What it means to be an elder - Publication Date |
- Jan 07, 2022
- Episode Duration |
- 00:50:16
This week on Unreserved, we invite you to sit and learn with us in the Elders Circle. Six elders from Mi'kmaq, Wolastoqey and Passamaquoddy communities in New Brunswick share their stories – about their life, the work they do and the change they're bringing for their people.
Cecelia Brooks is from St. Mary's First Nation and is Wolastoqey, Mi'kmaq, Mohawk and Korean. She specializes in native plants and foods and leads medicine walks with her son, Anthony, in Fredericton's Odell Park.
Imelda Perley is a Wolastoqey language speaker and has conducted traditional naming ceremonies for decades, bestowing Wolastoqey names to more than 200 children.
George Paul, from Metepenagiag, created the Mi'kmaw Honour Song. It's become an anthem for his people and is popular at powwows for grand entries.
Donald Soctomah is the tribal historic preservation officer for the Passamaquoddy tribe. He works with both the U.S. and Canadian governments to protect culturally significant sites, artifacts and knowledge.
Noel Milliea has devoted his life to helping people heal from alcoholism, trauma and systemic racism. Part of this work included helping get an addiction treatment centre in Elsipogtog First Nation.
Donna Augustine's life work is to bring the remains of Wabanaki ancestors home to rest. The elder from Elsipogtog First Nation says she has protected the burial sites of thousands of ancestors and reburied hundreds from many different tribes.
Special thanks to CBC New Brunswick for these stories.