Episode 347: In this episode, part one of two, thanks to Mathew’s intrepid and unflinching research, we’re peeling back the layers on one of the most harrowing chapters in Canadian history: the Gay Purge.
Officially, the campaign targeted LGBTQ+ individuals as part of a national security effort—citing their supposed susceptibility to blackmail by Soviet agents - But the real story is that these purges were driven more by institutional homophobia cloaked in Cold War fears and rhetoric than by legitimate security concerns. The blackmail excuse became a convenient cover for the government's systemic discrimination, allowing a deeply entrenched homophobia to flourish unchecked.
This campaign stretched from the 1950s through to the 1990s, destroying lives, careers, and communities along the way. We’ll explore the origins of this agenda, how it escalated, and look at a few of the stories of individuals affected.
Sources:
Peyton V. Lyon, The Loyalties of E. Herbert Norman: A Report Prepared for External Affairs and International Trade Canada, March 18, 1990 (Ottawa: 1990).
Bowen, Roger W, Innocence Is Not Enough: The Life and Death of Herbert Norman (Vancouver: Douglas & McIntyre, 1986).
Kinsman, Gary, and Patrizia Gentile. The Canadian War on Queers: National Security as Sexual Regulation. University of British Columbia Press, 2010.
The Canadian Encyclopedia: "Canada’s Cold War Purge of 2SLGBTQ2+ from Public Service" The Canadian Encyclopedia
Village Legacy Project: "Ottawa LGBT History: The 'Fruit Machine'" Village Legacy Project
https://definingmomentscanada.ca/all-for-9/historical-articles/lgbt-purge/#_edn3
https://www.trentarthur.ca/news/i-was-a-good-soldier-understanding-the-fruit-machine-2018-dir-sarah-fodey
https://ambcanada.ca/ambassadors/egerton-herbert-norman/
Arthur Newspaper
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57:13
Complex Justice: The Tragic Story of Annie Mae Pictou Aquash
Episode 346: In this episode, we look into the life and mysterious murder of Annie Mae Pictou Aquash, a prominent Indigenous activist whose story continues to haunt the corridors of justice and activism alike. During the tumultuous 1970s, her journey took her from Shubenacadie, Nova Scotia, to the heart of the American Indian Movement (AIM) in the United States, where she fought for Indigenous rights.
The mystery surrounding Annie Mae's death is as compelling as her life. In December 1975, she disappeared and was later found deceased on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. Initial reports misleadingly attributed her death to exposure, but a second autopsy revealed she had been executed with a bullet to the back of her head. This revelation raised questions about who could have orchestrated such a brutal act against someone so profoundly committed to her cause.
It took almost 30 years before the shocking truth was uncovered and the people responsible for Annie’s murder were brought to justice.
Sources:
Annie Mae Aquash (1945 – 1975)
Shubenacadie Wildlife Park
A Warrior born... | Biography of Annie Mae
Crossing the Canada-U.S. border with a status card
CBP Customer Service
9.16 The 1960s Counterculture – Canadian History: Post-Confederation
National Day of Mourning: A 1970 protest changed how Native Americans see Thanksgiving | CBC Radio
Wounded Knee Massacre | South Dakota, Occupation, History, & Legacy | Britannica
Historical Reading Room — Incident at Wounded Knee | U.S. Marshals Service
Native Americans seized Wounded Knee 50 years ago. Here's what 1 reporter remembers
MuckRock | Annie Mae Aquash FBI Files
Annie Mae Aquash – From the US to Kurdistan: the indigenous struggle for freedom
National Inquiry into Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls - Montreal. Day 2, Community Public Hearing 2, March 13, 2018. Live Feed | By National Inquiry MMIWG / Enquête nationale FFADA | Facebook
American Indian Movement
2007 BCCA 345 (CanLII) | United States of America v. Graham | CanLII
2022 BCCA 47 (CanLII) | Graham v. Canada (Minister of Justice) | CanLII
Justice for Annie Mae Pictou Aquash Woman Warrior
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1:13:31
Particularly Cruel: The Murder of Baylee Wylie
Episode 345: In December 2015, the quiet city of Moncton, New Brunswick, was shaken to its core by a brutal crime that would leave an indelible mark on the community. Eighteen-year-old Baylee Wylie was found dead in a burned-out townhouse, the victim of a horrific murder that shocked residents and sparked a manhunt for those responsible.
Three young people who Baylee thought were his friends were ultimately charged for their roles in Wylie's death: Marissa Shephard, 20 at the time, along with Devin Morningstar and Tyler Noel, both 18. The gruesome nature of the crime - Baylee had been tied to a chair, beaten, and stabbed approximately 200 times - sent shockwaves through Moncton.
The murder and subsequent trials captivated the region, with media coverage detailing the drug-fueled night that ended in tragedy. The community grappled with the senseless loss of a young life and the disturbing actions of the perpetrators.
