1 in 6 seniors suffer from abuse.”
— World Health Organization
This podcast dramatically illustrates different forms of maltreatment, highlights practical solutions and directs people to resources.
“Based on studies that indicate two to ten percent of seniors are abused, there are between 40,000 and 200,000 seniors living in Ontario who have experienced or are experiencing elder abuse.”
ELDER ABUSE PREVENTION ONTARIO
ABOUT WRINKLES
In August 2009, twelve determined Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory residents gathered to break the silence about elder abuse. Their play, based on true accounts, was first presented in the middle of a ferocious blizzard – a blessing on their story by the Creator. By 2010-11 Mishoo miinwaa Noki ~ You, Me and Wrinkles, then a 5-part audio-drama, was playing on Indigenous radio stations across Canada. In 2021-22, the message – “We all have a part to play in ending elder abuse” – was transformed for podcast audiences, and launched in September.
The play starts the conversation.
It’s a two-part podcast — audio dramas and discussions. Authentic voices tell true stories that inspire listeners to bring elder abuse out of the shadows and normalize talking about it.
“We Need to Talk about these issues. Even though they are raw, hurtful and scary, we need to kiss that monster on the nose.”
— Ronat John, M’Wikwedong Indigenous Friendship Centre
It’s crucial to remember that elder abuse is a serious problem that’s often not discussed or reported because of shame, fear of reprisal and lack of awareness of available resources. These are real stories and real solutions, told by real people. Wrinkles gives them a platform to be heard and break the silence around difficult situations.
LET’S TALK ABOUT ELDER ABUSE
“...an incredible resource for programming /education – which can be utilized as a springboard into talking about these difficult
issues.”
— Tanya Coulter, M’Wikwedong Indigenous Friendship Centre
WHO MIGHT USE WRINKLES?
Community groups, Anishnaabemowin language classes, students in elementary, secondary and post- secondary schools, community arts practitioners, care providers, Indigenous studies, Seniors Centres Without Walls activities, families, and more.
Issues include: physical abuse, scams, isolation, disrespect, systemic abuse, family dysfunction, neglect, dementia, medicinal misuse, domestic abuse, financial abuse, abandonment, the impact of residential schools.
Expert speakers include elders, community service and health workers, law enforcement, legal aid council, survivors, and children.
“The actors gave a ‘naturalistic read’. This authentic sound is what gives the project such integrity. In this day of ‘Reality programming’, I really felt the intimacy with which the actor was speaking; as though they were sharing THEIR truth, through the words... they drew me in further with every breath.”
— Stevie Vallance, actor, singer and animation voice director
Three-time Emmy nominee and one-time Emmy award winner (“Madeline”, Disney)
THE COMPANY
THE CAST:
Wrinkles was developed with and features the voices of Gloria May Eshkibok, Daniel Gonzales, Bernadette Eshkawkogan, Fawn Aiabens Jacko, Marjorie Trudeau, Daniel Peltier, Jeff Eshkawkogan, Brenda Wabie, Kitty Meweiash Bell, Dorothy Kennedy, Danielle Roy McDonald, Paul Hartmann and Rose Peltier. Facilitated and directed by Joan Chandler.
Gloria May Eshkibok
actor, singer
Gloria was integral in bringing together the workshop group that created and perform in this elder abuse play. You’ll hear her perform multiple roles, including the lead in “Life with Mother”. Gloria’s early years were filled with trauma, disfigurement and discrimination, and she was caught up in the 60’s Scoop. Theatre became a positive community for her when she connected with Debajehmujig Theatre Group. Gloria made a mark on Toronto theatre with her work in Tomson Highway’s “Rez Sisters”. As a girl she gained comfort from church and old hymns in Anishnabe which inspired her to create “Magnificat Nin Tchichag My Spirit” an opera of those hymns. Originally from Wikwemikong, she resides in West Vancouver.
