Jordan Pottle is a young Mi’kmaq woman from Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador. She is a member of Qalipu First Nation and she believes having a connection to both home and culture is a big part of what it means to be Mi’kmaw. For Jordan, it is especially important to not only continue her journey of Mi’kmaq knowledge for herself but also to pass her knowledge down to her 3-year-old daughter Nora.

Jordan is always learning from others in her community and elders who have been immersed in culture longer than she has. She also enjoys sharing culture with her community and has taken it upon herself to bring many cultural events to her hometown of Gander.

Dedicated and selfless are words one might use to describe Jordan as she does so much for her community and not for any recognition but rather for the joy it brings her to share her Mi’kmaw culture. Jordan established Little Feathers Parents and Tots Group which focused on bringing together Indigenous and non-Indigenous families with young children to gather and learn about each other during talking circles. Little Feathers Creations is another group created by Jordan where she created beaded jewelry and ornaments with inspiration from her Mi’kmaq culture. The Moose Hide Project was also brought to Gander thanks to Jordan’s efforts and she has been involved in several events and workshops in collaboration with the Gander Women’s Center and Red Dress Project. Kikmanaq Indigenous Cultural Revival Association is another one of Jordan’s creations that has given her community the opportunity to attend beading workshops and a family cultural day.

As a busy working mom, Jordan tries to be as involved in her community as much as possible and she is passionate about bringing people together and providing them with an opportunity to learn about her culture. Giving back and creating new opportunities is second nature to Jordan and it is her belief that everyone regardless of status should have an opportunity to learn about culture.

Jordan learns about her Mi’kmaw culture by surrounding herself with likeminded people at events she has hosted, programs she has established in her community, and workshops she has had the opportunity to attend. Jordan’s vision for the future of Qalipu includes cultural liaisons in more communities throughout Qalipu territory. “Our band is filled with amazing people with so much knowledge and so many talents. I would love to see us all learn from each other,” said Jordan.