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UNDERCURRENTS

UNDERCURRENTS

By Ken Ogasawara

We are well into the fourth season of Undercurrents! We explore the joys and challenges of refugee sponsorship, walk 200 km in a water ceremony, dig deep on affordable housing, and more!

For all of you who used Undercurrents in the classroom, Sunday school, or community event, we’re excited to be including a resource package with each episode complete with discussion questions and action items.
Thank you for joining us - please subscribe!
Sponsored in part by Kindred Credit Union.
Original music by Brian MacMillan.
Artwork by Jesse Bergen.
Mixed by Francois Goudreault.
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Currently playing episode

Ep 20 - Special guest: Malcolm Gladwell!

UNDERCURRENTSDec 01, 2022

00:00
56:07
Ep 25 - Affordable housing, part 2
Mar 02, 202420:10
Ep 24 - (un)affordable housing, part 1
Jan 13, 202428:39
Ep 5 - David and Goliath (Palestine and Israel - re-release)

Ep 5 - David and Goliath (Palestine and Israel - re-release)

In light of the horrific ongoing violence in Palestine and Israel, we are re-posting this episode from Season 1, called “David and Goliath” featuring Palestinian Christian Tarek Al-Zoughbi and Israeli Jew Sahar Vardi.

What happens when David becomes Goliath? This is our only international episode in Season 1. We explore the tragic realities of Palestinians living under Israeli occupation, and hear from those on both sides of the wall working for peace.

What can you do?

When confronted with the enormity of this story, we might feel angry, dispairing, or helpless. Here are a few action items for you to do to work toward Palestinian justice:

Advocate:

Sign this petition⁠. Call for a ceasefire and end to violence in Palestine and Israel.

⁠Sign this petition⁠. No Way To Treat A Child Canada - "I urge you to prioritize human rights of Palestinian children and hold Israeli authorities accountable for widespread and systematic ill-treatment and torture of Palestinian child detainees. "

Donate:

Support⁠ MCC's humanitarian relief response in Palestine and Israel.

Pray:

Click ⁠here⁠ to read or download this beautiful prayer for peace for Palestinians and Israelis.

Links:

⁠A Cry For Home⁠ - a rich resource of stories from Palestinians and Jews living in Palestine and Israel.

⁠Wi’am⁠: The Palestinian Conflict Transformation Centre, where Tareq Al-Zougbi works.

⁠US Congressional Research Service report on Israel⁠ - detailing US military aid to Israel over the years.

Credits:

Theme song and other original music from ⁠Brian MacMillan⁠.

Artwork by ⁠Jesse Bergen.⁠

Licensed music from deWolfe Music.

Sponsored by⁠ Kindred Credit Union⁠.

Nov 22, 202328:02
Ep 8 - Home (Palestine and Israel - re-release)

Ep 8 - Home (Palestine and Israel - re-release)

In light of the horrific ongoing violence in Palestine and Israel, we are re-posting this episode from Season 2, called “Home” with Israeli Jewish filmmaker Lia Tarachansky and Palestinian poet Izzy Hawamda. It's a powerful story of shared humanity, shared land, and a challenge for all of us who live on settled land.


Urgent calls for a ceasefire in Palestine and Israel:

mcc.org/ceasefire (Canada)

change.org/ceasefirenow


A link to Lia Tarachensky’s feature film “On the side of the road” where she explores Israeli soldiers’ collective denial of their roles in displacing Palestinians. 

https://vimeo.com/117772052

A link to Lia’s short film OCEAN which juxtaposed raw audio from her field recordings of the 2014 Gaza War, with images from her new life in Toronto: https://vimeo.com/181224988

MCC’s A Cry For Home campaign which is packed with stories, videos, fact sheets, and more:

https://mcccanada.ca/learn/where/middle-east/palestine-israel/cry-for-home



Nov 09, 202342:29
Ep 23: Water Walking

Ep 23: Water Walking

"Water is life." Indigenous Water Walker Mary Anne Caibaiosai takes us on a 200 km journey of prayer, solidarity and celebration.

Transcript here.

To learn more about the Grand River Water Walk, go to grandriverwaterwalk.com

Produced with support from Kindred Credit Union.

