(Ottawa, ON) – December 11, 2024 – On this week’s episode of Roots and Hoots, host Gordon Spence is pleased to be joined by a proud member of the Apitipi Anicinapek Nation and founder of Makatew Workshops, Marc Forgette. In this episode, Marc and Gordon discuss Indigenous tourism, the importance of cultural appreciation, and how individuals and organizations can take specific action on the 94 Calls to Action. 

As founder of Makatew Workshops, Marc is passionate about connecting with people and seeking opportunities to further Truth and Reconciliation; through conversations; by debunking myths and hands-on learning. Whether it is through his humour, his personality, or his earnest desire to foster meaningful growth and the strengthening of relationships between Indigenous Peoples and non-Indigenous Peoples, it is clear Marc has found his calling.

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Makatew Workshops is a place where all people are safe to ask questions and embrace Indigenous cultures and heritage while learning about the differences between cultural appreciation versus appropriation. Marc shares stories of events that Makatew Workshops have hosted and been the most meaningful. As a board member for Ottawa Tourism, Marc shares how Indigenous tourism is outpacing regular tourism, and he and Gordon discuss the importance of connecting travellers with Indigenous tourism companies, including the power of attending Pow Wows.

On the topic of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action, Marc shares: “It’s important because I think we all have a Call to Action. As an individual, as a corporation, as a government, as a public servant – we all have a call to action, and if we all just pick one…” Marc’s message reminds us all that Survivors have laid the path forward. By focusing on taking steps for positive change then Canada as a whole can truly heal and become the promise of good relations.

The LHF is a national, Indigenous-led, charitable organization that has been working to promote healing and Reconciliation in Canada for over 24 years. The LHF’s goal is to educate Canadians about the history and existing intergenerational impacts of the Residential and Day School Systems and subsequent Child Welfare System on Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, and Métis) Survivors, their descendants, and their communities to address discrimination against Indigenous Peoples, and to promote hope and healing in Canada. The LHF works to encourage Canadians to address discrimination and injustice to contribute to the equity, dignity, and respectful treatment of Indigenous Peoples.

The LHF has 30 educational exhibitions that promote awareness of Indigenous history that are free to borrow and is working on making exhibitions available online. LHF also has curriculums for K-12 and for adults, along with Activity Guides, Workshops, and Training, two Podcast series, all aimed at educating Canadians about Indigenous history and the shared history of Residential and Day Schools, the Child Welfare System, and other colonial acts of oppression. The LHF works to develop empathy and understanding to eliminate ongoing racism against Indigenous Peoples and to foster Reconciliation in Canada.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Teresa Edwards, B.A., LL.B / J.D.
Executive Director and In-House Legal Counsel
Legacy of Hope Foundation
tedwards@legacyofhope.ca