Go Smudge Yourself

In this episode of the Go Smudge Yourself Podcast, Jen Green discusses Land Acknowledgements, what they are, why they’re important, and how to do one. She teaches the approach to Land Acknowledgements that take them from a token or checkmark on your ally sheet to an expression of true gratitude and reflection.

Mahsi Meduh Thank You

**website update pending

In this episode of the Go Smudge Yourself Podcast, Jen Green presents the Four Conditions of Cultivating Safe Spaces from the CSS Podcast: Understanding Self, Love-Based Practices, Patience and Discipline. She discusses the Four Conditions, expands on the Love-Based Practices and gives examples of how these Conditions are affirmed and implemented. Jen also touches on Nested Systems and how the Conditions fall within a Nested System.

Mahsi, Meduh, Thank You

"I think so many of us have lofty expectations for ourselves, again coming back to that 'ideal contributing citizen, family member, etc.' that’s sold to us from a young age. We’re taught that we have to be great and do great things, but the reality is that only creates an ideal self. So when your current self, the Being you are today, doesn’t measure up, it’s upsetting.”

*This episode of Go Smudge Yourself is a port over from the Cultivating Safe Spaces podcast! This podcast has more host availability, so for those who use Apple Podcasts, Cultivating Safe Spaces is now available for you on Go Smudge Yourself!

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In this episode of the Cultivating Safe Spaces Podcast, Jen gives an overview of the Four Protocols of Cultivating Safe Spaces. These protocols are a crucial part of working from a position of love and of working in love-based practices. Listeners will learn not only each of the Four protocols of CSS but also the corresponding fear-based colonial practice that they counter. 

*This episode of Go Smudge Yourself is a port over from the Cultivating Safe Spaces podcast! This podcast has more host availability, so for those who use Apple Podcasts, Cultivating Safe Spaces is now available for you on Go Smudge Yourself!

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In this episode of the Cultivating Safe Spaces Podcast, Jen explains why we need to cultivate safe spaces. Often times we might question if changing the way we do things is even really necessary, so in this episode, we discuss who most spaces are currently made safe for as a default, what a safe space actually is, and what some of the benefits of cultivating safe spaces are. 

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*This episode of Go Smudge Yourself is a port over from the Cultivating Safe Spaces podcast! This podcast has more host availability, so for those who use Apple Podcasts, Cultivating Safe Spaces is now available for you on Go Smudge Yourself!

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In this episode of the Cultivating Safe Spaces Podcast, Jen explains the Four Perspectives of En'owkinwixw used in Cultivating Safe Spaces, Tradition, Relationship, Innovation, and Action. She breaks down the communication style of each perspective, their problem-solving approach, and what each perspective needs to feel safe. She also discusses how perspectives work together and how colonialism has impacted those working styles. This episode is the perfect introduction to perspective work to prepare you for an upcoming En'owkinwixw episode. 

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In this episode of the Go Smudge Yourself Podcast, Jen Green discusses how borders are colonial. She also explains some of the impacts that these imposed borders have had, and continue to have, on the Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island. This episode uses the example of territorial overlap between the White River First Nation and Kluane First Nation, and how the colonial legality of territorial overlap has left White River First Nation without recognized Land.

Jen also uses the short story, “Borders,” by Thomas King to further explain how borders are used in the colonization of Indigenous Peoples and our Land.

Mahsi Meduh Thank You

Episode Blog Post

In this episode of the Go Smudge Yourself Podcast, Jen Green celebrates Go Smudge Yourself’s one-year anniversary and announces big updates for the podcast: a website, a blog, and a newsletter.

Mahsi Meduh Thank You for an amazing first year!

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In this episode of the Go Smudge Yourself Podcast, Jen Green discusses how colonization has impacted our view of disabilities and the shame that we now carry for having them. Listeners also learn how Indigenous communities and Nations accommodated disabled individuals prior to colonization, as well as how heteropatriarchal systems promote ableism, shame, exclusion and erasure. Jen discusses her own experience with living with disabilities, internalized ableism and the pain of relearning who she is while accepting disabled living with gratitude.

Mahsi Meduh Thank You

In this episode of the Go Smudge Yourself Podcast, Jen Green and Lisa Dutchak discuss decolonizing gender and sexuality, as well as changing how we measure success from the colonial metric to one that is more Spiritually fulfilling. Lisa is a White woman of privilege actively fighting to use her privilege to decolonize. Not only is she a certified Cultivating Safe Spaces facilitator and a 3rd-year psychology student, but she’s also a single mom, a mental health and neurodivergence advocate, a feminist and a fat-phobia fighter!

