Jared Monkman is Mtis, born and raised on the back road in the West Channel (Hay River), spending his youth fishing at the river and swimming at the beach. 

And from an early age, his mother instilled in him a love of radio. Not because he understood the value of radio, but because thats all she listened to. Monkman remembers distinctly the theme song of As It Happens, playing in the background as he ate dinner together with his family. 

Growing up where he did, and having that connection to radio from a young age, informed who Monkman is today.

Monkman has also lived with a pituitary gland tumour for most of his adult life, which has brought with it lots of challenges, but also opportunities. It was because of radiation, and recovering from it, that he was able to do a daily morning radio show in Hay River, doing longform, interviews, and picking music. It was invaluable practice for what he is doing now.

Monkman deeply values where he came from, and who he is today and the importance of nature, the land, connection to animals, and connection to people. And Monkman thinks that comes through in his personality on the radio.

Every morning on the Weekender, Monkman reminds himself how much he loves doing this. And being able to say hello to his mom!