In this heartfelt and powerful episode, Chasity Cairns shares her personal and professional journey — from growing up Métis and Ojibwe in Manitoba to helping shape Indigenous cultural and community support in Medicine Hat, Alberta. Through candid reflections, Chasity discusses family legacy, identity, reconciliation, and the importance of creating safe, culturally-grounded spaces. As she prepares to leave Medicine Hat for a provincial leadership role, she offers an inspiring call to continue the work of truth, healing, and change.Timestamps00:00 – 01:10 IntroductionCorey introduces the podcast and its focus on community and identity, with a special focus on Medicine Hat. 01:11 – 02:24 Chasity is welcomed. Discussion on how Corey and Chasity’s paths have crossed through community initiatives.02:25 – 04:06 Chasity’s RootsChasity describes her upbringing in Manitoba, her Métis and Ojibwe heritage, and how those dual identities influenced her work.04:07 – 07:46 A Baseball Legacy & CBC DocumentaryChasity recounts her family’s baseball team, their success across North America, and a CBC documentary that followed them one summer.07:47 – 09:48 Big Families, First Cousins, and Intergenerational ShiftsChasity reflects on growing up with a huge extended family 09:49 – 11:07 First Impressions of Medicine HatMoving to Medicine Hat and wondering, “Where are all the Indigenous people?” 11:08 – 12:33 A Hidden Métis PopulationChasity discusses the invisibility of many Indigenous people in the city and the historical absence of nearby reserves.12:34 – 14:14 Changing Identities & Systems of SupportHow reconciliation efforts have empowered more people to identify as Indigenous 14:15 – 18:13 Community Disparities and the Drive to Make ChangeA deeply personal reflection on why she left her community for Medicine Hat.18:14 – 21:28 From Children’s Services to Social WorkChasity details her path through education and what led her to advocate for culturally-rooted social programs.21:29 – 24:22 Building Programs from the Ground UpCreating parenting and children’s programming at Miywasin Friendship Centre.24:23 – 27:27 Loss, Covid, and the Emotional Toll of Frontline WorkChasity shares the heartbreak of losing clients to addiction and violence during the pandemic27:28 – 31:18 Building Indigenous Spaces at the CollegeFrom crafting circles to convocation ceremonies.31:19 – 35:00 “Where Are You From?” – The Importance of Home CultureChasity longs for the vibrant cultural life of her upbringing, like jigging and kitchen parties35:01 – 38:29 Residential Schools, Cultural Recovery, and HealingExploring generational trauma and how reconnecting with ceremony has helped her family and community heal.38:30 – 42:07 The Truth Before ReconciliationWhy understanding and “sitting in the truth” is essential before progress can be made.42:08 – 46:02 Chasity shares why learning protocol and connecting with specific Nations matters more than broad labels.46:03 – 50:06 From parenting to addiction recovery, culturally-based programs are essential tools of healing and empowerment.50:07 – 53:19 Chasity explains her next steps.53:20 – 57:36Why Indigenous representation at decision-making tables is crucial57:37 – 01:03:57Chasity calls on the community to continue reconciliation, decolonization, and to create spaces where Indigenous culture thrives.01:03:58 – 01:05:06 Cultural Teachings Are Lifelong LearningShe reflects on how much there is to learn01:05:07 – 01:09:07 Chasity suggests connecting with a variety of Indigenous voices in the community01:09:08 – 01:11:20Chasity reflects on her time in Medicine Hat, her impact, and her gratitude for the community01:11:21 – 01:14:02 Closing RemarksLinks:https://www.mhc.ab.ca/campus-services/diversity-and-inclusion/indigenous-engagementhttp://miywasincentre.net/https://www.metishousing.ca/mtis-housing-home-page/https://motivationlocal.com/