Riley Yesno
ᕒᐊᔦᓬᐄ
About
Riley Yesno is a queer Anishinaabe scholar, writer, and commentator from Eabametoong First Nation.
She is highly sought after for her words and analysis— called an 'Indigenous powerhouse' by the Toronto Star— she has been a contributor and commentator for some of the largest media outlets in Canada and the world, including the New York Times, BBC World News, The Globe and Mail, and CBC National News.
Riley has also travelled the globe speaking at internationally renowned institutions and events, including the UN climate negotiations, the Stockholm Forum on Gender Equality, TEDx stages, and many others.
She is a frequent lecturer at the University of Toronto and Toronto Metropolitan University and is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Toronto, where she studies Indigenous/Canadian politics and is a Vanier Scholar.
“What can I do in my lifetime to help build liberated worlds? This is the question we each have an obligation to answer.”
-RILEY YESNO
Work
Read
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![A woman with long hair stands outdoors against a wall, wearing a black and red garment with intricate patterns. The sky is blue and trees are visible in the background.]()
As federal funding falters, Vancouver, the ‘City of Reconciliation,’ offers crucial lessons in Indigenous relationships
The Globe and Mail
04/08/2025 -
![Indoor hockey stadium with Canadian flag displayed on screen and people on ice rink during pre-game ceremony.]()
Opinion | Trump scares me — but so does Canadian nationalism
Toronto Star
01/04/2025 -
![People running with trans flag in the background.]()
Opinion | There’s a reason trans and non-binary people participate in women’s recreational leagues. It can be the right choice
Toronto Star
02/01/2025 -
![Several pairs of brown leather moccasins on a dark green background.]()
Federal Budget 2024: An Indigenous Accounting
Yellowhead Institute
22/04/2024 -
![University of Toronto Magazine cover featuring text "AI Everywhere" within a pixelated design, highlighting the theme of artificial intelligence. Spring 2024 edition with a note on U of T's influence on AI's future.]()
The Change They Want
University of Toronto Magazine
22/01/2024 -
![Person with long hair holding a round ornament, surrounded by colorful flowers on a black background.]()
Jeremy Dutcher: The Two-Spirit artist singing to a generation of ‘rainbow children’
Xtra Magazine
26/10/2023 -
![Abstract artwork with a black and white photo of a hand and shadow, surrounded by green scribbles and geometric shapes.]()
Indigenous People and the Rise of the Right
Centre for Media, Technology and Democracy
03/08/2023 -
![Logo of University Affairs with French translation Affaires universitaires]()
Continuing education at First Nations University of Canada focuses in on reconciliation
University Affairs
02/08/2023 -
![Several pairs of tan moccasin shoes on a dark green background.]()
Budget 2023: A Profound Failure to Meet Indigenous Demands
Yellowhead Institute
06/04/2023 -
![Person with intricate arm tattoos and gold body glitter, hands on face, wearing red lipstick, tribal-style patterns on face, dark background.]()
These Gorgeous Photos Celebrate Inuit Women’s Tattoos— and Their Resilience
Chatelaine
04/11/2022 -
![Smiling woman with long hair in grayscale photo.]()
How Do We Hold Our Heroes?
Upping the Anti
03/08/2022 -
![Illustration of a couple with a baby standing on a grassy hill, overlooking a vast sea-like landscape with a flock of birds flying in the sky and white clouds above.]()
Land Back
New Internationalist
24/20/2022 -
![Close-up of a person wearing a headdress with feathers, with a blue paint-like strip over their eyes displaying the word 'INDIGENOUS.']()
Fake Indigenous art is the tip of the iceberg of cultural appropriation
CBC: The Passionate Eye
05/10/2022 -
![A wooden cross with a red plaid cloth tied around it, set against a cloudy sky.]()
Canada, how long is your memory?