Mahsi, Meduh, Thank You

**correction: When speaking about forest fires, I meant to say that all of the major fires that were used towards justifying stricter and stricter legislation against Cultural Burns were actually fires that were started by Settlers. I’ve linked an example of one such fire below, but several more were used against Indigenous Peoples to take away our food sovereignty through Land activation.

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In this episode of the Go Smudge Yourself Podcast, Jen Green discusses her struggles with ADHD, work output while grieving, and getting to know her Grandma through memories after she passed. She also discusses 3 decolonial books she recently purchased and the important topics they cover, including being stuck in liminal spaces, Two-Spirit representation, and challenging the colonial narrative Westerners have attempted to write for us.

Mahsi, Meduh, Thank You

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In this episode of the Go Smudge Yourself Podcast, Jen brings in a bonus discussion from the Cultivating Safe Spaces Podcast. She uses this episode to discuss how perfectionism is a colonial tool that upholds White supremacy and how perfectionism shows up in our behaviours and thought patterns. Jen also explains how perfectionism differs from excellence and teaches listeners how to cultivate their own standard of excellence.

**The link for the new trainers is pending.

If you want to train with me, send me an email at jengreen.business@gmail.com

Mahsi, Meduh, Thank You

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In this episode of the Cultivating Safe Spaces Podcast, Jen explains the 4 Perspectives of En'owkinwixw used in Cultivating Safe Spaces, Tradition, Relationship, Innovation and Action. She breaks down the communication style of each perspective, their problem-solving approach and what each perspective needs to feel safe. She also discusses how perspectives work together and how colonialism has impacted those working styles. This episode is the perfect introduction to perspective work to prepare you for our upcoming En'owkinwixw episode.

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Episode 1 Resources:

In this episode of the Go Smudge Yourself Podcast, Jen Green discusses 6 fiction books to add to your decolonial bookshelf. She discusses 2SLGBTQQIA+ and BIPOC representation in literature, goes over some of her favourite quotes, and explains the importance of not pigeonholing Indigenous Literature and Indigenous authors. She also challenges listeners to spend a month only reading and buying books from BIPOC authors (a year if you’re feeling extra spicy). What BIPOC and 2SLGBTQQIA+ books are you adding to your bookshelf?

Mahsi, Meduh, Thank You

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In this episode of the Go Smudge Yourself Podcast, Jen Green discusses decolonizing our approach to creativity and the differences in how Western and Indigenous worldviews treat creativity. She also addresses why decolonizing and Cultivating Safe Spaces is crucial for everyone to be their most authentic and creative selves. 

Mahsi Meduh Thank You 

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New Cover Art by Bryanna Steele 

In this episode of the Go Smudge Yourself Podcast, Jen Green sits down with Leo Isaac to discuss decolonizing gender. In this first part of the 3 part series, we hear about Leo’s spiritual journey in finding his Two-Spirit identity and what it means to be Two-Spirit (featuring a question from one of our Buy Me a Coffee community members). Leo Isaac is a Dakelh Two-Spirit man who has been documenting his inspiring journey on Instagram with the hashtag #leolivingloud since 2016. He has a speaking event available on Vimeo through the Raven Institute called “Leo Isaac: Living Loud,”(linked below) and he continues every day to step into his light, grow spiritually, and be a form of true Two-Spirit representation for those around him. 

Mahsi Meduh Thank You

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In this episode of the Go Smudge Yourself Podcast, Jen Green sits down with Peternotsowhite (Peter White) from TikTok and Instagram to discuss spiritual wellness, holism and his journey as an Indigenous content creator. Peter is an incredible Traditional Powwow dancer, educator and activist on social media, as well as the host of his own podcast called the Wealthy Warriors (linked below). His content is grounding, spiritually uplifting and you always walk away inspired or educated! 

 Mahsi Meduh Thank You

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In this episode of the Go Smudge Yourself Podcast, Jen Green discusses four of the lessons she received during 2021 and how she plans to implement them into her lifestyle during 2022. She also discusses her Spiritual theme for the year and how it will impact her Spiritual healing, goals and growth. 

Mahsi Meduh Thank You

**** Trigger warning for Lesson 3 (midway through the show: brief mention of suicide and self-harm) 

Canada’s Suicide Prevention Service: 1-833-456-4566 Hours: 24/7/365. Languages: English, French 

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In this episode of Go Smudge Yourself, Jen Green discusses the difference between treating yourself and self-care, as well as lists 10 ways to care for your Spirit that help you feel safe and connected with the universe around you. 

Mahsi Meduh Thank You

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Warning: This podcast episode contains details of residential schools that may be upsetting. Canada’s Indian Residential School Survivors and Family Crisis Line is available 24 hours a day at 1-866-925-4419.  

