(Ottawa, ON) – June 12, 2025 – In the spirit of National Indigenous History Month, the Roots and Hoots Podcast is proud to celebrate some of the powerful voices and messages shared over the past five years. Born out of a commitment to community and connection, the Podcast is a labour of love that amplifies and uplifts Indigenous Peoples’ voices, histories, and strength. 

In this week’s episode of Roots and Hoots, host Gordon Spence guides listeners on a journey through some memorable moments with friends, family, and role models. The Roots and Hoots Podcast launched in 2020 during a period of isolation and uncertainty in the world. Since then, it has evolved into a meaningful platform that showcases the lived and unique life experiences of Indigenous Peoples and non-Indigenous allies, shedding light on the ongoing path of Truth and Reconciliation. Through honest conversations, this Podcast helps to bridge the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples, inspiring listeners to deepen their knowledge of Indigenous history and contributions to the land known as Canada.

To listen to Indigenous Roots and Hoots please visit: https://bit.ly/rootsnhoots
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This year, we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Legacy of Hope Foundation and the 10th anniversary of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s final report and 94 Calls to Action. Celebrating the reclamation and resurgence of Indigenous Peoples’ languages, cultures, and traditions is extremely vital, especially in light of how the Residential and Day School and Child Welfare Systems sought to erode Indigenous ways of life. Despite these systematic attempts, Indigenous Peoples continue to heal and make invaluable contributions in education, justice, the arts, health, science, and all areas of life.

The LHF remains committed to the ongoing work of Reconciliation, in which we all have a role to play. As the words of the late great Honourable Justice Murray Sinclair remind us, “The road we travel is equal in importance to the destination we seek. There are no shortcuts. When it comes to Truth and Reconciliation, we are forced to go the distance.”

The LHF is a national, Indigenous-led, charitable organization that has been working to promote healing and Reconciliation in Canada for over 25 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 all.

The LHF has more than 30 educational exhibitions that educate Canadians about Indigenous history and that are free to borrow. LHF also has curricula for K-12 and for adults, along with Activity Guides, Workshops and Training, and 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