Editorial support: Christen Kong

Original music: Brian MacMillan

Artwork: Jesse Bergen

Oct 12, 202322:16
Ep 9: Merle's Story (Re-release)

Ep 9: Merle's Story (Re-release)

"We must own the whole story." How a former residential school worker wrestles with his past and how his story challenges all of us beyond our good intentions. Powerful listening for all settlers on this land we call Canada.


Transcription can be found here.

Show notes:

National Indian Residential School Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419.

Kid’s Help Phone line 24/7: 1-800-668-6868

https://kidshelpphone.ca/

Merle Nisly’s reaction to the uncovering of 215 Indigenous children in Kamloops. https://mnisly.com/the-impact-of-215/

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation resource:

https://mcc.org/resources/national-day-truth-and-reconciliation

TRC 94 Calls to Action:

http://trc.ca/assets/pdf/Calls_to_Action_English2.pdf

Justice Sinclair: “TRC One Year Later”

https://youtu.be/_MhqF4yeSXo?t=241

“Change may not look like what you thought it would”

CBC - news: “Truth and Reconciliation Commission Final Report”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKKLgwlosaw

Some history of Northern Light Gospel Missions and Poplar Hill

https://ontariomennonitehistory.org/2015/06/08/ontario-mennonites-and-the-poplar-hill-development-school/

Canadian Mennonite series: https://canadianmennonite.org/articles/how-complicit-are-mennonites-residential-school-abuse

“A first step towards healing” - Personal reflection on the first TRC event (June 2010)

https://canadianmennonite.org/articles/first-step-towards-healing

“MC Canada shares the pain of Indian Residential School legacy” - A report on discussions at MC Canada Assembly 2010 https://canadianmennonite.org/articles/mc-canada-shares-pain-indian-residential-school-legacy

Credits:

Edited by Christen Kong

Mixed by Francois Goudrealt of Hello Francy Sound and Music

Production Research by Seun Olowo-Ake

Original music by Brian MacMillan
Artwork by Jesse Bergen

Sep 27, 202336:20
Ep 11: Save the evidence (Re-release)

Ep 11: Save the evidence (Re-release)

This episode is from Season 1 and originally aired in spring of 2020. We learn about the oldest Residential School in Canada and hear a powerful story from a survivor. We hear from settlers who are wrestling with the legacy of colonialism and residential schools. And we hear from Indigenous partners who are courageously reclaiming their culture.

Transcription can be found here

Links:

Woodland Cultural Centre’s Save The Evidence campaign.

VIDEO: Sandy Yuen and Nick Hamm share about their experience learning from indigenous leaders and working at the Mohawk Institute Residential School.

VIDEO: Karen Hill shares part of her story as a survivor of Mohawk Institute Residential School along with visuals of the Mohawk building looks like, inside and out.

Learn more about MCC’s Indigenous Neighbours program

Deeper reading (which we will be getting into more in Season 2!)

Truth and Reconciliation Commission report.

Statement from Mennonite Church Leaders in response to TRC.

Credits:

Theme song and other original music from Brian MacMillan.

Artwork by Jesse Bergen.

Licensed music from deWolfe Music.

Sponsored by Kindred Credit Union.

Sep 21, 202325:24
Episode 22 - Five lessons from refugee sponsorship
Jun 20, 202322:53
Ep 21 (Bonus mini-episode)- Heifers: what are they? And why are they worth millions to MCC?
Apr 04, 202311:51
Ep 20 - Special guest: Malcolm Gladwell!
Dec 01, 202256:07
Ep 19 - "Soup"
Nov 03, 202220:53
Update: "Checkpoint" with Izzy Hawamda

Update: "Checkpoint" with Izzy Hawamda

In Season 2, Ep 8 ("Home") of Undercurrents, we were privileged to hear the poetry of Palestinian poet and teacher Izzeddin Hawamda. We had so much positive feedback from Izzy's poems that I invited Izzy back to share a new poem he wrote while visiting his home in the West Bank earlier this year, as well as new insights into life for Palestinians under occupation.

For more stories from Palestine and Israel and ways in which you can work for peace and justice there, go to A Cry For Home, a robust resource from MCC.

