(Ottawa, ON) July 20, 2021 – On this week’s episode of Roots & Hoots, our host, Gordon Spence, is joined by Theland Kicknosway. Theland is an Indigenous youth who uses his voice to showcase his culture, Theland is also a traditional singer, drummer, dancer, and social media influencer. Belonging to the Wolf Clan of the Pottawatomi and Cree Nation, and a member of Walpole Island Bkejwanong Territory, in 2018, the 14-year-old Theland became the youngest Indspire Laureate, on behalf of Culture, Heritage, and Spirituality. For this Roots & Hoots episode, Theland sits down with Gordon to discuss his beginnings, as well as his plans for the future as he embarks on his annual bike/run for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2-Spirit People (MMIWG2S).

At just 18 years old, Theland is already on his 7^th annual bike and run journey to raise awareness about the violence perpetrated against MMIWG2S, and for their children who are left behind. Theland’s awareness mission started when he was 9, and he asked his mother, “What happens to the children of the missing and murdered Indigenous women, where do the children go?” Unable to give him a sufficient answer, Theland’s mother contacted his Aunt Brigitte for more insight. Bridget informed Theland how incredibly difficult it was for the children left behind due to the loss of a loved one. Upon hearing this, Theland felt an intense calling to do something for those children. Once again, he turned to his Aunt Bridget, who told him that he should keeping moving forward and keep putting one foot in front of the other. Taking this advice to heart, Theland has done just that, with this year’s journey taking Theland and his team from Manitoba to Ontario.

Outside of his annual bike and run trip, Theland remains a multifaceted individual with a variety of interests. As a dancer and singer from a very early age, he has used hoop dancing to share the beauty of his culture with people across the globe. Although he grew up detached from Indigenous culture within the Ottawa school system, in high school, Theland completely submerged himself in his heritage by joining the Assembly of Seven Generations, which allowed him to connect with likeminded Indigenous Youth throughout Ottawa.

Regarding his philosophy towards life, Theland embraces living within the present but also sets aside moments to ponder the future, where one day, he hopes to pursue work within the educational field, perhaps as a teacher. Looking towards Canada’s future, Theland believes Reconciliation needs to be centered as a collective effort, rather than something confined to individuals. As a young Indigenous activist, Theland maintains that the voices of youth should play a pivotal role within Reconciliation and constructing a vision of how Canada can achieve its full potential. The LHF will be eagerly watching this inspiring young Indigenous man’s journey within the years to come. To listen visit https://bit.ly/rootsnhoots

In operation since 2000, the LHF is an Indigenous-led, charitable organization that has been working to promote healing and Reconciliation in Canada. The LHF’s goal is to educate and raise awareness about the history and the existing intergenerational impacts of the Residential School System, Sixties Scoop, Day Schools and other colonial acts of oppression against Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, and Metis) Peoples. The LHF has 22 exhibitions that are available for loan for free and are beginning to make them available online in a virtual video.

LHF also has curriculum for K-12 and for adults, along with Activity Guides, Training and Workshops about Indigenous history and the shared history of Residential and Day Schools, the Sixties Scoop, and links to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. The LHF works to develop empathy and understanding so as to eliminate racism and foster Reconciliation in Canada.