Toronto Star
01/07/2022 -
![Logo with letters "UA/AU" and text "University Affairs / Affaires universitaires" in black and red.]()
Barometer project tracks public opinion to gauge progress on reconciliation
University Affairs
22/04/22 -
![A woman in a green blouse filming a beauty tutorial with a smartphone and ring light.]()
Doing Business with an Indigenous Worldview Takes Success Beyond the Bottom Line
The Globe and Mail
18/02/2022 -
![University Affairs bilingual logo with large letters UA/AU in black and red, accompanied by text "University Affairs / Affaires universitaires" also in black and red.]()
Indigenous Students, Faculty Weigh in on Renaming Process at Ryerson
University Affairs
21/11/2021 -
![Colorful dreamcatcher with a sad emoji and dollar sign on it, surrounded by purple feathers, "SALE!!" and "Native Inspired" tags, on a pastel patterned background.]()
Why Cultural Appropriation Matters, and What You Can Do About It
Workshop Magazine
05/10/2021 -
![Graduates in blue gowns holding diplomas walking down steps after a ceremony.]()
Ending the student debt crisis would bring youth to the polls
The Breach
17/09/2021 -
![Person waving a rainbow pride flag with a Canadian maple leaf in a parade, surrounded by a crowd. Image split by a diagonal tear.]()
Queering the Vote
The Breach
03/09/2021 -
![Person holding a colorful flag in a backyard with grass and a fence.]()
Life on the Rez for 4 2SLGBT Indigenous people
CBC News
31/08/2021 -
![Woman wearing a black and white checkered jacket against a green background.]()
Why Devery Jacobs felt so at home making the Rez comedy ‘Reservation Dogs’
Xtra Magazine
08/11/2021 -
![A group of people participating in a protest march, with two individuals in neon safety vests holding hands in the foreground. Numerous signs and banners are visible in the crowd behind them, with modern city buildings in the background.]()
Amidst the fear and anger, the youth climate movement stands out as a great hope
Toronto Star
25/07/2021 -
![Large red and white streetcar on city street, with buildings and trees in the background, under a clear blue sky.]()
Rewriting the colonial history of Toronto one streetcar at a time
The Local
17/06/2021 -
![People holding a red flag with Native American symbol over a toppled statue, surrounded by graffiti, during a protest.]()
Indigenous people are no longer waiting for permission
Toronto Star
08/06/2021 -
![A person wearing a mask receiving a vaccine shot from a healthcare worker in a mask and face shield, seated in a public setting with other masked individuals in the background.]()
Premier Doug Ford’s blatant attempt at scapegoating MPP Sol Mamakwa also reveals his profound ignorance of First Nations customs
Toronto Star
11/03/2021 -
![Person holding a decorated hand drum and mallet against a background of blue sky and trees.]()
Indigenous Justice Means a Sustainable Future for All
EdCan
26/02/2021 -
![Person sitting indoors, facing forward.]()
Does a demand for justice for Barbara Kentner mean something is changing in Thunder Bay?
Toronto Star
14/09/2020 -
![Illustration of a hand holding a feather inside a red and black circle next to outlines of box-like wooden structures with ramps.]()
Four Case Studies of Land Back in action
Briarpatch
10/09/2020 -
![Toppled statue lying on grass with police officers in the background.]()
Monument battle a chance to decide what legacies we want to uphold
Toronto Star
04/09/2020 -
![Riley Yesno sitting indoors.]()
Canada Day is not a time to celebrate, but hopefully to reflect
Toronto Star
01/07/2020 -
![A man in a white shirt and pink tie speaking to reporters, holding papers, with microphones and hands holding recording devices around him.]()
Trudeau, Liberals don’t get a free ride because Conservatives may be worse
Toronto Star
10/04/2020 -
![Person in winter clothing walking past a large banner with the words 'Reconciliation is Dead' in black and red letters, set against a snowy background.]()
Is reconciliation dead? Maybe only government reconciliation is
Toronto Star
19/02/2020 -
![Man speaking at podium with "Standing Up for Québec" text, surrounded by people including a woman holding a crying child.]()
Young people aren’t politically apathetic- we’re disillusioned
The Globe and Mail
18/10/2019 -
![Illustration of a hand holding a paper with text: "10 Things Every Voter Should Care About This Election" on a purple background.]()
10 things every voter should care about this election
THIS Magazine
15/10/2019 -
![Assortment of fresh vegetables including green bitter melons, cucumbers, carrots, red chilies, and green chilies in baskets.]()
Indigenous communities - ‘Zero Hunger’ means total sovereignty
ALLIANCE 2030
27/08/2019 -
![Colorful abstract painting of a forest with green and blue trees against an orange sky.]()
UNDRIP and the SDGs: There’s no sustainable future without Indigenous Rights
ALLIANCE 2030
11/06/2019 -
![A politician speaking at a podium in a government chamber filled with people, some of whom have their hands raised.]()
A refusal to sit idleNew List Item
Maclean’s Magazine
08/04/2019 -
![A meeting room with a large U-shaped table, people seated along it, and one person in the foreground. Microphones, nameplates, and water pitchers are on the table.]()
Jody Wilson Raybould testimony reveals another tough lesson for Indigenous youth
Toronto Star
28/02/2019 -
![A group of people standing outdoors in winter clothing, gathered around a makeshift memorial with lit candles and red flowers on a snowy ground.]()
Thunder Bay must admit the truth
Toronto Star
02/01/2019 -
![The Walrus logo in black lettering on a white background.]()
Before the ballot
The Walrus
01/01/2019 -
![Performer in traditional Native American attire doing a hoop dance on stage with DJ in the background, under colorful stage lights.]()
Before reconciliation is possible, Canadians must admit the truth
Maclean’s Magazine