Check out and consider signing a petition to Israeli detention of Palestinian children in military prisons. #NoWayToTreatAChild

Sign the pledge to come Together Against Apartheid, created by Jewish, Palestinian, and fellow advocates for justice in Palestine and Israel.

Thanks to Kindred Credit Union for helping to make this episode possible.

Sep 21, 202210:42
Ep 18 - "You need to chill out!" and other lessons from SALT
Jul 31, 202226:12
Ep 17 - Lay of the Land
Jun 06, 202223:10
Bidder Sweet update: "You're missing a part of the story."
May 20, 202205:40
Ep 16 - Bidder Sweet: A Quilt to Remember

Ep 16 - Bidder Sweet: A Quilt to Remember

We go back in time to investigate the heart-pounding, sweaty-palm-inducing thrill of the greatest quilt auction ever caught on tape. Join us for a fun bonus episode of Undercurrents that will whet your appetite for the coming relief sale season!

Transcription can be found here.

Here is a link to the original auction footage. Thank you to Jennifer Johnston for recording and uploading! 

Check out all things New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale at their website here, including a photo of the Renske’s newest (and last) feature quilt.

Here is link to all the relief sales in Canada and US!

Renske Helmuth’s blog has plenty of insight into her quilts, including a whole section on her relief sale quilts (this is not updated but still a rich resource).

Credits:

Sponsored by Kindred Credit Union

Editorial assistance by Christen Kong

Mixed by Francois Goudrealt of Hello Francy Sound and Music

Original music by Brian MacMillan
Artwork by Jesse Bergen

Apr 04, 202221:59
Season 3 Trailer!

Season 3 Trailer!

Welcome to a third season of Undercurrents!

We go behind the scenes of an epic quilt auction, to South Africa with the SALT program, we dig into Indigenous food sovereignty, and much more.

This season we’re excited to be adding something new with each episode. We heard from many of you who were using Undercurrents in group sessions like church Sunday schools and community outreach events. To help you out with that, starting with episode 2 on Indigenous food sovereignty, we’ll be including a resource package with each episode complete with discussion questions and action items.

Undercurrents is sponsored by Kindred Credit Union. Find Undercurrents wherever you listen to podcasts and look for our first episode of Season 3 which drops on April 4th.

Mar 16, 202201:06
Ep 10: Giving gifts/receiving gifts
Dec 03, 202127:02
Ep 15: Chuck

Ep 15: Chuck

This episode covers some heavy topics, including pedophilia and suicide. We don’t go into details, but please take care as you listen.

In this final full episode of Season 2, we hear from Chuck, a man who both experienced and caused great suffering. We also hear from his therapist, as we ask ourselves 'how can we keep our community safe from sexual harm'? The answer might not be what we expect.

Transcription here.

Here are some important resources that could save a life, prevent a victim, and reduce future harm.

Centre for Addictions and Mental Health (CAMH)

Andrea Bevan (Therapist, social worker, featured in this episode): 289-228-7317

Alan Kaine (Sexual Therapist): 905-578-4127

Shalem Mental Health Network is a faith-based, Ontario-wide network  that provides responsive and preventive mental health support to  individuals, families and communities.

Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers (ATSA), an international association of practitioners and researchers in the fields of sexual abuse, deviance, and related topics.

Mental Health and crisis resources from the Government of Canada

Ontario Network of Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Treatment Centres, https://www.sadvtreatmentcentres.ca/ .

Sponsored by Kindred Credit Union

Editorial assistance by Christen Kong

Research by Cameron Phillips

Mixed by Francois Goudrealt of Hello Francy Sound and Music

Original and theme music by Brian MacMillan

Additional licensed music from deWolfe Music.
Artwork by Jesse Bergen

Nov 24, 202128:01
Ep 14: John

Ep 14: John

Content warning: This episode covers some heavy topics, including pedophilia and suicide. We don’t go into details, but please take care as you listen.

This story is about a father's anguish and pain, as well as resilient hope and love as he walks through unimaginable challenges with his son who has committed a crime. Part 1 of a two-part series on Restorative Justice and Circles of Support and Accountability (CoSA). 

Transcription is here.

Here are some important resources that could save a life, prevent a victim, and reduce future harm.

