Cree Voices Resurface in Lenny Carpenter’s New Podcast

Lenny Carpenter, a member of the Attawapiskat First Nation, has launched a new podcast titled Apisheesh, inspired by recordings of his grandfather’s stories in the Swampy Cree dialect. The podcast aims to evoke the warmth of traditional storytelling while documenting Carpenter’s personal journey of learning the Cree language.

Carpenter, who grew up in the James Bay community of Moosonee, Ontario, reflects on his childhood memories of listening to his grandfather’s tales around the campfire. “I had never got to have a conversation with him because I never grew up speaking Cree,” he shared, noting the profound loss he felt after his grandfather passed away in 2003 when Carpenter was just 19 years old.

Through Apisheesh, which translates to “a little,” Carpenter hopes to inspire others to reconnect with their language and cultural heritage. He discovered old recordings of his grandfather while researching Treaty No. 9 by John S. Long, which acknowledged the Ojibway and Cree Cultural Centre in Timmins, Ontario. After obtaining the recordings, Carpenter realized they could serve as a rich cultural resource for his community.

Carpenter incorporates the sounds of nature, such as the crackling of a fire and the calls of sandhill cranes, to recreate the ambiance of his family’s hunt camp in spring. He recalls how his grandfather would share legends and stories during these gatherings. “My dad said the candles would go out and sure enough, [mooshoom] would start talking — legends and stories about hunting and the old days,” Carpenter recounted.

His podcast not only features his grandfather’s voice but also serves as a platform for others in the community to share their own stories. Upcoming episodes will include tributes to his grandfather and discussions about local legends, including his niece’s award-winning goose call.

The podcast has attracted interest from other language learners, such as Jocelyn Cheechoo from the Moose Cree First Nation. Cheechoo, who now resides in Thunder Bay, Ontario, has noticed a growing number of people eager to learn the Cree language. She expressed her excitement about Carpenter’s project, hoping it fosters a sense of community among learners. “Language is such a part of who we are,” she stated. “It’s a comfort hearing the language and speaking it, too.”

Another listener, Feather Metatawabin from Kashechewan First Nation, highlighted the importance of language in maintaining cultural connections. Having experienced culture shock upon moving to the city, she recognized that proficiency in Cree helps her better relate to clients in her role as a Gladue report writer. “We’re realizing a lot of our people don’t speak the language anymore,” Metatawabin noted. “I think that’s what empowers us to connect with these things that we’ve lost in our culture as a result of colonialism.”

As Carpenter continues to share his journey through Apisheesh, he embraces the vulnerability of learning a new language, hoping that his experiences will inspire others to embark on their own paths. “Maybe being vulnerable like that will make people relate, and inspire them to start their own journey,” he said.

Through this innovative podcast, Carpenter not only honors the legacy of his grandfather but also contributes to the revitalization of the Cree language, ensuring that the stories of the past resonate in the present and future.