The Human Challenge w/ Vanessa Ferlaino > Shirley: A Residential School Story

 As we mark National Indigenous Languages Day on Turtle Island, Shirley Horn shares her residential school story, growing up in not one, but two residential schools. She would return years later to Shingwauk Hall after it became a university to pursue her education, become first chancellor, and then Chief of The Missanabie to help return land back to her community. In this touching episode, Shirley talks about her life healing the trauma that came with the residential school system, reconnecting with Indigenous culture, and her longing for Indigenous language.

Learn more about her life in a new children’s book, “Shirley: An Indian Residential School Story ” written by Joanne Robertson. Available now!

Special thank you to Children Of Shingwauk Alumni Association and Algoma University. This episode was recorded in The Elder Room at Shingwauk Anishinaabe Students Lounge at Algoma University.

The Human Challenge is an award-winning podcast hosted and produced by Vanessa Ferlaino. The Human Challenge was recognized by Amazon Music and ACAST as an “Indie Podcast Amplifier.” Guess what? We’re on Rogers TV! Check us out there!

Date:2 April 2026 .