Centre for Addictions and Mental Health (CAMH)

Andrea Bevan (Therapist, social worker, featured in Episode 15): 289-228-7317

Alan Kaine (Sexual Therapist): 905-578-4127

Shalem Mental Health Network is a faith-based, Ontario-wide network  that provides responsive and preventive mental health support to  individuals, families and communities.

Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers (ATSA), an international association of practitioners and researchers in the fields of sexual abuse, deviance, and related topics.

Mental Health and crisis resources from the Government of Canada

Credits:

Sponsored by Kindred Credit Union

Editorial assistance by Christen Kong

Research by Cameron Phillips

Mixed by Francois Goudrealt of Hello Francy Sound and Music

Original and theme music by Brian MacMillan

Additional licensed music from deWolfe Music.
Artwork by Jesse Bergen

Nov 17, 202124:35
Ep 13: I believe in miracles

Ep 13: I believe in miracles

We hear the story of someone whose life was saved through not one, but multiple miracles. We explore the questions: What are miracles? Have you experienced one? And is it possible to work miracles ourselves? 

Show notes:

Transcription here.

If you are interested in refugee sponsorship, email refugee@mcco.ca for an automated reply with lots of resources or visit: https://mcccanada.ca/learn/what/refugees

Read about how former sponsored refugees are making an impact during the pandemic.

https://mcccanada.ca/stories/resettled-refugees-support-front-lines-during-covid-19

Credits:

Sponsored by Kindred Credit Union

Editorial assistance by Christen Kong

Mixed by Francois Goudrealt of Hello Francy Sound and Music

Original and theme music by Brian MacMillan

Additional licensed music from deWolfe Music.
Artwork by Jesse Bergen

Nov 10, 202134:51
Ep 12: Making a Living

Ep 12: Making a Living

In this episode, we explore what it means to "make a living" - what does that mean? How much is enough? And what happens when you can't make it? Also, we explain why we love Kindred Credit Union so much. 

Here is the transcription for this episode.

Here is the Living Wage Framework that shows how the Living Wage is calculated, and here is a blog post from the Ontario Living Wage network on how that has been updated to calculate the 2021 Living Wage.

Check out the Ontario Living Wage Network: https://www.ontariolivingwage.ca/

A business owner tells us why Living Wage is good for business.

Marjorie’s boss, Executive Director of House of Friendship explains why they implemented a Living Wage

Credits:

Sponsored by Kindred Credit Union

Edited by Christen Kong

Mixed by Francois Goudrealt of Hello Francy Sound and Music

Original and theme music by Brian MacMillan

Additional licensed music from deWolfe Music.
Artwork by Jesse Bergen

Nov 03, 202127:54
Episode 8: Home

Episode 8: Home

Israeli Jewish filmmaker Lia Tarachansky shares a powerful story of shared humanity, shared home, and challenges all of us who live on settled land.

Palestinian poet Izzy Hawamda shares beautiful art throughout this episode as he grieves the ongoing tragedies of the occupation, as well as sharing his hopes for the future. 

Transcript is here.

Show notes:

A link to Lia Tarachensky’s feature film “On the side of the road” where she explores Israeli soldiers’ collective denial of their roles in displacing Palestinians.

https://vimeo.com/117772052

A link to Lia’s short film OCEAN which juxtaposed raw audio from her field recordings of the 2014 Gaza War, with images from her new life in Toronto: https://vimeo.com/181224988

MCC’s A Cry For Home campaign which is packed with stories, videos, fact sheets, and more:

https://mcccanada.ca/learn/where/middle-east/palestine-israel/cry-for-home

Sponsored by Kindred Credit Union

Editorial assistance by Christen Kong

Mixed by Francois Goudrealt of Hello Francy Sound and Music

Original music by Brian MacMillan
Artwork by Jesse Bergen

Sep 21, 202140:47
Season 2 Trailer!
Aug 18, 202101:53
Ep 7: Merle's Story (early release)

Ep 7: Merle's Story (early release)

*This is a special early release of one episode from the upcoming Season 2 of Undercurrents. Look for the rest of Season 2 in September!*

This is the story of how one man, who used to work at a residential school, has spent the rest of his life trying to hold himself accountable, and what it means for other Settler Canadians.
Undercurrents is produced with support from
Kindred Credit Union.

