Woven Spirit | Podcast Episode 5
Episode Five: A Home for Healing with John Jones
Welcome to Episode 5 of "Woven Spirit: Threads of Wisdom," where we continue to explore the profound stories of survival and resilience. In this episode, host Olivia Kate Iatridis sits down with John Jones, known in his community as Tse’qualmut. John shares his incredible journey as one of the first to be involved in the historic Blackwater vs. Plint case, a landmark trial addressing the injustices of Canada's residential schools.
Featuring Guest Tse’qualmut John Jones
Snuneymuxw First Nation
John is a husband, father, grandfather and recently great-grandfather, brother, and friend. He was blessed to have a very traditional upbringing. The second youngest he and his younger sister had more exposure to the big house and his parents and grandparents than his older siblings as they were away at Residential School earlier than he was. His favourite memories are playing with relatives and friends and going to the big house. This changed drastically once he attended residential school. The traumas of this experience affected him deeply, he was able to overcome the horrendous abuse and believes the foundation of his traditional teachings helped him considerably along his healing journey. He became an addictions and trauma counsellor. Today he continues to assist people in their healing as a Traditional Helper combining both his Western Counselling Training and his Traditional Teachings.
Through this conversation, John vividly recounts the emotional trials he faced during those proceedings and his path to healing, which began long before it became a discussed topic. He reflects on his childhood, marked by a contrasting upbringing with and without his siblings due to the residential school system, and shares how the strength of his family life lay the foundation for his resilience.
John's honesty about the impact of his experiences offers a poignant look into not just the adversities he faced, but also the healing power of community and culture. He touches on the importance of creating a safe home and nurturing environment and imparts wisdom to younger generations on living a life led by both heart and mind.
Join us for this compelling episode filled with insights, healing, and hope. Make sure to like, comment, and subscribe to "Woven Spirit: Threads of Wisdom" on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and help us spread these crucial conversations across Turtle Island.
Remember, if you find yourself triggered by the content of this episode, support is always available at our 24/7 crisis line at 1-800-721-0066.
This project was undertaken with the financial support of Parks Canada / Ce projet a été réalisé avec l'appui financier de Parcs Canada.