Indigenous Voices & Christ on the Airwaves

This morning, after dropping my girls off at school, I turned on 91.1 FM UCB Radio while driving. I wasn’t expecting anything special- I just wanted some music to ease my mind for the day, while I sipped my coffee (which cooled before I could properly enjoy it ofc.). Then something caught my attention.

A voice came on the radio that felt different. It had the kind of warmth and storytelling rhythm that reminded me of home, or a place like felt like one. I learned it was Tribal Trails, an Indigenous Christian ministry that shares testimonies and teachings from across Canada. I didn’t know something like Tribal Trails aired in YMM, and hearing it on the station felt like a small surprise that meant more than had I expected.

Faith showing up in familiar places: Hearing Indigenous voices speak about Christ in a way that honours both culture and faith is powerful. It isn’t about choosing one over the other. It’s about showing how both can exist together in a real and meaningful way. Tribal Trails is connected with the Northern Canada Evangelical Mission and shares stories from Indigenous believers: people talking about healing, identity, family, forgiveness, and the ways God has met them personally. Their website, https://www.tribaltrails.org is filled with videos, teachings, and resources that reflect that. Finding it on the radio here felt intentional, even if it happened during an ordinary drive.

I think it hit me personally, because as someone who is Afro-Métis, raising two mixed-heritage daughters- themes of identity, faith and belonging show up in almost everything I do. So hearing an Indigenous Christian ministry right after school drop-off made something settle in my spirit. In a world where we are more often reminded of the negative things, it reminded me that: faith and culture can work together, testimonies come in many voices, and God can speak through people who sound like or different than us too. It also connected to the work I’m doing and the way I try to weave faith, culture, land, and family into something meaningful for my kids and/or anyone else that feels called to to that combination too. It felt like confirmation that I’m not walking this path alone.

What stayed with me is that sometimes God meets you in the middle of something simple and everyday, and when you least expect it. Maybe that is between driving to the next thing on your schedule. Not looking for anything deeper. And suddenly there’s a voice that feels familiar, a story that feels timely, or a reminder of who you are and who walks with you. This morning was one of those moments for me.

If you want to explore Indigenous Christian perspectives, visit https://www.tribaltrails.org/ You never know what story or testimony might speak to you.