Episode 57: From Idea to Action: Shawn Shabaquay’s Run for MMIWG and Psychedelic Research

In this episode of the MAPS Canada Podcast, host and MAPS Canada’s Executive Director Dr. Rielle Capler speaks with Shawn Shabaquay from Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation in Ontario about his personal journey of transformation, resilience, and purpose.

Shawn discusses his 40 km run from Dryden to Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation on July 1, 2026, held to honour his mother and in support of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG). It is also part of a GoFundMe fundraiser for psychedelic research and MAPS Canada.

The conversation also explores Shawn’s relationship with ceremony, psychedelics, and personal healing, including experiences with peyote in ceremonial contexts and psilocybin experiences that informed his understanding of grief, trauma, and personal growth. He speaks openly about his personal experiences that have shaped his commitment to healing and community work.

This episode contains discussions of sensitive topics, including Indigenous experiences, trauma, addiction, and grief. Please listen with care and prioritize your well-being.

To contribute to Shawn's GoFundMe, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/A-Run-For-MMIW-July-1-2026

To check out Shawn's YouTube channel, visit https://youtube.com/shorts/MTzTggENnOk?feature=share

Working with partners in government, business, and the community, MAPS Canada is committed to advancing psychedelic medicine by supporting scientific, multidisciplinary research; advocating for drug policy reform; offering public education; and supporting equitable access to legal and regulated psychedelic medicine in Canada.

The Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) was formed in the US in 1986, in response to the US Drug Enforcement Agency’s classification of MDMA as Schedule 1 substance, and has been developing medical, legal, and cultural contexts for people to benefit from the careful uses of psychedelics since then.

MAPS Canada was founded as a sister organization to MAPS in 2011, and is a registered Canadian non-profit organization. Based in Vancouver and with hundreds of volunteers from across Canada, MAPS Canada is moving forward to become the leading Canadian source of information, resources and advocacy regarding psychedelic medicine and related clinical research, education, and public policy.

Learn More at https://mapscanada.org/about/

MAPS Canada is entirely funded by public donation and your support really makes a difference. Find out about all the ways you can support MAPS Canada’s mission by visiting our donation link https://mapscanada.org/donate/