14/12/2018 -
![Riley Yesno speaking into a microphone, surrounded by a blurred crowd.]()
Indigenous students on campus: Going past the equity handbook
Maclean’s Magazine
25/10/2018 -
![Riley Yesno speaking into a microphone, surrounded by blurred individuals in the foreground, in an indoor setting.]()
What a letter about a pipeline taught me about ageism
Maclean’s Magazine
18/07/2018
Watch
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![An elderly person seated indoors, wearing formal attire adorned with medals and a decorative necklace.]()
"Very few people" changed Canada the way Murray Sinclair did | Indigenous rights advocate
CTV News
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![Riley Yesno speaking on "The Social" show discusses using the word "colonizer."]()
“Settler. Colonizer. Caucasian. What term should an Indigenous writer use?” | The Social
The Social
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![Riley Yesno speaking on a TV show with decorative background, tattoos visible on arms, and wearing large earrings.]()
Riley Yesno, Anishinaabe Scholar on Indigenous Youth & Truth and Reconciliation | The Good Stuff
The Good Stuff with Mary Berg
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![A group of people wearing orange shirts, sitting in a circle, play a large drum with sticks. Text reads "Truth & Reconciliation" and includes "The Social" and CTV logos.]()
The Social's National Day for Truth and Reconciliation Special
The Social
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![Three people posed in a collage-style image with the title 'The Indian Act'. It includes a logo 'NDN.POV' at the bottom right corner and a runtime of 11:25. The background features a decorative, circular pattern.]()
The Indian Act: Its Ongoing Impact on First Nations | NDN POV
TVO Today
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![Two people pose beside a mannequin wearing a t-shirt and skirt. The text "Cityline 3 Indigenous Items" overlays the image. The setting appears to be a TV studio with plants in the background.]()
3 items important to Indigenous culture
Cityline
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![Presentation slide titled "Doing Democracy Better: Challenging the politics of fear and resentment." The slide includes a checklist graphic with items like inequality, sciences denials, misogyny, marxism, and public good. The main topic is "Beyond Reconciliation, Towards Liberated Futures" by Riley Yesno, with a photo of the speaker.]()
Doing Democracy Better: Beyond Reconciliation, Towards Liberated Futures
Parkland Institute
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![Two women talking in a TV studio during an "Indigenous Showcase" segment on Cityline. Various Indigenous-themed items are displayed, including books and jewelry.]()
6 products from Indigenous-owned brands
Cityline
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![A tipi on a grassland under a blue sky with "LAND BACK" in large yellow text and a video duration of 4:28.]()
Land Back | Life on the Edge
Backslash
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![Riley Yesno giving a presentation on stage, wearing glasses and a light-colored blouse, using a microphone, with colorful backdrop and a timer at the bottom right.]()
It's Time to Re-imagine Canada's 'nice' Identity | Riley Yesno | TEDxUofT
TEDx Talks
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![Historic building with people and a car in front, CityNews label]()
Colonization's effect on queerness in Indigenous communities
CityNews
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![Screenshot from 'The Social' on CTV featuring a discussion on the 'Pope's Publicity Tour' with a host speaking and an image of the Pope wearing a traditional Indigenous headdress.]()
The latest on the Pope’s Canadian visit | The Social
The Social
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![Podcast cover art featuring a geometric background with purple, blue, and teal tones. The text reads "Warrior Life Podcast" with "Riley Yesno" prominently displayed. There is an image of a person with short hair and glasses looking to the side. The bottom right corner shows a duration of 51:27.]()
Riley Yesno on REDsurgence: Warrior Life Podcast
The Warrior Life Podcast
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![A person with short hair sitting in a room with a fireplace and white French doors. They are wearing a white top and earrings, smiling at the camera. The screen shows a video call interface with a duration of 2:50. Logos and text overlaid read "aptn NATIONAL NEWS."]()
Campaign underway to restore second degree murder charge in death of Barbara Kentner | APTN News
APTN
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![A virtual meeting with four people in separate video call windows.]()
Indigenous Issues at the Ballot Box | The Agenda
The Agenda: TVO Today
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![Riley Yesno smiling at the camera, wearing a dark top. The left side of the image contains text reading "MEET THE GRADS Riley Yesno."]()
U of T's Riley Yesno, a voice for Canada's 'reconciliation generation'
University of Toronto
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![Riley Yesno wearing earbuds appears in a video thumbnail. The background features a sign with the words "Danger due to Colonialism," and the text "Bulldozing Indigenous land?" is displayed prominently. The video duration is 8 minutes and 22 seconds.]()
Ontario: Bulldozing Indigenous land? An interview with Riley Yesno
The Breach
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![A crowd participates in a National Indigenous Peoples Day march, holding an "Every Child Matters" banner. People wear orange shirts, symbolizing awareness for Indigenous rights.]()
Should the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation be a stat holiday? | The Social
