Good Fire Podcast by Amy Cardinal Christianson and Matthew Kristoff
Stories of Indigenous fire stewardship, cultural and social empowerment and environmental integrity
The Power of Fire and Memory with Lisa Shepherd and Paul Courtoreille
Episode highlight
In this episode, Lisa Shepherd and Paul Courtoreille share personal memories and cultural insights into fire’s role within Métis traditions. From childhood experiences to modern applications, they discuss fire's ability to connect communities, heal the land, and preserve Métis heritage.
Resources
Parks Canada Indigenous Connections
Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site
Sponsors
Indigenous Leadership Initiative
Quotes
1.07.33 - 1.07.09: “In order for us to gain back that which was almost disappeared, we need to be able to live in our truth, which… means… being able to recognize the land is in us... it’s where we come from, it’s what we are made up of.”
Takeaways
A Journey to Reclaim Language and Culture (4.33)
Lisa introduces herself, acknowledging her Métis and Italian heritage. While she didn’t grow up speaking Cree, she is now learning it to reclaim her cultural roots. Lisa expresses the importance of integrating language into daily life, not just for herself but for her children and future generations. This reconnection is part of her broader goal as a Métis artist to revitalize cultural practices and traditions lost due to colonization.
Childhood Memories of Cultural Burns (6.14)
Lisa shares a childhood memory of participating in a cultural burn at four years old. She vividly describes walking alongside the fire, stepping on flames, and watching it roll across the grass. This moment stands out as a formative experience, showing the unity of her community and fire’s life-giving role. Paul adds his perspective, recalling how fire was integral to his family’s life for ceremonies, cooking, and traditional healing, as taught by his grandfather, a medicine man.
Fire as the “Little Fire Within Us” (8.14)
Paul describes fire as part of all life, comparing it to the mitochondria within our cells that produce energy. He reflects on his upbringing in the Gift Lake Métis Settlement, where fire was central to both practical and spiritual life. He emphasizes how deeply fire is connected to the Métis worldview, symbolizing energy, connection, and renewal.
Language and Fire’s Cultural Connection (11.19)
Paul explores linguistic ties between Cree words and fire, explaining how the language reflects fire’s cultural significance. While Cree lacks root words, its descriptive nature ties fire to various concepts and practices, deepening its role within Métis traditions.
Displacement and the Loss of Knowledge (15.44)
Lisa discusses the historical displacement of Métis people from Jasper National Park in 1907. This forced removal disrupted traditional practices, cutting off communities from their land and cultural knowledge. She recounts efforts by Parks Canada to reconnect with Indigenous communities and foster truth-telling about these historical injustices. Lisa highlights the complex expectations placed on Métis people, who are often expected to retain Indigenous knowledge despite the colonial disruptions that made it difficult to do so.
Fire as the Heartbeat of the Community (19.14)
Lisa reflects on the metaphorical “fire in the belly” that drives Métis people to reclaim their traditions and language. She emphasizes that humans are not separate from nature but deeply intertwined. Connecting with the land and engaging in cultural practices helps restore this sense of unity and well-being.
Including Children in Fire Practices (25.45)
Lisa shares how her son participated in a recent cultural burn, documenting the experience through photography. She notes the importance of involving children in fire practices to demystify its role and teach them how fire can renew and heal the land. Lisa believes that hands-on experiences help children understand the responsibility and respect required when working with fire.
Watching Fire Come to Life (28.50)
Lisa describes how observing the movements of fire during a cultural burn, including the spiralling patterns of smoke, deepened her appreciation for its spirit and vitality. These firsthand experiences, she explains, cannot be replicated through imagination alone—they require presence and connection to the land.
Revitalizing Practices Through Art and Storytelling (33.00)
Lisa speaks about creating a children’s book that teaches the sacred relationship between fire and land. The project began with an image of a rabbit she envisioned during a brainstorming session. Through intricate beadwork and storytelling, she sought to illustrate fire’s positive role while ensuring the book remained engaging and accessible for children.
The Challenges of Fire Stewardship Today (39.16)
Paul reflects on his experience as a trapper and his deep understanding of the land and its interconnected ecosystems. He shares how modern practices and environmental changes, such as diminishing food sources for muskrats, have impacted traditional ways of life. Lisa emphasizes the importance of recognizing fire’s relationship with water and its role in supporting diverse ecosystems, from muskrats to dragonflies.
Addressing Children’s Fears About Fire (43.34)
Lisa highlights the importance of teaching children about fire responsibly to reduce fear and empower them with knowledge. She contrasts the destructive imagery of wildfires often portrayed in media with the nurturing role of controlled burns. By guiding children through these lessons, she hopes to foster a deeper connection to the land and a respect for fire’s role in Métis culture.
The Urgency of Passing Down Knowledge (1:03:29)
Paul emphasizes the critical need to pass traditional fire knowledge to younger generations. He recalls how cultural burns were once an annual practice in his community, highlighting the importance of acting before this knowledge is lost. Lisa echoes this sentiment, stressing that opportunities to teach and practice these traditions must be preserved to ensure Métis culture thrives.
Fire as a Sacred Connection to Land (1:06:46)
Lisa closes by reflecting on her deep connection to the land, describing it as an intrinsic part of her identity. She emphasizes that reclaiming Métis traditions requires acknowledging this relationship and creating space to live in alignment with cultural truths.
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