Unreserved

CBC Radio

Unreserved is the radio space for Indigenous community, culture, and conversation. Host Rosanna Deerchild takes you straight into Indigenous Canada, from Halifax to Haida Gwaii, from Shamattawa to Ottawa, introducing listeners to the storytellers, culture makers and community shakers from across the country.

  • 49 minutes 7 seconds
    How Indigenous entrepreneurs are creating food security solutions for their communities

    Have you ever tried to grow vegetables in the dead of winter? Ben Feagin Jr. had an invention for that. He hopes his greenhouse bubble will help provide Indigenous communities with access to fresh produce all year round. This week Rosanna hears from Indigenous entrepreneurs who are creating food security solutions for their communities.

    24 April 2026, 4:10 am
  • 49 minutes 29 seconds
    Reframing history by reconnecting relatives through archival photos

    In 2010, a researcher placed an ad in the Lakota Times that read, “Looking for information about mystery woman,” with a 19th century black and white photograph. In the centre of the image, a young Indigenous woman stood surrounded by six men in military uniform. The search for information identified the woman as Sophie Mousseau and led to one of her descendents, Daphne Richards-Cook. This week, Rosanna hears how reconnecting Indigenous people with their unnamed relatives in archival photos is helping reframe our understanding of history.


    17 April 2026, 2:40 am
  • 54 minutes 9 seconds
    Why A Minor Chorus is a book that builds bridges

    Every year Canada Reads chooses one book that everyone should read right now – and it’s a series of great debates that gets us there! In this live recording of Unreserved, Rosanna speaks with Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers and Billy-Ray Belcourt about why Billy-Ray’s A Minor Chorus is THE book for our present time. The story follows a queer Cree man, an academic and writer, who returns to his home community in northern Alberta after a long time away.

    10 April 2026, 5:10 am
  • 49 minutes 31 seconds
    Two poets - rooted in land, language, and memory

    The sight of 191 wild horses pinned in mud is hard to picture and so Jake Skeets turned to poetry. As he learned more about the tragic scene, it became a metaphor for the current climate crisis and its impact on all walks and ways of life. Rosanna speaks with Jake Skeets and Louise Bernice Halfe Sky Dancer about the language of poetry and why its power is so needed today.


    2 April 2026, 2:40 am
  • 49 minutes 51 seconds
    Keep saying her name: the search for Kadin Savikataaq

    They searched for months until the snow came but could not find her. Now, as the weather warms and the ice melts, the community of Arviat renews its search for Kadin Savikataaq. In August 2024, the 20-year-old pilot and experienced hunter disappeared almost without a trace. RCMP say she most likely drowned, but Kadin’s family believes she was murdered and buried somewhere near their village. Guest host, Juanita Taylor, hears from family and friends about what happened the night Kadin disappeared and why their searches through harsh weather and rugged terrain will continue until they find her. 

    27 March 2026, 5:10 am
  • 41 minutes 37 seconds
    Adam Sturgeon on disconnection, reconnection and finding home

    “Boozhoo” means hello in Anishinaabemowin. For Adam Sturgeon, that simple greeting, written in a card he received from his Auntie when he was 10-years old, kickstarted a lifelong quest to reclaim his Anishinaabe identity. Adam speaks with Rosanna about his journey of reconnection and finding belonging and how it's driven him to learn more about his family history.

    21 March 2026, 2:40 am
  • 54 minutes 9 seconds
    Sacred Seven: Sabe brings humility, honesty and harmony

    Istiyehe, Imoitapi and Sabe are just some of the names Indigenous nations across Turtle Island call Bigfoot or Sasquatch. But who is Sabe really? To some Indigenous people they’re regarded as a relative, others a spiritual guide. Rosanna hears how Sabe teaches us to reflect on our relationship with ourselves and the land to bring lessons of honesty.

    14 March 2026, 2:40 am
  • 44 minutes 52 seconds
    Indigenous Juno Nominees on Culture, Community, and the songs that shape them

    What do you get when you blend traditional Mi’kmaq songs with Celtic fiddle music? Mi’kmaltic!

    Morgan Toney draws inspiration from his Elders, family and community and brings the fusion genre across the country. Now he’s on the road to the Junos. This week Rosanna speaks with three musicians on the way to the Junos about how their music led them to community, connection and ceremony. 


    6 March 2026, 3:40 am
  • 44 minutes 31 seconds
    Susan Aglukark on the before and after of childhood trauma

    “We need to spend time on beautiful memories” says Inuk musician and humanitarian about her life growing up in the small fly-in community of Arviat, Nunavut. Susan speaks with guest host, Juanita Taylor about healing from childhood sexual abuse and how it inspires her work with Inuit youth through the Arctic Rose Foundation.

    27 February 2026, 5:10 am
  • 52 minutes 3 seconds
    Elders find hope in the next generation of dog mushers

    She spent 4 days camped out on the land the last time a litter of puppies were born. That’s the kind of commitment 15 year-old Sophia Johnston has toward her dog team. We hear how she is bringing back the almost-lost tradition of dog sled teams in Rankin Inlet, Nunavut with the help of elders and long-time mushers like Harry Towtongie and John McLeod.

    20 February 2026, 6:10 am
  • 49 minutes 38 seconds
    Connecting community across generations and beyond borders through sport

    In Haida Gwaii, Basketball is more than a game – and the Skidegate Saints reign supreme. Their team is a source of pride for players and fans alike. Front row tickets even pass down through family wills. Guest host, Falen Johnson hears how their games are a cornerstone of community and make space for intergenerational connections. 

    13 February 2026, 3:40 am
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