Sharing her art

Prince Edward Island welcomes first Mi’kmaq poet laureate

Prince Edward Island’s new poet laureate is Julie Pellissier-Lush, an actress and best-selling author of “My Mi’kmaq Mother.”

A graduate of the University of Winnipeg who works with young families at the Mi’kmaq Family Resource Centre, Pellissier-Lush wrote and performs in “Mi’kmaq Legends” and was vice-president of the Aboriginal Women’s Association for four terms.

In her new role, Pellissier-Lush will act as a spokesperson for literature in Prince Edward Island and raise awareness of poetry and the spoken word.

Originally from Summerside, she is P.E.I.’s first Mi’kmaq poet laureate.

“Islanders will be inspired by her amazing capacity to use the beautiful and powerful art of poetry to express her love of our rich Island history and the Mi’kmaq culture,” said Lt.-Gov. Antoinette Perry.

“We have great confidence in Julie’s ability to perform in this special and very important role,” said Premier Wade MacLauchlan.

“She will engage Islanders in the literary arts and particularly poetry which Islanders enjoy so much. We look forward to the important perspective that Julie will bring as a fine writer, storyteller and one of the Island’s most loved Indigenous people.”

Pellissier-Lush replaces Deirdre Kessler, who has just completed her three-year term.

Previous P.E.I. poets laureate include John Smith (2003-05), Frank Ledwell (2005-08), David Helwig (2008-10), Hugh MacDonald (2010-13), Diane

Hicks Morrow (2013-16) and Kessler (2016-19).

Poets laureate often choose to engage in composing poetry related to legislative or state occasions and events of significance, visiting schools, presenting or arranging poetry readings and assisting with writing workshops and other activities.

To be selected, the poet laureate must be active and recognized as a poet of stature who has published at least one volume of poetry

“Islanders will be inspired by her amazing capacity to use the beautiful and powerful art of poetry to express her love of our rich Island history and the Mi’kmaq culture.” Lt.-Gov. Antoinette Perry

within the last 10 years with a reputable publishing house, or whose body of work over the years has brought honour to themselves and the province.

Poetry produced in either English, French and/or Mi’kmaq languages is considered in making the selection of poet laureate.

MITSUKI MORI/THE GUARDIAN The new poet laureate of Prince Edward Island, Julie Pellissier-Lush, performs some traditional Mi’kmaq music with her son, Richard Pellissier-Lush, during a ceremony at Government House on Monday.