"Artists call out the sickness." — Josée Bourgeois

In this episode of Gaia Gossip, host Mary Jane Oatman sits down with Josée Bourgeois, an Algonquin First Nations actress, model, dancer, and activist. Together, they sit at our communal table and explore the ways in which art is the cure to the modern sickness of disconnection and oppression. Josée shares her transformative journey from the national dance stage to the front lines of the sovereign cannabis industry, proving that when you authentically declare what you want, the Universe has your back.

What You’ll Discover in This Episode:

• Moving Passion to Purpose: How Josée transitioned from a self-produced dance career to managing brand development and advocacy in the sovereign cannabis space.
• The Power of Representation: Dismantling stereotypes and "mimicry" in mainstream media with authentic Indigenous storytelling.
• Art as a Truth-Teller: Why theater and performance are unique mediums that allow creators to call out the sickness of the world in ways others cannot.
• Reclaiming the Circle: Josée’s personal 180-degree journey from city life to living authentically in the community through powwow dancing and cultural retention.
• Self-Care for the Matriarch: Navigating chronic pain, depression, and the vital role of the sweat lodge and massage in maintaining balance.
• Mentoring the Next Generation: A candid look at the realities of the modeling industry and the responsibility of parents as vessels of possibility.

About the Guest:

Josée Bourgeois is an Algonquin First Nations trailblazer. A professional dancer since 2008, she has completed residencies at the Banff Center and performed at the National Arts Center. In 2019, she transitioned into the sovereign cannabis industry, serving as an advisor to Educannation and co-authoring recommendations for the Cannabis Act. You can catch her in the series The Last Frontier on Apple TV and the upcoming 2026 debut of Bon Cop Bad Cop on Crave TV.

Her Many Voices Gaia Gossip programs empower climate solutions and community connection to be amplified for the betterment of Mother Earth. Our host, Mary Jane Oatman, is a member of the Nez Perce Tribe and a descendant of the Delaware Tribe, as well as a proud mother. She serves as the Executive Director of the Indigenous Cannabis Industry Association (ICIA), founder of the Indigenous CANNabis Coalition (ICANNC), and publisher of THC Magazine.

Produced by @bicurean and narrative strategist, Victoria Carrington Chàvez.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.