THE SPEAKERS:
Tanya Coulter, Host
Tanya works as the Indigenous Healing and Wellness Program Coordinator at M'Wikwedong Indigenous Friendship Centre in Owen Sound promoting wellness strategies to help heal the Urban Indigenous community spiritually, physically, emotionally and mentally.
Joan Chandler, Co-host
Artistic Director of Sheatre. Joan Chandler’s unique specialty is community arts for social change — particularly interactive Forum Theatre productions about social issues — and works that celebrate community and the creative spirit. Joan has a keen ability to work with groups, collaboratively spinning new plays with, by and about ordinary people, that tell their own galvanizing stories. She is also an award-winning script writer. Over a decades long career, Joan has produced, directed and co-facilitated the creation of over 115 plays across Ontario and abroad, reaching audiences in rural and small urban environments.
Dorothy Wassegijig-Kennedy
I have been working in the area of family violence programmes, abuse and prevention and healing programmes. I retired last year. I had been doing the work for 25 years and I've recently done some healing work and I'm recovering right now and I will do more work as I'm required to in the community regarding the issues that we are facing. Miigwech.
Jodi Bradfield
I'm an RPN with the Home and Community care at Saugeen First Nation.
Kristopher Keeshig
I was born and raised at Neyaashiinigmiing First Nation, but for the people from there, it’s still called Cape as far as I’m concerned. I’m a police officer. I’ve been working in policing officially 24 years, but I’ve actually been in policing for about 26 years. I’ve worked at the Walpole Island First Nations Police Service, where I started my career back in 1998. And then from there, I moved to the Owen Sound City Police here in beautiful Owen Sound, Ontario, on the Bruce Peninsula or Georgian Bay. And I’ve got the opportunity to go home, back to my own community. My past led me home, and I’ve been there for coming on just a little over eight years.
Suzy Jones
I’m the Harm Reduction Outreach Worker for the Chippewas of Nawash Health Center.
SpringDawn Akiwenzie-Cook
Community Health Nurse, Chippewas of Nawash Health Centre.
Jason Cranny
I’m the Community Services Officer for the City of Owen Sound Police Services.
Elder Shirley John
Saugeen First Nation elder and residential school survivor.
Paul Nadjiwan
former chief of the Nawash First Nation of Cape Croker. He is known for his historical and cultural Indigenous teachings.
David Root
Building Healthy Communities Coordinator.
Angela Yenssen
Staff lawyer, case worker, housing advisor, Grey Bruce Community Legal Aid
Elder Martina Osawamick
Elder and Ojibwe language teacher, Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory
Selina Van Kooten
Social worker with Omushkegiskwew House (Women’s Shelter), serving the James Bay Region, Moosonee, Moose Factory, ON
Rose Ann Beaudry
I’m very active with my community, with volunteering, and I’m always urged to learn more. And I’m also fighting addictions myself and I like to get involved with everything because I’m interested in learning as well as sharing my own story.
Mary Ann Sackabuckshkum
I am from an Algonquin family out of the north shore of Quebec, between Saguenay Rivers, Ottawa Rivers and the great St Lawrence. I am a volunteer on our communications team. I have been working for a number of years in the province of Ontario, both with agencies and for a long time with probation and parole. And I have been both a victim of abuse as well as a helper for those who have been abused.
Thundercloud
I’m back in Toronto to serve you. And I am on our communications team as a volunteer. I’m also a professional counsellor and advocate for assaulted women and children, our people, our people.
Austin Elliott
I’m from Neyaashiinigmiing. I am Bear Clan. I’m a certified healthcare aide. So I’ve worked in old age homes. I worked in group homes. I travelled with some young people in my younger days throughout the reformatories and some of the prisons in Ontario. I’m still involved. This was a good chance to hear things about what’s been going on with the elders and how we can begin to remedy the problem or the situations. Hey, welcome everybody. Miigwech.
