An Intergenerational Storytelling Project
Ancestral Echoes is a podcast education program that partners Elders with young people in the Comox Valley to engage in the tradition of oral story-telling while producing a recorded podcast.
The purpose of this program is to create a space where Elders can work with local youth engaging in an intergenerational exchange that will provide more perspective, awareness, and understanding of Elder’s voices and stories of the living past to new generations. In exchange, our young people can be active listeners and ask meaningful/thoughtful questions while learning leadership skills as the host of a podcast.
The first season of Ancestral Echoes, made possible by funding from the Comox Valley Community Foundation, features the MIKI’SIW Métis Association and aired in the summer of 2024. All episodes can be found below.
Season 2 of Ancestral Echoes, in partnership with the Immigrant Welcome Centre, connects elders and youth through immigration stories. Season 2 aired in the winter of 2025.
Season 3 of Ancestral Echoes is presented in partnership with the Indigenous Women’s Sharing Society. While Seasons 1 and 2 featured youth interviewing Elders from their communities, Season 3 takes a new approach—pairing youth and Elders as co-hosts. Together, they create intergenerational storylines that explore shared cultures, histories, and hopes for the future. This small but meaningful shift brings deeper nuance and fosters more open, collaborative conversations within the Ancestral Echoes format.
SEASON THREE
Episode ONE – Verna & Gregory
We are thrilled to share the first episode of Ancestral Echoes Season 3. In this episode, we introduce co-hosts Verna W. and Gregory. Together, they reflect on Verna’s experiences growing up in an Indian Residential School, how those experiences have shaped many of her personal decisions, and how they led her to become a voice for those who never returned home. The episode also explores the co-hosts’ hopes for the future and their vision for a thriving, resilient community.
This episode includes the song Hu ya hu yay performed by the elders and youth featured in this season.
Content Warning: This episode includes discussions of child abuse and sexual assault.
To listen live, visit CVOX Radio– LINK, Tuesday, June 10th, Thursday, June 12th, Tuesday, June 17th, & Thursday, June 20th, at 3pm.
Episode TWO – Annie & Izzaiah
In this episode, we get to know our co-hosts Annie and Izzaiah. Annie grew up in Kingcome Inlet, a place that also holds deep roots for many of Izzaiah’s family members. Together, they reflect on what it was like to grow up in this remote community — sharing stories about learning to dance, speaking Kwakʼwala, playing with friends and siblings, and the unique joys and challenges of life in an isolated inlet.
Izzaiah also opens up about his love for music, how it’s helped him express his emotions, and his dream of visiting Kingcome to strengthen his connection to family and culture. It’s a heartfelt conversation about resilience, identity, and the importance of keeping traditions alive.
Throughout the episode, you’ll hear powerful musical interludes from Izzaiah’s father, David — including the Kʼómoks Young Warriors song and K’aniya, accompanied by David’s reflections on what these pieces mean to him. Be sure to stick around to the end of the episode to hear the full version of K’aniya. You will also hear the song Hu ya hu yay performed by the elders and youth featured in this season.
To listen live, visit CVOX Radio– LINK, Tuesday, June 24th, Thursday, June 26th, Tuesday, July 1st, & Thursday, July 3rd, at 3pm.
Episode THREE – Verna, Moss & Oran
In this episode, we meet co-hosts Verna, Moss, and Oran, each bringing their unique perspectives to the conversation. Verna, a seasoned public speaker, shares her inspiring journey of self-love and healing after leaving the Indian Residential School system at 17. Through heartfelt journal entries, letters from her son, and messages she’s written to her younger self, Verna reflects on her past with kindness and gratitude, honoring the lessons that have shaped her.
Our youth co-hosts, Moss and Oran, share their own experiences of navigating life as teenagers—what brings them joy, how they feel embraced, and the ways they stay connected to their culture. Together, they explore the power of storytelling as a means of healing and connection.
As Verna beautifully puts it, “Through sharing, you find your people.” This episode is a testament to the strength that comes from opening up and the profound impact of sharing your story.
This episode includes the song Hu ya hu yay performed by the elders and youth featured in this season.
To listen live, visit CVOX Radio, Tuesday, July 8th, Thursday, July 10th, Tuesday, July 15th, & Thursday, July 17th, at 3pm.
Episode FOUR – Janet & Jayden
In the final episode of Season 3 of Ancestral Echoes, we meet Janet and Jayden, who come together for a heartfelt conversation that feels like two old friends reconnecting after years apart. Though Janet spent her youth in Ontario and Jayden grew up on Vancouver Island, they bond over their shared love of nature, their deep connection to Vancouver Island, and the importance of family.
They also explore how they stay connected to their culture and discuss their hopes for the future. This inspiring dialogue highlights how, despite generational differences, the human experience often brings us closer together. It’s a beautiful conversation to close out the season, celebrating the common threads that unite us all.
This episode includes the song Hu ya hu yay performed by the elders and youth featured in this season.
To listen live, visit CVOX Radio, Tuesday, July 22nd, Thursday, July 24th, Tuesday, July 29th, & Thursday, July 31st, at 3pm.
SEASON TWO
Episode ONE – Isobel & Corrie
In the first episode of Ancestral Echoes Season 2, we’re thrilled to have youth host Isobel interview her oma (Dutch for grandmother), Corrie. Corrie shares her immigration journey, leaving the Netherlands in 1978 with two young children. Together, they discuss why Corrie left, the challenges of building a new life in Canada, and the Dutch traditions she has passed on to her family and friends.