Transcription of the episode can be found here.

National Indian Residential School Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419.

Kid’s Help Phone line 24/7: 1-800-668-6868

https://kidshelpphone.ca/

Merle Nisly’s reaction to the uncovering of 215 Indigenous children in Kamloops. https://mnisly.com/the-impact-of-215/

Stories of repair: a reparative justice resource. A very practical booklet of 'next steps' for churches and individuals to take: https://dofdmenno.org/stories-of-repair/

“Every child matters” - Indigenous History Month:

https://mcco.ca/remembering

TRC 94 Calls to Action:

http://trc.ca/assets/pdf/Calls_to_Action_English2.pdf

Justice Sinclair: “TRC One Year Later”

https://youtu.be/_MhqF4yeSXo?t=241

“Change may not look like what you thought it would”

CBC - news: “Truth and Reconciliation Commission Final Report”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKKLgwlosaw

Some history of Northern Light Gospel Missions and Poplar Hill

https://ontariomennonitehistory.org/2015/06/08/ontario-mennonites-and-the-poplar-hill-development-school/

Canadian Mennonite series: https://canadianmennonite.org/articles/how-complicit-are-mennonites-residential-school-abuse

“A first step towards healing” - Personal reflection on the first TRC event (June 2010)

https://canadianmennonite.org/articles/first-step-towards-healing

“MC Canada shares the pain of Indian Residential School legacy” - A report on discussions at MC Canada Assembly 2010 https://canadianmennonite.org/articles/mc-canada-shares-pain-indian-residential-school-legacy

Edited by Christen Kong

Mixed by Francois Goudrealt of Hello Francy Sound and Music

Production Research by Seun Olowo-Ake

Original music by Brian MacMillan
Artwork by Jesse Bergen


Jun 24, 202136:43
Update 2: "We are listening."
Jul 30, 202007:24
Ep 6: Save The Evidence

Ep 6: Save The Evidence

We hear stories from a residential school survivor that she refuses to tell her own family; we hear from indigenous partners who are working to reclaim their culture; and settlers wrestle with their evolving relationship with Canada (it’s complicated).

Links:

Woodland Cultural Centre’s Save The Evidence campaign.

VIDEO: Sandy Yuen and Nick Hamm share about their experience learning from indigenous leaders and working at the Mohawk Institute Residential School.

VIDEO: Karen Hill shares part of her story as a survivor of Mohawk Institute Residential School along with visuals of the Mohawk building looks like, inside and out.

Learn more about MCC’s Indigenous Neighbours program

Deeper reading (which we will be getting into more in Season 2!)

Truth and Reconciliation Commission report.

Statement from Mennonite Church Leaders in response to TRC.

Credits:

Theme song and other original music from Brian MacMillan.

Artwork by Jesse Bergen.

Licensed music from deWolfe Music.

Sponsored by Kindred Credit Union.

Jun 04, 202024:38
Update 1: Let's give them a hand!

Update 1: Let's give them a hand!

We would have been hearing great feedback from you - THANK YOU. It reminded us that especially during this time of self quarantine and physical isolation, it would be especially meaningful for those who shared their stories so vulnerably and candidly, to hear from YOU. 

We are asking you to send a note of encouragement, gratitude, inspiration, etc, to our podcast guests who shared their stories with us.

Please send your notes of encouragement, thanks, etc to podcast@mcco.ca or even better, leave a voicemail at 519-745-8458 ext 233. Toll free at 1-800-313-6226 ext 233.

(Please leave your contact information in case we'd like to get your permission to share your message in a future update.)

We are so grateful for people like Wayne (Ep 2: Wayne's World) who shared about his life and journey to stable housing.

There’s Patrick and his family (Ep 3: Refugees and Piano Lessons)  who used music and language to stay connected to their culture after arriving in Canada as a refugees.

Or Maria (Ep 4: Radical Acceptance) who taught us the power of radical acceptance after two stints in prison.

And Israeli peace activist Sahar Vardi (Ep 5: David and Goliath) who had been imprisoned by her own government for advocating for Palestinian human rights.

