“When we start to come together and we work together and we fan that fire, more and more people are going to come — they’re just waiting.”
In Episode 2 of Rekindling the Fire, host Rachel Robinson is joined by Tina Armstrong for a moving conversation about ancestral strength, cultural resilience, and the responsibility of keeping the fire alive for future generations.
Tina shares her personal journey as a residential school survivor and reflects on how culture, ceremony, prayer, and trust in the process have shaped her path in wellness work. Together, Rachel and Tina explore the role of Indigenous knowledge, gentleness, and collective responsibility in sustaining helpers and healing communities. This episode is a call to remember who we are, where we come from, and the strength that lives within our cultures
Tina Armstrong is Caribou Clan and a proud member of Bearskin Lake First Nation in Nishnawbe Aski Nation territory. She is a residential school survivor with over 35 years of experience in the social work field, working alongside grassroots community members and leadership teams in empowerment, restoration, reconciliation, and reclamation.
Tina is a second-degree Midewiwin member and belongs to an Indigenous cultural medicine lodge. She is a full-time faculty Elder in the Indigenous Field of Study and the part-time Master of Social Work program at Wilfrid Laurier University, and she also maintains a private practice. Tina’s work is grounded in culture, spirituality, and a lifelong commitment to healing.
Rekindling the Fire is a podcast by First Peoples Wellness Circle, created for and with the Indigenous mental wellness workforce. Each episode offers connection, reflection, and support for those who care for others, guided by the values of hope, belonging, meaning, and purpose.
Produced by David McGuffin and Graham McGuffin of ExploreProductions.ca
Music by Nagamo Publishing
www.fpwc.ca / info@fpwc.ca / Facebook / X.com / LinkedIn
The content contained within this resource includes both the strengths of First Nations as well as the trauma they have faced as a result of colonialism. As those who have been most impacted
by colonialism are at different stages of healing, some listeners may feel activated by some of the information. The following resources and supports are included to help those who may have strong
reactions to the content. We share our message of hope and recognize that wellness and self-care are important and should be prioritized.
1. National Indian Residential School Crisis Line for former Indian Residential School students: 1-866-925-4419 2. A Hope for Wellness Helpline:1-855-242-3310 or https://www.hopeforwellness.ca/ 3. Talk Suicide: 1-833-456-4566 or https://talksuicide.ca/ 4. 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call or text 9-8-8 toll free, any time, 24/7/365. https://988.ca/
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