This week, the Honourable Murray Sinclair started his journey to the spirit world.

Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Murray Sinclair graduated from his high school as the valedictorian, went on to obtain a degree in law and served as Manitoba’s first Indigenous judge, and was appointed to the Senate of Canada in 2016. He was a remarkable leader whose dedication to Indigenous rights and reconciliation profoundly shaped the path forward for Indigenous people in Canada.

As Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Murray Sinclair led the country through an honest and painful journey, bringing Indigenous voices, stories, and experiences to the forefront, laying the groundwork for healing and creating 94 Calls to Action that continue to guide us all. His important work has empowered us to speak openly about our histories and advocate for meaningful change, not only in education and justice but in every aspect of Canadian society.

Murray Sinclair’s lifelong work has challenged deep-rooted inequalities and built bridges between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities and should serve as a reminder to us all that reconciliation is a journey that we must walk together with courage and commitment.

By sharing our knowledge, holding our truths, and standing together, we can ensure that Senator Sinclair’s vision of justice and healing lives on. May we find inspiration in his strength as we continue our efforts to uplift our people and preserve the traditions and values that define us as Mi’kmaq people of Ktaqmkuk.

Related Articles:

Official Obituary for Murray Sinclair: Official Obituary for The Honourable Murray Sinclair (1951-2024) | Mizana Gheezhik (Sen. Murray Sinclair)

National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation: https://nctr.ca/about/history-of-the-trc/trc-commissioners/

Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action: https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1524494530110/1557511412801

October is Mi’kmaq History Month, a time filled with opportunities to celebrate our culture, traditions, knowledge, and the wisdom shared by our elders. This is a time to reflect on our collective history. We are the stewards of this place, and we must focus on our responsibility to nurture respectful relationships with one another and the land that has sustained us for so many generations.

When we explore the natural world, or when we share our stories, songs and creations, we honour our ancestors. Keeping their wisdom and our cultural traditions alive is the best way to show our respect for them. Our culture is so rich with the teachings of those who came before us; from them we have inherited resilience, innovation, and the ability to adapt while holding fast.

As we celebrate our shared history, we must also acknowledge the challenges we have overcome. One such milestone in our fight for equality was the hard-earned right to vote. It wasn’t until 1960, not so long ago, that Indigenous people in Canada were finally granted the right to vote in federal elections without having to give up their Indian Status. That moment in history marked a significant step forward, allowing our voices to be heard in the political decisions that shape our lives.

Remembering the fight for voting rights is a reminder of the resilience and determination that defines us as Mi’kmaq people. While that particular victory was long overdue, achieving it was a testament to our strength and commitment to ensuring that our voices are always part of the conversation, whether in the halls of government or around the fires of our own communities.

Mi’kmaq History Month is not only a celebration of who we are, but a vivid reminder that our journey continues. Let us all be inspired this month, and take this time to learn, share, and pass down the knowledge and values that make us who we are. Let’s ensure our culture, language, and beautiful traditions thrive for generations to come.

Recently, there has been much focus on the troubling gaps in our K-12 educational supports, including those provided through programs like Jordan’s Principle. We need to address this important issue that touches the heart of our community; our children’s education, particularly for those who are neurodiverse. Education is not just a right; it is a fundamental responsibility, and we must ensure that no child is left behind, no matter their unique needs.

While there’s been acknowledgment that education is primarily a provincial responsibility, answers regarding the reduction in service hours have been scarce. This leaves many of our children without the supports they require to thrive in their school environments. Our stance is clear; the education of our children must be taken seriously, and we will continue to push for accountability and action.

One of our primary concerns is the inconsistency in support for neurodiverse children. Many Indigenous children have been provided full-time student assistants through Jordan’s Principle, while non-Indigenous children in similar situations receive far less individualized support. This imbalance has created confusion and even frustration among parents. We cannot allow Jordan’s Principle to be used to fill gaps that should be addressed by the province.

