Introducing: Pretendians

Introducing: Pretendians

Author: Kristi Lee | Canadian True Crime May 15, 2024 Duration: 38:12

Today we're pleased to share with you the first episode of Pretendians - a riveting new podcast series that looks at some of the most prominent and successful Indigenous artists, leaders and professors who all have something in common: they aren’t Indigenous.


There are hundreds of cases of Indigenous identity fraud that we know about, and likely thousands that we do not.

So why do these so-called “pretendians” do it? How do they pull it off? And what happens when they are exposed? 


In each episode of Pretendians, co-hosts Robert Jago (Kwantlen First Nation and Nooksack Indian Tribe) and Angel Ellis (Muscogee (Creek) Nation) reveal unbelievable stories of audacious fraudsters and investigate the complex phenomenon of Indigenous identity theft.


We hope you enjoy this episode, and we'll see you soon!


Subscribe to Pretendians or follow it in your favourite podcast app.



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Canadian True Crime is a podcast that explores the nation's most compelling criminal cases, hosted by Kristi Lee. This isn't just a recounting of facts; it's an immersive deep dive that moves from the snowy streets of small towns to the darker corners of major cities. With meticulous research and a trauma-informed perspective, Kristi goes beyond the sensational headlines. Each episode weaves together the intricate details of a case with the broader social and historical forces at play, aiming to unravel not only what happened but why it happened and the profound impact on those affected. Listeners will hear a thoughtful, detailed examination of true crime that respects the gravity of the subject matter while seeking a deeper understanding of the stories that have shaped communities across the country. The podcast provides a narrative journey that is both specific in its focus on Canadian cases and universal in its exploration of human nature and societal structures. By focusing on thorough research and contextual storytelling, Canadian True Crime offers a listening experience that is engaging, respectful, and consistently compelling for anyone interested in the complexities of real-life mysteries and the Canadian context from which they emerge.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Canadian True Crime
Podcast Episodes
The Murderous Mountie [2] [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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[Part 2 of 2] After picking up his pregnant wife from Saskatoon train station, Sergeant John Wilson drives them north to their new home. They just have one stop to make on the way to take care of some "police business"..…
The Murderous Mountie [1] [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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[Part 2 of 2] Continuing our look back at cases we've covered that have had major updates or have attracted notable feedback.Approximate timestamps:1:20 - Jacob Hoggard Trial10:30 - The Brentwood Five (Matthew de Grood)2…
Major Case Updates & Feedback: 2023 [1] [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:17:02
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Duration: 1:32:29
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Brampton High School Shootings [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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In 1975, a teenager walked into his high school carrying two rifles in a black guitar case. This is the story of the first ever mass shooting at a secondary school in Canada, and how it spurred changes to Canadian firear…
The Truth About Canada's Opioid Crisis [3] [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:33
[Part 3 of 3] The truth about Canada’s Opioid Crisis is complicated and multi-faceted, but many experts in the field are clear about what’s going wrong.In this final part, we'll explore the evidence and data, and delve i…
The Truth About Canada's Opioid Crisis [2] [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:30
[Part 2 of 3] Through the stories of four young Canadians from completely different walks of life—who all met the same devastating fate, we explore how Canada got itself into the mess that is the opioid crisis. In this e…
The Truth About Canada's Opioid Crisis [1] [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:12:32
A three-part series — Through the stories of four young Canadians from completely different walks of life—who all met the same devastating fate, we explore how Canada got itself into the mess that is the opioid crisis. S…