FINDING THE PATH: WALKING IN ALLYSHIP PODCAST
Join REACH Edmonton’s Jan Fox and Native Counselling Services of Alberta’s Marlene Orr, as they explore the history of settler-Indigenous relations, what it means to be an ally, and how we can build a better future together.
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Episode 1: Seeing the System
The series opens with a foundational conversation about systemic racism. What it is, where it comes from, and why good intentions alone are not enough to dismantle it. Hosted by Jan Fox and featuring Marlene Orr, the episode explores how policies and institutions, not individuals, often create barriers for Indigenous peoples. Listeners are invited to shift from defensiveness to understanding, and to begin seeing systems through an Indigenous lens as a necessary first step toward meaningful allyship. Join REACH Edmonton’s Jan Fox and Native Counselling Services of Alberta’s Marlene Orr, as they explore the history of settler-Indigenous relations, what it means to be an ally, and how we can build a better future together.
Episode 2: The Hidden Impacts of Child Welfare and Justice Systems
Building on discussions of systemic racism, this episode explores the lasting impacts of child welfare and justice systems on Indigenous families and communities. The conversation draws parallels between residential schools, the Sixties Scoop, and present-day child welfare practices, highlighting how trauma continues through punitive systems. Marlene explains why healing-centred approaches matter, where jurisdictional gaps persist, and why Indigenous-led solutions require meaningful provincial and federal support to succeed.
Episode 3: Accountability in Allyship
This episode examines what accountability truly means when walking in allyship. Rather than focusing on guilt or blame, the conversation centres on responsibility, capacity-building, and repairing harm. Marlene shares why allies must ask where their actions may unintentionally cause harm, how resources can be redirected to support Indigenous leadership, and why access to culture matters first and foremost for Indigenous communities themselves. The episode challenges listeners to move beyond symbolism and toward actions that support long-term healing.
Episode 4: Land Acknowledgement
Land acknowledgements are more than ceremonial words — they are opportunities for learning, respect, and truth-telling. In this episode, Jan and Marlene discuss how individuals and organizations can create meaningful land acknowledgements grounded in research, relationship, and personal reflection. The conversation also addresses why acknowledging Indigenous history matters today, how family stories can be woven respectfully into acknowledgements, and how these practices help keep collective memory alive.
Episode 5: Contributions We Don't Celebrate Enough
This episode shines a light on the often-overlooked contributions Indigenous peoples have made to communities, governance, science, and everyday life. From the foundations of democracy to the building of Edmonton itself, Marlene shares stories that challenge long-held narratives about Indigenous knowledge and innovation. The discussion calls for a broader understanding of what accomplishment looks like and why celebrating Indigenous contributions is essential to reconciliation and mutual respect.
Episode 6: Hope, Healing, and Walking Forward Together
The series concludes with a hopeful and practical conversation about moving forward together. Jan and Marlene reflect on lessons from the series and invite listeners to commit to tangible next steps, one personal and one organizational. The episode emphasizes relationship-building, humility, shared accountability, and the power of “sacred conversations” where people feel safe to ask questions and learn. It’s a closing chapter focused not on perfection, but on progress, trust, and walking the path together.