Or crusty old MCC staff like Pete Olson (Ep 1: Being Jesus) who shared his testimony and how it challenged him to work with people who were made homeless.




May 22, 202002:34
Ep 5: David and Goliath

Ep 5: David and Goliath

What happens when David becomes Goliath? This is our only international episode in Season 1. We explore the tragic realities of Palestinians living under Israeli occupation, and hear from those on both sides of the wall working for peace.

What can you do?

When confronted with the enormity of this story, we might feel angry, dispairing, or helpless. Here are a few action items for you to do to work toward Palestinian justice:

Advocate:

Sign this petition. It is a call for the Canadian government to "request that Israel immediately lift the blockade on Gaza to enable medical and humanitarian aid during the COVID-19 pandemic, and insist that Israel permanently end its blockade of Gaza; and vote at the UN General Assembly in alignment with the majority of the international community taking a stance in line with international law and human rights for Palestinians."

Sign this petition. No Way To Treat A Child Canada - "I urge you to prioritize human rights of Palestinian children and hold Israeli authorities accountable for widespread and systematic ill-treatment and torture of Palestinian child detainees. "

Donate:

Support MCC's work in Palestine and Israel.

Pray:

Click here to read or download this beautiful prayer for peace for Palestinians and Israelis.

Links:

A Cry For Home - a rich resource of stories from Palestinians and Jews living in Palestine and Israel.

Wi’am: The Palestinian Conflict Transformation Centre, where Tareq Al-Zougbi works.

Implications of US “Peace Plan” for Middle East  

US Congressional Research Service report on Israel - detailing US military aid to Israel over the years.

Credits:

Theme song and other original music from Brian MacMillan.

Artwork by Jesse Bergen.

Licensed music from deWolfe Music.

Sponsored by Kindred Credit Union.

Leave us a message at podcast@mcco.ca or 519-745-8458 ext 233. We would love to hear from you!

May 14, 202027:08
Ep 4: Radical Acceptance

Ep 4: Radical Acceptance

Restaurants and restorative justice. Shame vs accountability.  And what it takes to be a bridge from prison to community.

Links:

Restorative Justice (RJ) program at MCC in Ontario: mcco.ca/rj

Faith Community Re-integration Program (FCRP) is a program funded by Correctional Service Canada.

Credits:

Theme song and other original music from Brian MacMillan.

Artwork by Jesse Bergen.

Licensed music from deWolfe Music.

Sponsored by Kindred Credit Union.

Leave us a message at podcast@mcco.ca or 519-745-8458 ext 233. We would love to hear from you!

May 06, 202014:24
Ep 3: Refugees and Piano Lessons
Apr 29, 202011:54
Ep 2: Wayne's World

Ep 2: Wayne's World

From a childhood lesson, to homelessness, to dress shopping, Wayne shares one of the most valuable things we can receive: the gift of a stranger’s story.

Links:

Circle of Friends: https://mcccanada.ca/learn/more/circle-friends

Credits:

Assistant producer: Broderick Visser

Theme song and other original music from Brian MacMillan.

Artwork by Jesse Bergen.

Licensed music from deWolfe Music.

Sponsored by Kindred Credit Union.

Leave us a message at podcast@mcco.ca or 519-745-8458 ext 233. We would love to hear from you!

Apr 22, 202019:09
Ep 1: Being Jesus

Ep 1: Being Jesus

This episode is about homelessness, an obnoxious ex-pastor, and the age old question: What would Jesus do (and why don’t we do it)?

Links:

TOOLS program: https://www.mcctools.net/

Interview with Dr. Sam Tsemberis from the Housing First website: https://youtu.be/pMLsG8x-3Rs

Excellent resource on homelessness in Canada with statistics, research, and case studies: https://www.homelesshub.ca/

Assistant producer: Broderick Visser

Theme song and other original music from Brian MacMillan.

Artwork by Jesse Bergen.

Licensed music from deWolfe Music.

Sponsored by Kindred Credit Union.

Leave us a message at podcast@mcco.ca or 519-745-8458 ext 233. We would love to hear from you!

Apr 15, 202024:50
Introducing: Undercurrents
Apr 04, 202001:18