How I Survived Podcast

How I Survived builds around the voices and experiences of Indigenous Survivors of residential and day schooling in the North, using the lens of recreation to help engage the broad histories of genocide and colonialism. These topics are difficult, and the podcast and research project aid the listener or witness by being firmly anchored in accessible storytelling. Built on ethical methods and proceeding in meaningful partnership with communities, How I Survived is important and original work in its own right while setting out a model for the public communication of complex pasts.

Project Co-Leads:
Dr. Crystal Gail Fraser (host)
Dr. Jess Dunkin (producer)

Advisory Committee:
Paul Andrew (host)
Dr. Sharon Anne Firth
Amos Scott (producer)
Lorna Storr
Rebecca Gray

Participating Survivors:
Rassi Nashalik
Dave Poitras
Beatrice Bernhardt
Ernie Bernhardt
Agnes Kuptana*
Dr. Sharon Anne Firth

Cover Art:
Agnes Kuptana*

Theme Song:
Stephen Kakfwi

*Agnes Kuptana passed away in the summer of 2025, before her contributions to this project were recognized by this prize.