The Social
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![Two people seated at a table with "Cityline" branding, discussing "National Day for Truth and Reconciliation" as displayed on an orange background behind them.]()
An unfiltered conversation about reconciliation in Canada
Cityline
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![Two women in a video call, one with long brown hair and floral top, the other with short dark hair and green top, both smiling. Books and pictures in the background.]()
Land Back: Indigenous Perspectives | The Agenda
The Agenda: TVO Today
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![Two people sitting in chairs on a TV set with the show title 'Cityline Spring Equinox' displayed.]()
The importance of the Spring Equinox in Indigenous culture
Cityline
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![Quote by Pam Palmater about the ongoing impact of genocide in Canada.]()
Is it really genocide? In Canada?
TVO Today Docs
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![A TV show titled 'The Social' is featuring a segment called 'Reconciliation Movement.' Riley Yesno is seated, speaking with her hands, against an orange backdrop. The duration of the segment is 7 minutes and 23 seconds.]()
Is reconciliation dead? | The Social
The Social
Listen
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What Justin Trudeau's Relationship with Pop Culture Tells Us about the Moment
CBC Commotion
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What Disney gets wrong about Moana
CBC Commotion
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![Colorful graphic with abstract shapes and text reading 'Commotion with Elamin Abdelmahmoud' and the CBC logo in the top right corner.]()
How APTN Changed Indigenous Film and Television
CBC Commotion
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![Person speaking into a microphone on stage, wearing colorful attire and hoop earrings, with a 'SHORT CUTS' banner overlay.]()
What the Sh*tshow at Elle Canada Tells us About the Future of Journalism
CANADALAND
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![Illustration featuring a hand holding an enlarged Parliament Building tower above a government building backdrop, with text "THE BACKBENCH" and a stylized letter "C" logo. The design has a purple-blue color scheme.]()
Backbench Catch Up
The Backbench
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!["CBC Ideas" logo with colorful radial stripes background.]()
(Land) Back to the Future
CBC Ideas
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![A woman sitting on a patterned fabric with floral designs in the background, promoting the Matriarch Movement hosted by Shayla Oulette Stonechild. She wears a colorful traditional skirt.]()
How are Indigenous Youth Thinking About Reconciliation? Ft. Riley Yesno
Matriarch Movement
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!["CBC Ideas" logo with colorful radial lines background]()
The "Reconciliation Generation": Indigenous Youth and the Future for Indigenous People
CBC Ideas
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![A graphic design featuring a hand holding a miniature version of a government building in front of a larger image of the same building. The background is filled with text, and the image has a blue and purple color scheme. The words 'THE BACKBENCH' are prominently displayed at the bottom, and a logo with the letter 'C' is in the corner.]()
2023 Was the Year of Political Nonsense
The Backbench
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![Illustration featuring raised fists with tribal patterns, set against a red and white gradient background, under the word 'REDSURGENCE' in bold letters.]()
Episode 0: Welcome to Redsurgence
REDsurgence Podcast
with Riley Yesno -
![Illustration of seven raised fists with tribal patterns against a red and white background, above a silhouette of mountains, with the word 'Red Resurgence' in bold letters at the top.]()
Episode 1: In Conversation with Riley Yesno and Uahikea Maile
REDsurgence Podcast
with Riley Yesno -
![Illustration of raised fists with tribal tattoos against a red and black background, with the word "Red Surgence" at the top.]()
Episode 2: Black Indigeneity with Joy Henderson and Shanese Indoowaaboo Steele
REDsurgence Podcast
with Riley Yesno -
![Illustration of raised fists with tribal designs in front of a red and white gradient background, with the word "REDSURGENCE" above them.]()
Episode 3: Surviving Ongoing Colonnialism with Pam Palmater
REDsurgence Podcast
with Riley Yesno -
![Silhouette of seven raised fists above a mountain silhouette, adorned with intricate patterns, set against a red and black gradient background with the text 'Red Surgence' at the top.]()
Episode 4: Everyone's Talking About Thunder Bay
REDsurgence Podcast
with Riley Yesno -
![Silhouette of raised fists with intricate patterns against a red and black background, with text "Resurgence" at the top.]()
Episode 5: Indigenous Queerness with Emily Riddle
REDsurgence Podcast with Riley Yesno
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![Podcast cover art featuring a host with a background illustration of a clock tower, the title 'The Backbench with Mattea Roach,' and a stylized letter 'C' logo.]()
Alberta's Wildfires Meet at Even Wilder Election
The Backbench
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![Podcast cover image featuring a smiling person and a stylized illustration of a tower with clouds and geometric shapes, labeled 'The Backbench with Mattea Roach.']()
PSAC Strike and the Future of Labour
The Backbench
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!["The Backbench with Mattea Roach" podcast cover featuring a person with glasses, a clock tower outline, and a large letter 'C' logo on a textured purple background.]()
Who Benefits from Public Safety?