To listen to the full episode with music, visit CVOX Radio– LINK, or hear the non-music version below (due to licensing).
Episode TWO – Valeriia & Chau
In the second episode of Ancestral Echoes Season 2, join youth host Valeriia and podcast guest Chau as they reflect on their immigration stories and life in Canada. In this heartfelt exchange Valeriia and Chau share the challenges they faced in their home countries of Ukraine and Vietnam. Along the way are hilarious stories about their experiences with culture shock, how they hold onto their culture, navigating a new language, and the beauty of friendship and community.
The following program explores themes of physical abuse, which some listeners may find distressing. Listener discretion is advised.
To listen to the full episode with music, visit CVOX Radio– LINK, or hear the non-music version below (due to licensing).
Episode THREE – Simona & Lulu
In the third episode of Ancestral Echoes Season 2, youth host Simona and guest Lulu discuss Canadian culture, sharing traditions with new friends, and how they stay connected to their home countries. Listen as Simona and Lulu teach each other about Columbian and Mexican foods, language, and traditions, and bond over their shared cultural connection.
To listen to the full episode with music, visit CVOX Radio– LINK, or hear the non-music version below (due to licensing).
Episode FOUR – Lukáš & Remy
In this week’s episode of Ancestral Echoes Season 2, youth host Lukáš sits down with guest Remy to explore powerful personal stories—from the challenges of bullying in high school to emigrating between Canada and the Czech Republic and back again. They dive into the cultural contrasts of raising a family in the Philippines versus Canada and share how overcoming obstacles has led to moments of triumph, including a return to university and the exciting start of a new career path. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about resilience, growth, and cultural identity!
To listen to the full episode with music, visit CVOX Radio– LINK, or hear the non-music version below (due to licensing).
Episode FIVE – Elise & Tomoko
Join us for the heartwarming finale of Ancestral Echoes Season 2, where Elise and her grandmother, Tomoko, share a deeply personal conversation about Tomoko’s immigration journey. Tomoko reflects on her family’s tough decision to return to Japan during WWII to avoid internment, their eventual return to Canada, and her experience embracing both Japanese and Canadian cultures. This episode celebrates the strength of a multicultural family and their remarkable story of resilience and success.
To listen to the full episode with music, visit CVOX Radio– LINK, or hear the non-music version below (due to licensing).
SEASON ONE
Episode ONE – Keygan and Chrys
In our debut episode of Ancestral Echoes, we’re honored to have Chrys as our guide into Métis culture and Keygan a Métis youth as our host. Chrys takes us on a journey through the significance of the Métis sash and the Red River cart. Discover the rich history and cultural heritage embedded in these symbols as Chrys shares personal insights and educational materials from the Métis Nation of BC. Join us in celebrating and learning from the traditions that shape our community. Tune in to CVOX to connect with the heart of Métis culture on Ancestral Echoes.
Episode TWO – Rielle & Milt
In the second episode of Ancestral Echoes, join Rielle Renard and Milt Swain for a heartfelt exploration of Métis identity. This intergenerational conversation reveals Milt’s journey of discovering his Métis heritage later in life and how it has profoundly impacted his connection to his roots. Hear about the pride he takes in his identity and his efforts to share Métis history with others. Through candid reflections and personal stories, Milt and Rielle highlight the significance of understanding and embracing one’s cultural heritage. Tune in to CVOX to deepen your connection with Métis culture on Ancestral Echoes.
Episode THREE – Bobbi & Laurel
In the third episode of Ancestral Echoes, join Laurel Rousseau and Bobbi Stevenson as they delve into the pride and resilience woven into Métis heritage. Laurel, a proud Métis elder, shares a poignant song honoring her great-grandmother, a Lakota Sioux who endured and survived the Battle of Little Bighorn. Through her powerful storytelling and music, Laurel reflects on the legacy of her ancestors and her deep connection to her Métis identity. Tune in to CVOX to experience the rich tapestry of history and identity on Ancestral Echoes.
Episode FOUR – Jesse & Louis
In the fourth episode of Ancestral Echoes, Jesse Hatch sits down with Louis Stevenson for a vibrant discussion about Métis traditions and personal history. Louis shares fascinating insights about his family’s travels, his love for Métis music, and the rich tapestry of his Métis heritage. Dive into this intergenerational conversation to explore the deep connections between culture, family, and tradition on Ancestral Echoes. Tune in to CVOX.
Episode FIVE – Ava & Bryce
Ava McKenzie talks with Bryce Mercredi about his Métis heritage and sash, which honors his community work and symbolizes important aspects of Métis history. Bryce reveals his great-great-grandfather’s role as an explorer and fur trader, and shares stories about his family and travels. The episode also touches on the impact of residential schools, including personal experiences of his family. Tune in to CVOX.
Episode SIX – Izzy & Sheila
In the last episode of season one of Ancestral Echoes, Izzy Lefebvre speaks with Sheila Buchanan about her Métis upbringing and cultural practices. Sheila shares her experiences growing up with her grandparents, who were trappers, and how she learned essential Métis skills like tanning hides and setting snares. She emphasizes the importance of passing on Métis traditions and language, particularly Cree and Michif. Sheila also reflects on how cultural knowledge is naturally learned and the significance of preserving these traditions for future generations. Tune in to CVOX.