Stitching Stories: An Anishinaabek View on Aging Well

In this special episode we listen, learn, and share as we stitch together stories from an Anishinaabe view on Aging Well.

We are honoured to host this interview with our guests Alice Olsen Williams, a renowned artist and quiltmaker and member of Oshkiigmong Curve Lake First Nation, Dr. Nadine Changfoot from the Trent Centre for Aging & Society at Trent University in Peterborough/Nogojiwanong  (Treaty 20), Ontario and co-host, Debra Sayewich, a member of the Wasauksing First Nation, Potawatomi Nation, Robinson Huron Treaty 1850 and a member of the Aging Vibrantly Podcast senior advisory committee.

In this episode we learn what it means to grow older while navigating the ongoing impacts of settler colonialism and the systemic barriers of settler policies and structures. The personal stories shared from Alice, Debra and Nadine enlighten us on how aging in Indigenous communities is grounded in roots of relationships, intergenerational connections, and storytelling. We explore the importance of Indigenous values and teachings of growing older by respecting, and learning from Elders as vital knowledge holders, honoring their wisdom, and resilience.

As we continue our learnings, research and care for aging well with Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples working together, we can engage in meaningful interactions, and reconciliation to support healthy aging. Moving forward in a good way.

Until next time - Stay Vibrant!

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Episode Resources:

Trent Centre for Aging & Society-Indigenous Aging

www.trentu.ca/aging/indigenous-aging

Anishinaabe Indigenous Intergenerational Growing Old/Aging https://www.trentu.ca/aging/sites/trentu.ca.aging/files/documents/2025-09-1720AIIGO20Report20Final-1.pdf

What Indigenous Wisdom Teaches Us About Growing Older

www.trentu.ca/news/story/25/03/27/what-indigenous-wisdom-teaches-us-about-growing-older