welfare agencies keep raising the requirements to have your kids back, how do parents keep up the fight?
On this episode of InFocus, Melissa Ridgen shares one family’s story of meeting all requirements and still going home to an empty crib.
Originally aired February 10, 2021
Exploring must read books from Indigenous authors
It’s #IndigenousReadingMonth and we’re exploring must-read books from Indigenous authors.
Our people have always been incredible storytellers and what better time to read and share those stories than the cold, winter months – during a pandemic.
Originally aired February 3, 2021
A growing number of “Pretendian” artists and the potential repercussions
It’s a bizarre phenomenon – people pretending to be Indigenous to get jobs or grants or even just attention, because it’s cool to be us.
What’s not funny is they are taking highly lucrative work from Indigenous people. They’re teaching our histories. They’re telling our stories.
On this episode, we are putting Indigenous identity fraud InFocus.
Originally aired January 27, 2021
A look at Indigenous creators taking #NativeTikTok by storm
TikTok is an app giant – even if you’re not on it, chances are you’ve seen a TikTok shared elsewhere.
On this episode we’re putting the booming community of #NativeTikTok InFocus.
Join us as we explore some of the best that Indigenous creators have to offer.
Originally aired January 20, 2021
How police handled the Washington rioters compared to Standing Rock protesters
The world watched in awe as rioters stormed the Capitol Building in Washington D.C. and sent the heart of American governance into lockdown.
For some, it was the relative ease with which rioters seized the building.
For others, what struck them was the lack of police violence these criminals were met with compared to how Indigenous and Black people are often treated when they protest, occupy, or defend.
On this episode we’re putting the Washington riots InFocus.
Originally aired January 13, 2021
A look at monumental harvesting rights moments in 2020
From lobster, to moose, to salmon – harvesting rights grabbed headlines throughout 2020.
On this episode, we’re putting those moments InFocus and looking at what’s in store for 2021.
Originally aired January 6, 2021
Spreading some holiday cheer during these unique times
Baking treats, skating on the lake, or challenging the Grinch to a dance off – how are you celebrating the holidays this year?
On this episode of InFocus we are spreading some holiday cheer and saying goodbye to the year 2020.
Originally aired December 23, 2020
Parents battling over custody: A look at family court alternatives
Parents battling over custody – sometimes it results in family members being completely cut off from the kids and as it stands, the only option to sort out access is in a provincial court.
On this episode of InFocus we are looking at family court alternatives.
Originally aired December 16, 2020
Truth and Reconciliation, Five Years Later – Special Edition
It’s been five years since the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada released its report, outlining 94 calls to action to advance reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples across the country.
Half a decade later, how has Canada measured up on its promise to implement these calls to action? What progress has been made, and where have we fallen short?
On a special edition of InFocus, all three commissioners came together for the first time since the report was released in 2015.
Originally aired December 15, 2020
‘Forcibly taking Indigenous children’: Inside the world of one foster mom
First Nations child welfare agencies are assuming more responsibility each year and the numbers tell us they are repeating the same mistakes – with deadly consequences.
On this episode of InFocus we continue our look at the child welfare industry.
Originally aired December 9, 2020
A child welfare system in ‘chaos’ put InFocus
To this day no one knows the total number of Indigenous kids in care – or how many have died.
On this episode of InFocus, we’re discussing the challenges of being trapped in a system that says it exists to help families, while families say otherwise.
Originally aired December 2, 2020
Reclaiming our style – Indigenous designers celebrate sustainable and decolonized fashion
Many of us are on lockdown and even those who still have some freedom – there aren’t events to attend. There’s no reason to dress up – there’s no where to go!
But good news – Indigenous Fashion Week kicks off and surprise, you’re all invited!
We’ve got a jam-packed hour of InFocus for you – clothes, accessories, makeup – all by our people. And some wise words as we begin to think-shift away from how we have been clothing ourselves in recent decades and helping to kill the planet in the process.
Originally aired November 25, 2020
‘That’s soul food’: Celebrating our country foods on InFocus
We all have our traditional, comfort food go-to, be it salmon, or caribou, berries or soups.
On this episode of InFocus Host Melissa Ridgen, we take you on a gastronomical tour of favorites from around North America to learn and inspire.
Many of these regional foods, you can make in your own region – either old school or with a new twist.
Originally aired November 18, 2020
Using our cultural relationship to connect with and investigate the spiritual world
Have you experienced the paranormal? The Other Side is back for a new season to explore some of the scariest ghost stories.
The cast and crew join Host Melissa Ridgen on this episode of InFocus to discuss their latest investigation and share what it’s like to connect with spirits.
Originally aired November 4, 2020
Why inherent treaty rights are continually trampled in Canada
The violence towards a Mi’kmaq fishery has thrust Indigenous harvest rights into the spotlight. In this episode of InFocus we look at why inherent treaty rights are continually trampled in Canada.
Later in the episode, we’ll be looking at why fans of The Other Side are in for an epic treat this Halloween.
Originally aired October 28, 2020
What’s really behind the lobster fishery tensions in Nova Scotia
Vandalism, threats, and assault. These are just a few of the violent incidents Mi’kmaw fishers are facing in Nova Scotia.
On this episode of InFocus, we get to the heart of the issue on Mi’kmaw fishing rights and look into the rage from non-Indigenous fishers.
Originally aired October 21, 2020
The rescue of Rez dogs: The good, the bad, and the ugly
What is a rez dog? What makes it different from other dogs?
On this episode of InFocus we shine a light on rez dogs and the shady rescue organizations removing dogs from Indigenous communities and refusing to give them back.
Originally aired October 14, 2020
Winter is coming – how to stay mentally well during the dark season amid a pandemic
The coronavirus pandemic has taken a toll on people in the eight months its had the world in its grip and First Nation, Metis and Inuit people are not excluded.
From canceled gatherings and ceremonies to feelings of panic, the grief and isolation is like nothing anyone has experienced before in this lifetime.
In our season premiere of InFocus we’re looking at the mental health and financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Originally aired October 7, 2020