The Backbench
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![Illustration of a person with glasses next to an outlined drawing of a building tower, labeled 'The Backbench with Mattea Roach' against a purple background with clouds and a hexagonal logo.]()
Bail Reform and National Reconciliation
The Backbench
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![Podcast cover art for "The Backbench" featuring illustration of a clock tower, a smiling person with glasses, and text "The Backbench with Mattea Roach."]()
Flatlining on Healthcare
The Backbench
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![Podcast cover art for 'The Backbench' featuring an illustrated background with a building sketch, a person smiling, and the text 'The Backbench with Mattea Roach.']()
NDP- New Dental Plan
The Backbench
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!["The Backbench with Mattea Roach" podcast cover featuring a stylized image of a gothic tower and a person smiling, set against a purple background with clouds and a logo in the corner.]()
Picking Apart Pierre's Populism
The Backbench
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![Illustration of a smiling person holding a slice of cake beside a building shaped like a layered cake, with "THE BACKBENCH" text at the bottom and a white "C" on a blue background in the top right corner.]()
Leaders Who Don't Lead
The Backbench
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![Illustration of a podcast cover featuring a smiling person, a stylized building outline, and text "The Backbench with Mattea Roach." Background is purple with clouds and a geometric logo.]()
The So-called Era of Reconciliation
The Backbench
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![Illustration of a woman holding a piece of cake, standing next to a cake shaped like a government building, with the text "The Backbench" and a logo with a "C".]()
A Cynical Guide to COP26
The Backbench
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![Illustration of a person presenting a slice of cake, with a cake designed like a government building with a Canadian flag. Text reads 'The Backbench.']()
Truth, Reconciliation, and China
The Backbench
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![Riley Yesno in snowy outdoor setting with text "Riley Yesno" and symbols.]()
Riley Yesno on REDsurgence
Warrior Life
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![Podcast promotional graphic featuring Riley Yesno with floral illustrations and episode details.]()
Riley Yesno
Land(ing) Back
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![Logo with a stylized light green tree and text "City and Nuuchimii".]()
E22- Riley Yesno
City and Nuuchimii
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![Man in gray blazer and blue shirt standing with hands in pockets]()
Pope’s ‘pilgrimage of penance’ continues across Canada
The Current with Matt Galloway
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![Illustration of a tall clock tower with detailed architectural features against a textured purple background.]()
All Policing Is Political
The Backbench
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![Podcast cover for "The Second Transition Podcast," episode 14, titled "Land Back" with Riley Yesno. Features a smiling person in a circular portrait on a blue and orange background.]()
Episode 14 - Land Back
The Second Transition Podcast
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![Riley Yesno with buzz cut and earrings sitting outdoors in a city setting.]()
Pope's apology must be followed by concrete action, says Anishinaabe advocate
CBC As it Happens
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![Riley Yesno short hair wearing a blazer and large earrings seated outdoors in an urban setting.]()
Anishinaabe advocate calls on Canadians to put their 'allyship into action' at the polls
CBC As it Happens
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![Person in hoodie stands in street of colorful town with artistic sky and text "Return to Thunder Bay."]()
Thunder Bay
CANADALAND
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![Illustration of two crows with a microphone, text "Canada Landback," abstract elements, yellow background, letter 'C' in a hexagon.]()
(CANADALANDBACK) Landback, Then What?
CANADALAND
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CONTACT
For speaking inquiries please contact Rob Firing at rob@transatlanticagency.com
To inquire about writing, consulting, or any other potential collaborations please fill out the contact form below.
