Simple but powerful words
Treaty Education Speakers Bureau is formed in Millbrook
Taliaq, Unama’ki / Cape Breton!
It’s a very exciting time in Membertou and you can see it on everyone’s faces. You can just feel the energy in the air.
In Membertou, we are on day three of the 45th Annual Wallace Bernard Memorial Native Youth Hockey Tournament.
Since that title is just way too long, we all refer to it with love and respect as “The Wallys.” On social media, simply #Wallys45. Remember, “The Wallys” are being played in Lazytown.
The second longest-running indigenous hockey tournament in the world is hosted on home turf for only the second time ever. Seven divisional championships will be played; one this evening and six on Sunday starting at 2 p.m.
Join us this weekend at “The Wallys” in supporting our allstars who’ve come from all over Mi’kma’ki.
This month’s story, however, about a brand new Mi’kmaw Dream Team. Last week I was part of a group to receive training in treaty education.
When I use the term ‘Dream Team,’ I write it with passion and a tremendous sense of pride. Joining me were academics and educators, crafters and artisans, fishermen, consultants, elected officials, lawyers, kijus, and traditionalists. And that’s just to name a few.
History was actually made in the small Mi’kmaq community of Millbrook. Two dozen of us became the very first Treaty Education Speakers Bureau. This gathering was unique and is a milestone in the lives of all involved.
As an advocate of continuous learning, and personal and professional development, I jumped at this training opportunity when it was presented. I may be an Indigenous Mi’kmaq, who grew up immersed in my ancestors’ culture, but my knowledge of the living treaties remained minimal.
On March 1 and 2, 2018, we listened and learned from some of the most talented, influential and intelligent leaders in our nation. They taught us about the history of our treaties, the historical dilemmas of our ancestors, diplomacy, litigation and reconciliation, and even terminology.
I could talk all day about this experience, but I want to leave you with one reflective fact to think about: we are all treaty people. In Nova Scotia / Mi’kma’ki, we are all treaty people. It is not limited to us as Mi’kmaq; it’s something that is in all of us.
The Treaty Education Speakers Bureau training was provided as a joint initiative of the Nova Scotia Office of Aboriginal Affairs, Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey (MK) and Millbrook. On behalf of my fellow bureau members, I would like to give thanks to those who provided this wonderful opportunity including Jaime Battiste, Celeste Sulliman, and Loni Vicaire.
Our educators, who shared their knowledge with us include Jaime and Celeste, Dr. Jane McMillan,
John R. Sylliboy, Patti Doyle-Bedwell, Tuma Young, and Sherry Pictou. Thank you all for your teachings.
A special shout-out to Chef Ray Bear for providing an amazing dinner he prepared for us. If you are ever in Halifax, treat yourself to a meal at Studio East on Cunard.
I’d like to end by personally thanking my friend Denise Gloade of Millbrook. Denise had sent me the information about treaty education training and encouraged me to apply.
If Denise didn’t send the opportunity to me, it’s possible that it could’ve been a lost one.
Welalin, nitap.