In this episode, we'll explore the events leading up to that fateful night, the impact on Baylee's family and the wider Moncton community, and the following quest for justice. Join us as we examine one of the most notorious crimes in recent New Brunswick history.
Sources:
2017 NBQB 7 (CanLII) | R v. Morningstar | CanLII
2017 NBCA 39 (CanLII) | Morningstar v. R. | CanLII
2019 NBCA 76 (CanLII) | Shephard v. R. | CanLII
2021 NBQB 218 (CanLII) | R v Shephard | CanLII
2021 NBQB 181 (CanLII) | HMQ v. Marissa June Shephard | CanLII
Baylee Wylie Murder | News, Videos & Articles | GlobalNews
In loving memory of Baylee Wylie
Baylee Wylie - Search - Newspapers.com™
Obituary of Baylee Wylie | Fergusons Riverview Funeral Centre
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1:05:54
Buried Evidence: The Murder of Erin Chorney
Episode 344: In 2002, Brandon, Manitoba, was rocked by the disappearance of Erin Chorney, a feisty and energetic teenager with her whole life ahead of her. What began as a simple outing—Erin telling her mother she'd be back in an hour—turned into a parent's worst nightmare when she never returned home. As days turned into weeks and weeks into months, the community of Brandon rallied around the Chorney family, desperately searching for answers.
The truth behind Erin's disappearance would only come to light through one of Canada's most contentious investigative techniques. You guessed it — Mister Big. The case led investigators down a dark path, culminating in a shocking confession and a grim discovery that would forever change the lives of those involved.
Join us as we explore the details of this heart-wrenching case, examining the investigation that followed, the controversial methods employed by law enforcement, and the lasting impact on a community forever changed by tragedy.
Sources:
Brandon | City, Prairie, Wheat Capital | Britannica
History of Brandon, MB
HeritageBrandon.ca
Canadian Encyclopedia | Brandon
Obituary for Erin Kristen Chorney
CHORNEY DARCY JAMES - Obituaries - Brandon Sun Passages
Fooled Into Giving A Full Confession | Dark Waters Of Crime | Real Crime
Undercover police sting ends with arrest of shocked murder suspect
Jun 18, 2005, page 4 - Nanaimo Daily News at Newspapers.com
Oct 08, 2006, page 22 - News-Press at Newspapers.com
Girlfriend-killer loses appeal
Jun 2014: Killer can't visit dying relative
Brandon man convicted of murdering Erin Chorney applying for parole under faint-hope clause
Apr 2021: Murder 'devastated' Chorney family
To the Grave: Inside a Spectacular RCMP Sting by Mike McIntyre
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1:14:35
Remembrance Day 2024: More Badass Canadians at War
Episode 343: This is our special Remembrance Day episode. Each year on November 11, Canadians pause to remember the sacrifices made by those who served in the armed forces, defending our country and our allies with incredible courage and resolve.
Last year, we shared the story of one remarkable Canadian soldier, Leo Major. Leo was a scout and sniper who, against all odds, single-handedly liberated the Dutch town of Zwolle in 1945. Moving under cover of darkness, he confused and intimidated German forces through a series of daring attacks, leading them to believe an entire Allied battalion was upon them. His incredible bravery and tactical genius not only saved the town but established him as a true legend.
This year, we’ll explore the stories of several more incredible Canadians who, like Leo, faced impossible odds with courage, ingenuity, and the unbreakable Canadian spirit. These people faced unimaginable odds, fought for our freedom and justice, and showed the world the strength of the Canadian spirit. Join us as we honour and remember these heroes—names that deserve a place in history and our hearts.
Sources:
Francis Pegahmagabow - Veterans Affairs Canada
Corporal Francis Pegahmagabow Memorial - National Inventory of Canadian Military Memorials (NICMM) - Memorials - Remembrance - Veterans Affairs Canada
PEGAHMAGABOW, FRANCIS - War Records
Francis Pegahmagabow National Historic Person (1889-1952)
Chief Francis Pegahmagabow, 1889-1952
Francis Pegahmagabow Monument - Veterans Affairs Canada
Ernest "Smokey" Smith - Record Detail | New Westminster Museum
Ernest Alvia Smith | Canada.ca
Sergeant (Ret’d) Ernest “Smokey” Smith, VC - Veterans Affairs Canada
Ernest Smith | Wikipedia
Ernest 'Smoky' Smith: 'I was never afraid to shoot' | Macleans
Tommy Prince | Legion Magazine
Prince of Death: Canada’s Indigenous war hero | Legion Magazine
Tommy Prince | Wikipedia
Tommy Prince | The Canadian Encyclopedia
Tommy Prince - Veterans Affairs Canada
NATIONAL INDIGENOUS HISTORY MONTH: Tommy Prince
Bizarre But True Facts: Canada in WWII
10 Badass Canadian War Heroes
'If you don't get us out of here, we're all going to die': Heroes Among Us
The Canadian hero whose leadership prevented countless casualties in Afghanistan
History-April 27 1945: The crazy trio who helped a starving war-torn Holland
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