In this episode of Go Smudge Yourself, Jen Green discusses residential schools and the Canadian public schools, Pierre Bourdieu (cultural theorist) and the reproduction of social inequality through education systems. She also compares Indigenous Knowledge systems with the Western Knowledge system, as well as opens up about her decision to leave university. During this discussion, she highlights what she believes needs to change in Western academia to be safer for Indigenous Peoples.

Mahsi Meduh Thank You 

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In this episode of Go Smudge Yourself, Jen Green discusses tips the last 6 out of 10 tips to start your decolonization journey. This episode is suitable for both Indigenous folx and Settlers. 

Mahsi Meduh Thank You

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In this episode of Go Smudge Yourself, Jen Green discusses tips the first 5 out of 10 tips to start your decolonization journey. This episode is suitable for both Indigenous folx and Settlers, and will be followed up with a second episode this week for steps 6-10! 

Mahsi Meduh Thank You

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*** When the original Episode 10: 10 Steps to Start Your Decolonization Journey mysteriously disappeared RIGHT AFTER I RECORDED IT, my first instinct was to have a meltdown. I wanted to come back to the podcast strong and give you guys the episode you were all waiting for. Everything happens for a reason, though, and I followed my Spirit’s nudging to do a What’s on My Heart episode first. I have no notes, just my microphone and the want to show up authentically for you all and show you how painful decolonization work is for me as well. I will be re-recording my original 10 Steps to Start Your Decolonization Journey, and it’s going to be even better! 

In this episode, Jen Green cultivates a safe space for her listeners, discusses traumatic life updates and welcomes new subscribers. What’s on my heart exercises follow Elaine Alec’s Cultivating Safe Spaces protocol and allow one’s Spirit to show up authentically, as well as give permission for every other Spirit to show up authentically. 

Mahsi Meduh Thank You

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This episode features guest host Chelsea Vowel, Metis author, lawyer, educator and proud mother. 

In this episode of Go Smudge Yourself, Jen Green and Chelsea Vowel discuss acceptable names for Indigenous Peoples and Settlers, the importance of acknowledging Whiteness and White Privilege, how descendants of Black slaves cannot be Settlers, and why names are always evolving.

Mahsi Meduh Thank You 

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In this episode of Go Smudge Yourself, Jen Green discusses the differences between White Saviours and White Allies and how to tell if you're actually a White Saviour even though you mean well. She also provides tips for how to switch from White Saviourism to White Allyship so you can support the Indigenous causes you care about and have the back of the Indigenous Peoples you love. 

Mahsi Meduh Thank You

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In this episode of Go Smudge Yourself, Jen Green discusses Indigenous Leadership and what traits make a good leader in Indigenous culture. She also compares Indigenous Leadership styles to Western leadership styles and discusses the impacts of colonization and the Indian Act on Indigenous Leadership. Lastly, Jen provides 7 tips for implementing Indigenous Leadership skills into your life, even if you're not Indigenous. 

Mahsi, Meduh, Thank You

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In this episode of Go Smudge Yourself, Jen defines colonial authenticity markers, lists 6 markers that are consistently used to invalidate Indigenous peoples' identities, as well as discusses 7 alternative ways to be measuring or approaching Indigeneity. 

Mahsi, Meduh, Thank You

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In this episode of Go Smudge Yourself, Jen Green discusses blood quantum, how it's used in Canada, its ramifications, and alternatives to how Indigenous peoples should be measuring Indigeneity. (PLEASE NOTE: I dropped my fancy mic...now I sound like a robot for the history sound clips. It's not the entire podcast....I'm sorry lol) 

Mahsi, Meduh, Thank You

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In this episode of Go Smudge Yourself, Jen Green discusses the complexities of being an Indigenous ally, how you can use your White privilege for good, her 7 Calls to Action for How to Be a Better Ally to Indigenous Peoples. 

Mahsi, Meduh, Thank You

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In this episode of Go Smudge Yourself, Jen discusses the importance of honouring ally spirits and vicarious trauma during the decolonization process. We speak about the importance of our ancestor's original vision for Turtle Island and leading with ancestral teachings when sharing the land with each other. Show correction: Jen said the Metis predate the Wampum Belt, but she meant to say they predate the Wampum Belt that was given during the Treaty of Niagara 1764. 

Mahsi, Meduh, Thank You

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In this episode of Go Smudge Yourself, Jen Green discusses five of her top book recommendations for decolonizing your bookshelf! These are the books that will help you have bigger, badder LandBack conversations. What books do you recommend?

Mahsi, Meduh, Thank You

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In this episode of Go Smudge Yourself, Jen Green discusses cultivating a safe space for your spirit after attending Elaine Alec's Cultivating Safe Spaces Workshop. Today you will learn how to spot the signs that your spirit doesn't feel safe, how to create a safe space, and what fear, love, sovereignty and colonialism all have to do with it that safe space for your spirit. 

Mahsi, Meduh, Thank You

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