The larger issue is with how the education system allocates resources. Schools are given a limited number of student assistant (SA), and instructional resource teacher (IRT) hours based on the number of children needing support, but not based on the severity of their needs. This often results in critical gaps, where schools are forced to apply for extra funding through Jordan’s Principle rather than receiving adequate provincial support from the outset. Additionally, precious SA hours are being diverted to cover busing needs, which takes away from in-school instructional time. We believe these hours should be reserved for classroom support, with separate funding provided for transportation.

The growing number of children with exceptionalities, including behavioural and social-emotional challenges, only highlights the need for better provincial planning. A shortage of specialists like pediatricians, occupational therapists, and speech therapists means that children’s needs are often unmet until they become more severe. More support is needed early on, both in the school system and within our healthcare system. Early intervention is key when it comes to best supporting a child’s needs.

The education of our children, Indigenous or non-Indigenous, neurodiverse or neurotypical, must be a priority for all. We will continue to hold both the provincial government and the federal government accountable to ensure that Jordan’s Principle is implemented fairly, and that no child is left behind.

As we navigate these challenges, let us be mindful that our children are watching. We must respectfully work toward an outcome that both provides and protects the education our children deserve. And we must work quickly.

Important Links

https://www.educationaccordnl.ca
https://www.afn.ca/uploads/Social_Development/Jordan%27s%20Principle%20Handbook%202019_en.pdf
https://fncaringsociety.com/jordans-principle
https://qalipu.ca/qalipu/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Flyer-Jordan’s-Principle-with-contact-information.pdf

October 4th is the National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People: MMIWG2S. This day is intended to raise awareness to the violence that Indigenous women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals face. This is a day to remember the lives lost, support the families who seek justice, and to demand action to end gender-based violence in Indigenous communities.

The significance of this day extends beyond remembrance; it is a call for justice. Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit individuals experience violence at rates that are significantly statistically higher than non-Indigenous people. The ongoing impacts of residential schools forced assimilation, and discriminatory policies have created conditions where Indigenous people are more vulnerable to violence, trafficking, and exploitation, as well as addictions, mental health struggles, and increased rates of suicide. Tragedies are far too common, and we must fight for justice. We need to advocate for people who are unsafe, and we need to fix the root problems that create these conditions. Each time a life is lost to a tragedy, the whole community suffers. Just recently, Elsipogtog First Nation in New Brunswick lost Leona Newkinga Simon, a talented artist, beloved soul, and advocate for Indigenous-led mental health services and facilities. We extend our sympathies to her Nation, and we must lean together to offer protection and strength to prevent tragedies such as this that stem from systemic issues left unsolved.

There was a National Inquiry into MMIWG2S, which saw its final report released in 2019. This report issued 231 Calls for Justice aimed at addressing the root causes of violence, including calls for improved policing, justice reform, and the implementation of culturally relevant support services. Lack of adequate response from law enforcement and government systems exacerbate the problems that threaten those that are vulnerable, and many cases of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls remain unsolved or poorly investigated, leaving families without closure. We must add our voices to those who aim to apply pressure for change. On October 4th, communities across the country hold vigils, ceremonies, and marches. As well as honouring and remembering, these events help spread the awareness that is needed to bring about action.

The fight for justice is ongoing. Our province has responded by forming the Provincial Indigenous Women’s Steering Committee, and successfully implemented their proposal for The Provincial Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council. The work of this collective of Indigenous women from all over Newfoundland and Labrador is a response to the Calls to Action. Along with the Assembly of First Nations Women’s Council, whose mandate ensures that women’s perspectives inform the work of the AFN, we see that steps are being taken in the right direction. We still have a great deal of work to do, but by listening to the voices of Indigenous survivors, families, and communities, we can seek solutions that are rooted in respect, healing, and empowerment.

We must protect each other and provide a safe path forward for our youth. Together we can ensure there are no more stolen sisters.

