“You can’t know where you’re going if you don’t know who you are.”

In this episode of Rekindling the Fire, host Rachel Robinson sits down with Jay Shawana — an Anishinaabe social worker from Wikwemikong First Nation, former competitive hockey player, and founder of Four Hills Athlete Development — to explore the importance of boundaries, identity, and balance in Indigenous wellness work.

Drawing on his experiences in sport, youth development, leadership, and community-based services, Jay reflects on the challenges of supporting others while maintaining personal wellbeing. From navigating dual roles as both helper and community member to recognizing the early signs of burnout, he shares practical insights on how healthy boundaries allow us to show up authentically and sustainably for those we serve.

Together, Rachel and Jay discuss the importance of knowing your values, protecting your energy, and creating workplace cultures that prioritize connection, trust, and wellness. At the heart of the conversation is a simple but powerful idea: understanding who you are is the foundation for understanding where you're going.

Jay Shawana is Anishinaabe from Wikwemikong First Nation and serves as Executive Director of NPAAMB Indigenous Youth Employment and Training. He is also the founder of Four Hills Athlete Development, a Brantford-based practice that supports athletes, families, and organizations through culturally grounded approaches to leadership, wellness, and personal development.

Fast Four Reflections

Hope: The resilience of Indigenous youth

Home: Stepping onto the ice with skates and a hockey stick

Meaning: The prospect of potential

Gift: Showing that things don't have to be done the way they've always been done

Credits

Rekindling the Fire is produced for the First Peoples Wellness Circle by David McGuffin and Graham McGuffin. Music by Nagamo Publishing. For more on the work of the First Peoples Wellness Circle, please visit FPWC.ca.

Listener Care Notice

This episode discusses burnout, workplace stress, intergenerational impacts of colonial systems, and challenges faced by those working in helping professions. Please take care while listening and access support if needed.

Support Resources

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

Hope for Wellness Helpline: 1-855-242-3310

Talk Suicide Canada: 1-833-456-4566

9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call or text 988