THE ʔASQANAKI PODCAST

Photo of hands and bitterroot credit: Dr. Christopher Horsethief

ʔasqanaki: to tell two versions of the same story (Ktunaxa)

The ʔasqanaki Podcast by Smokii Sumac honours connections between Indigenous storytellers through the Ktunaxa concept of ʔasqanaki: to tell two versions of the same story. Featuring Indigenous writers like Richard Van Camp and Tenille Campbell, and musicians including Secwepemc rocker Miesha Louie of Miesha and the Spanks, the first season of The ʔasqanaki Podcast explores themes of adoption, gender and sexual diversity, residential schools, reconciliation, and so much more! Tune in to hear Smokii and his guests share stories of how their work came to be, what inspires them to create, and which pieces of their work resonated so deeply with Smokii's experiences that he decided to create a whole show about it!

EPISODE TRAILER

Honouring Indigenous oral traditions through a modern podcast format, the podcast is a heartfelt journey of Smokii Sumac's self-discovery as an Indigenous adoptee, two-spirit, transgender person, and poet.

Photo credit: Tenille Campbell - Sweetmoon Photography

EPISODE 2: Motherhood and “Sacred Baby Bundles” with Tasha Spillett

In this episode Smokii is joined by Cree/Trinadian author, educator and poet, Tasha Spillett. Tasha shares her book I Sang You Down from the Stars. Smokii and Tasha also discuss Indigenous births, babies, bundle keeping and motherhood.

In the photo Tasha Spillett an afro-Indigenous woman is sitting at a table looking and the camera and smiling with her mouth closed. Her She has long black hair and wears silver earrings and a pink shirt. Her right hand is held on the right side of her face.

Photo credit: Tasha Spillett

EPISODE 4: "I walk into the water” - Water Ceremonies and Matriarchy with Janelle Silverwolf

In episode 4 Smokii is joined by Nisga’a writer, Janelle Silverwolf. Janelle and Smokii talk about grief ceremonies and matriarchy, and Janelle shares unpublished pieces, including a beautiful poem "Warrior Women: A letter to my Daughter" which touches on themes of #mmiw (missing and murdered Indigenous women)

This is a photo of Janelle Kasperski an Indigenous woman looking off to the side. She is outside standing in from of tall grasses. She is wearing red lipstick, a black turtleneck and feather-like earrings.

Photo credit: Janelle Silverwolf

EPISODE 6: “Since I was a child”-Truth and Reconciliation with Miesha Louie - COMING DECEMBER 13

In episode 6 Smokii is joined by Secwépemc musician and Smokii's hometown hero Miesha Louie. Smokii and Meisha discuss being of mixed ancestry and the legacy of residential schools. Miesha shares the songs “Mixed Blood Girls” and “Dig Me Out”.

This is a photo of Miesha Louie an Indigenous woman. She is playing guitar and singing into a microphone. Her mouth is open and her eyes are closed. She has long hair and bangs. She is wearing a dark tank top and animal print bottoms. She has stage lights behind her.

Photo credit: Sebastian Buzzalino

EPISODE 1: On 'Tryin' to Be' A Good Man

The first episode starts off strong with Tłı̨chǫ “Uncle of Indigenous Literatures” Richard Van Camp. In this episode Richard shares the story “Show Me Yours” from his book The Moon of Letting Go and Smokii and Richard discuss Indigenous literatures, what it means to be a man and honouring ourselves and each other as babies we once were.

In the background are spruce trees out of focus. In the foreground is a photo of Richard Van Camp a Tłı̨chǫ man who is smiling at the camera with his arms crossed over his chest. He is wearing glasses, a Dene beaded vest with a white button up shirt underneath.

Photo credit: William Au

EPISODE 3: “An Auntie is an Auntie” - Laughing and Loving with Tenille Campbell

In episode 3 Dene poet and photographer Tenille Campbell joins Smokii to discuss Indigenous sovereignty over our bodies and auntie-hood. Tenille shares her poems “we aren’t all nice aunties” and “thick indigenous women”.

This is a photo of Tenille Campbell an Indigenous woman who is looking off to the side. She is smiling with her teeth showing. She has long dark hair and is wearing a black tank top with a floral jacket overtop and blue and orange earrings with long white strands.

Photo credit: Maki Fotos

EPISODE 5: “I see you” - Trans Solidarity with G.R. Gritt

In episode 5 Smokii is joined by Juno award winning Anishinaabe/Métis musician, G.R. Gritt. Smokii and G.R. discuss Indigenous joy, honouring and connecting to our ancestors and finding their voice post-hormone therapy. G.R. Gritt shares their songs “Ancestors” and “Quiet Years”.

This is a photo of G.R. Gritt an Indigneous person. They are looking at the camera with their body to the side. They have facial hair and are wearing a black ball cap, black t-shirt and an orange and yellow floral jacket.

Photo Credit: Jen Squires

EPISODE 7: Indigenous Grief Stories with Christa Couture - COMING DECEMBER 20

In our final episode Smokii is joined by Cree/Scandinavian performing and recording artist, non-fiction writer, filmmaker Christa Couture. Smokii and Christa share their grief stories and Christa reads from her book How to Lose Everything Christa’s song "Hopeless Situation" is also featured on the episode.

This is a photo of Christa Couture and Indigenous woman. She is in from of an olive coloured background. She is looking at the camera and slightly smiling. She is wearing red lipstick and a black shirt.

Photo credit: Jen Squires