Relevant Links:
GoFundMe “In Love of Leona NewKinga Simon”: https://www.gofundme.com/f/leonanewkinga-simon

Provincial Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council to be Established to Support Efforts Related to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People: Provincial Indigenous Women’s Reconciliation Council to be Established to Support Efforts Related to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People – News Releases (gov.nl.ca)

Government of Canada, Missing and Murdered Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQI+ people: https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1590523702000/1590523850562

This month as we commemorate the anniversary of our Qalipu First Nation, we reflect on the past thirteen years. We have journeyed together, through many challenges, making incredible strides as a strong Mi’kmaq people of this island.

Since Qalipu First Nation gained federal recognition as a band in 2011, it has been a priority to not only honor the legacy of our ancestors but to ensure that our community thrives for future generations. We have built strong relationships with our kin across Turtle Island as members of the Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Chiefs Secretariat and the Assembly of First Nations. These relationships have amplified our voices, advocating for policies that uplift and benefit our people. Our many partnerships have given us platforms to influence decisions on national and regional levels, helping secure resources and programs that support education, health, housing, and economic development for our members.

We’ve had tremendous successes along the way—whether through initiatives that strengthen our cultural preservation, or in areas like Indigenous business development, where we’ve empowered our entrepreneurs and created opportunities for economic growth across k’tamkuk. We remain committed to supporting the preservation of our Mi’kmaq language, the transmission of knowledge from our elders to our youth, and ensuring our rich traditions of hunting, fishing, and trapping remain an integral part of who we are.

Our journey has been one of resilience. As we move forward, let us continue to walk together in the spirit of kinship, holding fast to the values and traditions that make us who we are. Together, we will ensure that our future remains as bright as the legacy of our ancestors.

Wela’lin to our past and current council members, to our incredible staff, our community champions and Elders and to every member. May we continue to rise and succeed, standing strong as Mi’kmaq people.

Whether you’re heading back to elementary or high school, beginning a new adventure in college or university, or pursuing further education of any kind, education holds profound importance on our future, serving as a bridge between preserving cultural traditions and embracing opportunities in the modern world. It is more than just acquiring knowledge from textbooks, it’s a way to empower individuals, uplift families, and strengthen the entire community.

For Indigenous peoples, education plays a vital role in reclaiming identity and fostering pride in our culture, language, and traditional practices. Our ancestors passed down knowledge through storytelling, song, and connection to the land. Today, education continues this process by allowing us to share and protect our Mi’kmaq ways while navigating the challenges of today’s world. By combining traditional knowledge with modern education, we empower our youth to lead with confidence in both Indigenous and non-Indigenous spaces.

Access to education provides hope and inspiration. It opens doors to careers, personal growth, and leadership opportunities, and it also builds connections with the past. For older generations, it provides a chance to share knowledge with the youth and contribute to lifelong learning.

As you embark on this new school year, remember that you carry the strength and resilience of your ancestors, and your community is here to support you every step of the way.

As summer comes to an end and we look forward to fall, we are reminded of our deep connection to the land and all it offers. With the change of each season, many of us are carrying on our traditional practices of farming, foraging, hunting, trapping, and fishing—practices that have sustained our ancestors for generations and continue to sustain us today.

For centuries, we have lived in harmony with the land, taking only what we need and giving thanks for the abundance it provides. Our ancestors were among the first entrepreneurs, engaging in trade across our island and the rest of Mi’kma’ki. Yet today, we sometimes face harmful labels like “poaching,” which misunderstand and misrepresent our ways. It is crucial that we stand firm in our identity and educate others about the values that guide our interactions with the land.

Our traditions are not just practices; they are a way of life, passed down through the generations by our elders. They are the keepers of our knowledge, the ones who teach us how to live in harmony with the earth. As we move through this season of change, I encourage all of us to strengthen the connection between our elders and our youth. Let us create opportunities for our young people to learn the traditional ways of knowing and doing. By doing so, we are not just preserving our heritage—we are ensuring that our culture remains vibrant and strong for the next seven generations.

It is up to us to maintain and protect our traditions, to respect the land and all it offers, and to pass on these values to those who will come after us. We must be proactive, not reactive. In doing so, we honor our ancestors and ensure that our way of life endures.

Addiction is a disease that has deeply affected too many of our families, our culture, and our connection to the land. Sadly, countless people are struggling, which also impacts those around them. 