Colleen Wassegijig-Migwans
from Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory
Jacob Wemigwans
from Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory
Ron Odjig, moderator
Retired educator and current Anishnaabemowin language teacher from Wiikemkoong Unceded Territory
Jon Farmer, moderator
Speaker, facilitator, and non-violence advocate from Owen Sound. He is the past coordinator of Violence Prevention Grey Bruce, host of the folk radio show Georgian Bay Roots, and previously worked with Sheatre’s touring production of “Far From the Heart”. Jon believes that stories shape who we are and that we need to speak about difficult issues if we are ever going to solve them.
Youth from M’Wikwedong Indigenous Friendship Centre, Owen Sound
THE ARTWORK:
“Wisdom of Nokomis” by Leland Bell, 2015
THE MUSIC
Hey Good Lookin’ and Honky Tonk Blues written and sung by Hank Williams
Eagle Song, traditional, and Strong Woman Song by Maggie Paul, performed by the cast
The Humble Song by Danielle Roy McDonald, performed by The Ode’win Kwe Singers
Wolf Song, Water Song, Strong Woman Song and Traveling Song performed by the M’Wikwedong Indigenous Friendship Centre staff
PRODUCTION TEAM
Joan Chandler, producer, director, script adaptation, writer
david sereda, producer, music producer
david sereda is a singer, songwriter, pianist and composer. He is a distinctive voice in music and theatre in Canada. He has recorded albums of his original songs, written and directed musicals, and performed in concerts and festivals across Canada and the USA. He is associate artist with the community arts company, Sheatre.
Jason Manitowabi, technical producer, recording engineer
Indigenous Festival Presenter, Record Label VP, Arts Administrator, Remote Community Outreach Coordinator, Arts Grant Consultant, Indigenous Music Advocate and Shareholder, Recording Studio Manager, Audio Engineer, Recorded Music Producer, ADR Translation Media Arts Producer, Audio Video Technician, Sound Person, Videographer, Songwriter, Artist Management, Booking Agent, Law clerk, General Administration, Labourer, Son, Father As a life long arts advocate and musician in and around his First Nation community of Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory on Manitoulin Island, Jason’s vision remains clear in his path to arts promotion and mentorship. From early ages taking lead roles in school plays, to warming up the stage for Buffy Sainte-Marie as a teen, to the current as the recording technician and Music and Audio Department Lead at the Debajehmujig Theatre Group, Jason has remained true to his passion for the steady promotion and support for the arts. Attending school for Audio Engineering and Recorded Music Production, he has also developed programming that interleaves music, culture, language and expression into community creation projects. He is also a Presenter, planner and coordinator and team leader of the Wiikwemkoong Arts and Music Festival and has also been the recipient of several grants over the years from the Ontario Arts Council and the Canada Council for the Arts, where, on 3 occasions, he travelled to Nashville TN to complete Career Development training. More recently Mr. Manitowabi has been invited to sit in as a delegate and investor in Indigenous Music at Summits and Gatherings in several capacities in places that range from North Bay to Norway and Montreal to New Orleans. Recent projects include Language Translation through Media Arts and other producer roles within media.
G.I. Holm, technical producer, recording engineer
G.I. has always had a passion for music and sound. He started songwriting and playing with bands at 13 and began his work behind the board in studios for music and radio production at 16. For the past 5 years, G.I. has been the owner/operator of Wallsdown Studios in Owen Sound, ON where he writes and produces music for artists and bands as well as creating some of the catchiest radio jingles and campaigns in the area. While his time on stage hasn’t been limited to music, you can often find him doing live improv shows, stage managing and running tech.
Justin de Forge, technical assistant
Trevor McKenzie, recording engineer
Anya Elias, communications and volunteer coordinator
Joanne Ward-Jerrett, fund development coordinator
Gail LeBlanc, promotional designer
Amy McQuaid-England, promotional coordinator
Kevin Moyse, videographer
Dorothy Kennedy, translator
Tara Snider, researcher
Mixed at Debajehmujig Studios, Manitowaning and Wallsdown Studios, Owen Sound
Volunteers: Thundercloud, Mary Ann Sackabuckshkum, Austin Elliott, Dorothy Kennedy
