Sept. 29, 2026

Holly Fortier: Reconciliation Starts With Me

Jann welcomes back high school friend Holly Fortier to delve into the complex history of Indigenous peoples in Canada ahead of September 30th, focusing on the impact of residential schools, the legacy of the Indian Act, and the ongoing journey towards truth and reconciliation. Holly shares her personal connection to these issues through the lens of her mother's experience in a residential school.


Holly also speaks about her work in the film industry, her passion for storytelling, and the importance of Indigenous representation in the arts. She also discusses the significance of teaching Indigenous history to children, and the need for self-care and recognition of Indigenous excellence.


More About Holly Fortier:

Holly is Cree/Dene from Ft. McKay First Nation, Alberta, was born in Treaty 7 Territory and was fortunate to be raised by cultural leaders, academics and activists. She owns a business that specializes in the development and delivery of Indigenous Awareness Training. She has been delivering trainings across Canada since 2007 to thousands and thousands of participants from government, corporate clients, educators, service organizations and first responders.


Her passion for sharing Indigenous history and culture rises out of her mother's inspirational survival from a childhood in Indian Residential School, a story of courage, resilience and eventual triumph. Holly’s presentations go beyond facts and statistics to insightful personal testimony delivered in a compassionate, non-judgmental way. Those who attend her trainings describe them as “life changing” where they learn things they have never heard before and see complicated cultural issues with new perspective.


Holly’s Recommended Links:


21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act: Helping Canadians Make Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples a Reality By Bob Joseph

https://link.amazon/B01iEyYeB


kinanâskomitin (Thank you in Cree)

~Holly Fortier~

www.nistoconsulting.com

www.twocanoesmedia.com

https://twocanoesmedia.com/a-mothers-voice/

https://vimeo.com/1077758553/d8f1b7aa59?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci


Support is available during Truth and Reconciliation Week. If you require support, please contact the 24-Hour Residential School Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419.



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Proudly produced by Women in Media Network:

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Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction to Indigenous Stories

(03:07) The Impact of Residential Schools

(05:46) Understanding Traditional Territories

(09:02) The Historical Context of Indigenous Relations

(12:01) The Legacy of the Indian Act

(15:00) Apologies and Healing

(17:55) Cultural Genocide and Its Effects

(21:08) The Importance of Truth and Reconciliation

(23:48) The Role of Arts in Indigenous Advocacy

(26:59) Looking Forward: Hope and Change

(32:12) The Journey into Film and Storytelling

(37:22) Indigenous Representation in the Arts

(41:08) Teaching Indigenous History to Children

49:06 Self-Care and Indigenous Excellence

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