 

For generations, Indigenous communities have faced devastating hardships because of colonialism. We have experienced a loss of connection to traditional ways of living, to the land, to ceremony, to language. Navigating these traumas and their fallout have significantly contributed to the high numbers of addiction within our communities, leading to generations of pain and struggle and too many gone too soon. 

 

As we approach August 31^st, the International Day of Overdose Awareness, it is important to talk about the profound impact that addiction has on us all.  There are so many factors that lead to addiction. Nobody is immune to this disease, as no one sets out to become an addict. 

 

We must commit to advocating for culturally appropriate addiction support and mental health services, as well as increased education and awareness for our youth. By doing this, we can gain a better understanding of the complex factors that contribute to substance use and support those in our communities that are in active addiction. 

 

We must stand together and be hopeful in knowing that healing is possible. By embracing our culture, working with Indigenous and non-indigenous partners, and providing support to those in need, we can create a future where addiction no longer claims the lives of our loved ones. Together, we will continue to stand strong, guided by our traditions and the enduring spirit of our people.

This summer has been a remarkable time for Indigenous artists in our community, with a series of events that have beautifully showcased our rich cultural heritage. From Mawi’omis and Powwows, fashion shows to artist residencies and exhibits, within our province and beyond we have seen a powerful representation of the talent and creativity that exists within our nation.

Artistic expression enables us to tell stories, comprehend where we came from and where we are going, and allows us to bridge gaps in our knowledge and understanding. Art, seeking beauty and creating it, is deeply important and allows us to connect with each other and the world at large. For many artists, their careers are not simply spent creating; much of their time is spent seeking, applying for, and reporting on project funding.  This is a time-consuming process that can make or break an artist’s livelihood, as well as their chance at becoming recognized and financially stable. Funding from dedicated art support programs enables our artists to display their work, telling our stories to the rest of the world.

As we move through 2024, which has been designated The Year of the Arts in Newfoundland and Labrador, we have reason to celebrate. Opportunities are offered that will elevate the lives of artists and creative people who need it most, allowing them valuable time and space to showcase their talents. This is not a frivolous undertaking: artists and organisations that are successful in receiving funding are tasked with ensuring those funds are responsibly spent and accounted for. They must report on the impact of their participation in these programs and prove that the intent and outcomes align; when projects are subjective and creative, it is necessary to ensure that funds are used appropriately and respectfully to support meaningful projects. The available funding is often outweighed by demand, and accountability is necessary to ensure that intended outcomes are met so these opportunities can continue to exist for others.

We are incredibly proud of the contributions of our Indigenous artists and appreciate the opportunities that exist to support them. We need to do what we can to support our artists, writers, musicians and people who create. View, listen, read, share and recommend their work, purchase a piece, or attend an exhibition. Artistry deserves an audience, and it is incredibly satisfying to be moved by someone’s creation. Everybody benefits! Our lives need beauty and stories, so we will always lift up those who are creating.

We look forward to continuing sharing our stories, ideas, and exploration of our culture through the arts.

Check out the links below for more information:

Year of the Arts: https://www.yearofthearts.ca/

Arts NL: Home – ArtsNL | Newfoundland & Labrador Arts Council

Writers at Woody Point: https://www.writersatwoodypoint.com/

Fogo Island Arts: https://www.fogoislandarts.ca/

Elder Calvin White, Book “One Man’s Journey”: https://memorialuniversitypress.ca/Books/O/One-Man-s-Journey  or One Man’s Journey: The Mi’kmaw Revival in Ktaqmkuk : White, Calvin: Amazon.ca: Books

Books at Flanker Press including “Poppa and his Drum” and “Poppa and the Sacred Kitpu” by Judy Doucette: https://flankerpress.com/category/children-young-adults

Incredible Artists including Paul Pike, Marcus Gosse (Facebook Group – Mi’kmaw Art By Marcus Gosse), Jerry Evans (Jerry Evans | Indigenous Artist | NL), Jordan Bennett (https://www.jordanbennett.ca)