First Annual Mi’kmaw Leadership and Learning Gathering

Posted by Qalipu on
The word NEWS written in vintage wooden letterpress type in a wooden type drawer.

Gander November 6-7, 2023

Speak from the heart, learn from the heart and see others as doing the best that they can.  These were the guiding principles presented to guests at the opening of the First Annual Mi’kmaw Leadership and Learning Gathering that took place in Gander November 6-7, 2023.   The event, a collaboration between the Newfoundland and Labrador English School District, Miawpukek First Nation, Qalipu First Nation and the Mi’kmaw Cultural Foundation, brought together some 170 students from the central region.  The students, together with Elders, Chiefs, educators, and knowledge sharers, had the opportunity to experience and learn more about Mi’kmaw culture, history, music, dancing, leadership and so much more.

Take a look at some pictures from this fantastic event:

The Miawpukek Student Drumming and Dance Group shared their talents at the event opening and throughout the two-day gathering.
The Miawpukek Student Drumming and Dance Group shared their talents at the event opening and throughout the two-day gathering.

 

The students gathered outside for a Smudging Ceremony Pictured here, a group of young women huddle around the smudge bowl to help light the medicines on a windy morning.
The students gathered outside for a Smudging Ceremony. Pictured here, a group of young women huddle around the smudge bowl to help light the medicines on a windy morning.

 

Chief Mi'sel Joe was the keynote speaker on the first day of the gathering and shared stories and teachings throughout the event. During the student breakout sessions, Chief Joe and Sheila O'Neil gave a book talk on their new book "Suliwey", the sequel to "My Indian". The pair also led a session called Speaking & Listening from the Heart.
Chief Mi’sel Joe was the keynote speaker on the first day of the gathering and shared stories and teachings throughout the event. During the student breakout sessions, Chief Joe and Sheila O’Neil gave a book talk on their new book “Suliwey”, the sequel to “My Indian”. The pair also led a session called Speaking & Listening from the Heart.

 

Paul Pike, Cultural Outreach Officer with Qalipu First Nation, got the youth involved in trying out the potato dance. This is a fun icebreaker game often seen at powwows where partners try to hold a potato between them without using their hands all the while following instructions like standing on one foot or going low to the floor.
Paul Pike, Cultural Outreach Officer with Qalipu First Nation, got the youth involved in trying out the potato dance. This is a fun icebreaker game often seen at powwows where partners try to hold a potato between them without using their hands all the while following instructions like standing on one foot or going low to the floor. Paul also supported this event by offering student breakout sessions on Mi’kmaw Identity and Mi’kmaw Music and providing the keynote address, focusing on Mi’kmaw History in Newfoundland, on day 2.

PD 1

PD 2

 

Qalipu staff helped with the planning and delivery of the event.
Qalipu staff helped with the planning and delivery of the event. (L-R) Paul Pike, Cultural Outreach Officer, Alicia Whiffen, Education Outreach Officer, Candice Benoit Bowers, Education Partnership Outreach Officer and Terri Humphries, Manager of Culture and Community Outreach

 

Western Vice-Chief Jenny Brake was at the event with her daughter, Mya, who was invited to co-faciliate a student-led session. Here's what she had to say about the event.
Western Vice-Chief Jenny Brake was at the event with her daughter, Mya, who was invited to co-faciliate a student-led session.

“My daughter Mya was asked to speak about her involvement in a film created by Mira Buckle, Building Connections Through Indigenous Youth Stories. Mya was also welcome to participate in the wonderful sessions that we facilitated by local Mi’kmaq Knowledge Keepers and her experience was so valuable. These types of opportunities foster the positive growth and knowledge of our Indigenous youth to become confident leaders of tomorrow.  I look forward to the annual event and the continued impact it will have on the next seven generations.”

 

(L-R) Chase Caravan, Mya Strickland, Madison Bartlett and Windell Smith were invited to attend the conference as co-facilitators of a student-led session. These four students were part of a video project, Building Connections Through Indigenous Youth Stories, with filmmaker Mira Buckle who joined the conference virtually to talk about her project alongside the students.
(L-R) Chase Caravan, Mya Strickland, Madison Bartlett and Windell Smith were invited to attend the conference as co-facilitators of a student-led session.

These four students were part of a video project, Building Connections Through Indigenous Youth Stories, with filmmaker Mira Buckle who joined the conference virtually to talk about her project alongside the students.