Shayla Stonechild (Founder, The Matriarch Movement): What Can Digital Spaces Learn from Indigenous Teachings?

Mission Critical with Lance Chung

What does it mean to reclaim space in a world that was never built with you in mind? And how do you transform platforms designed for performance into spaces for healing, community, and cultural resurgence?

In this episode of Mission Critical, Lance sits down with Shayla Stonechild, a powerful voice in the movement to uplift Indigenous stories, wisdom, and wellness. As the founder of the Matriarch Movement and host of its podcast, Shayla is redefining what it means to be an Indigenous influencer in today’s digital world. Her work lives at the intersection of spirituality, activism, and storytelling—and she’s using platforms like Instagram and podcasting not for virality, but for impact.

The two talk about the responsibility that comes with sharing stories online, how Indigenous storytelling is rooted in relationship and land, and why healing (especially for Indigenous women and Two-Spirit people) is a radical act of resistance. Shayla also shares her hopes for the future, including two newly announced book deals and her vision for Indigenous voices to be centered in the global wellness industry.

Key Takeaways:

• How Indigenous storytelling is evolving through social media and podcasting.
• The protocols and responsibilities tied to sharing stories from your culture and lineage.
• What decolonized leadership looks like through a matriarchal, relational lens.
• Why healing and wellness for Indigenous people is deeply political.
• How Shayla is using digital spaces to amplify voices that have long been silenced.