Episode Description

How do we create a healthcare system that truly sees the whole person?

In this episode of Rooted in Gwekwaadziwin, we sit down with Dr. Chett Monague, an Anishinaabe chiropractor from Beausoleil First Nation whose personal journey through grief, resilience, and perseverance has shaped both his life and his approach to healing.

Chet shares the experiences that led him from a small First Nation community to becoming a healthcare professional, the profound impact of losing his brother, and how those moments continue to influence the way he serves patients and communities today.

Together, we explore what happens when Indigenous knowledge and Western healthcare work alongside one another, the importance of relationships in healing, and why cultural identity, humility, and compassion are essential parts of wellness. Chet also reflects on the teaching of walking with “soft moccasins”—a powerful reminder to move through life with kindness, humility, and respect for everyone we meet.

Whether you work in healthcare, support others on their healing journey, or are simply searching for a deeper understanding of wellness, this conversation offers thoughtful insights into caring for the whole person and reminds us that healing is about far more than treating symptoms.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Growing up in Beausoleil First Nation
• The journey into healthcare and chiropractic
• Grief, resilience, and finding purpose after loss
• Bringing Indigenous knowledge and Western healthcare together
• Building trust through relationships
• The teaching of “soft moccasins” and leading with humility
• Creating culturally safe spaces for healing

Miigwetch to Dr. Chett Monague for sharing his story, his teachings, and his vision for a more connected, compassionate, and culturally grounded approach to wellness.

Content Note: This episode includes discussion of the death of a loved one, grief, and mental health. Please listen with care if these topics are difficult for you.