Language, Loss & Laughter: A Dene Journey with Willis Janvier

A powerful and deeply personal episode of Meet the Onôtinikêwak as host Michael LaRocque sits down with Willis Janvier—a Dene speaker, podcaster, public speaker, MC, and soon-to-be Indigenous Social Work graduate.

Hailing from Clearwater River Dene Nation and now based in Moose Jaw, Willis shares his raw and inspiring journey—from growing up surrounded by alcohol, working the oil fields, and struggling with addiction, to reclaiming his language, culture, and voice through sobriety and storytelling.

Willis is the creator of Dene Yati, a podcast dedicated to uplifting Dene voices, language, and stories. In this conversation, he opens up about grief, recovery, ADHD, mentorship, and the sacred connection between language and healing. You’ll hear real talk on intergenerational trauma, the loneliness of sobriety, and why he continues to push forward even when it’s hard.

Willis Janvier is a father, storyteller, and language advocate who uses his lived experience to encourage others to speak their truth and reconnect with their roots—one word at a time.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Willis Janvier

02:01 Growing Up in La Loche

06:39 Childhood, Hockey & Family Dynamics

13:11 ADHD, Avoidance, and Learning Challenges

18:53 Early Addiction & Modeling Behavior

25:52 Oilfield Money, Culture Shock & Regret

36:57 Speaking About Recovery & Mental Health

45:33 The Start of the Dene Yati Podcast

54:54 Burnout, Grief, and the Weight of Social Media

59:15 Language as Medicine and Cultural Legacy

1:06:11 What’s Next for Willis

Where to Connect with WillisJanvier:

Facebookfacebook.com/Deneyatipodcast

Instagraminstagram.com/deneyatipodcast

Tiktoktiktok.com/@deneyatipodcast

If Willis’s story moved you, made you reflect, or reminded you of the strength in your own journey, subscribe to Meet the Onôtinikêwak and share this episode with someone who values healing, culture, and truth. Your support helps amplify Indigenous voices and keeps our stories alive.