Juku'e

In this compelling episode of the Juku'e podcast, host Sean Doke speaks with Monica MacDonald, Senior Strategic Advisor for History and Outreach at L’nuey, about one of the most important - and often misunderstood - aspects of Mi’kmaw–Crown relations: the Covenant Chain of Treaties.   This episode explores the historical foundations of a series of Peace and Friendship Treaties that continue to...

The journey to establish Pituamkek as Canada’s 48th National Park Reserve (NPR) has reached a historic milestone with the signing of the Establishment Agreement — but the real work is just beginning. In this episode, host Sean Doke speaks with Jenene Wooldridge, Executive Director of L’nuey, and Jesse Francis, Parks Canada’s Implementation Manager for Pituamkek NPR, about what this moment means fo...

In this powerful episode of the Juku’e podcast, host Sean Doke sits down with renowned powwow singer and Mi'kmaw cultural educator Michael R. Denny for an inspiring conversation on the power of tradition, resilience, and cultural pride. Michael shares his personal journey—growing up Mi’kmaq, discovering his voice through song, and dedicating his life to preserving and promoting Mi’kmaw heritage. A...

In this episode of  Juku’e , host Sean Doke speaks with Jesse Francis and Tracey Cutcliffe, two key figures in the journey to establish Pituamkek as a National Park Reserve. Together, they explore the foundational work that led to the establishment, including the determination of Mi'kmaw leadership and collaborative effort with Parks Canada, the cultural and ecological significance of this sac...

In this episode of  Juku’e , host Sean Doke sits down with acclaimed Anishinaabe journalist and author Tanya Talaga to discuss her latest book,  The Knowing . Tanya, a member of Fort William First Nation, is known for her powerful storytelling in  Seven Fallen Feathers  and  All Our Relations , and her latest work offers an intimate look at her family’s experiences with residential schools and the...

Join us on Juku’e for this short episode as we explore a groundbreaking archaeological discovery near Stanhope, PEI – the 5,000-year-old remains of the earliest known Indigenous ancestor on Epekwitk (Prince Edward Island). This jawbone fragment, belonging to a Mi’kmaw woman, reveals invaluable insights into the Island’s ancient past and the enduring legacy of the Mi’kmaq, who have called this land...

In this episode, Sean speaks in depth with L’nuey Senior Archaeologist Dr. Helen Kristmanson to learn about exciting work underway on Epekwitk (PEI), building the Epekwitnewaq Mi’kmaq’s capacity, archaeology dating back 13,000 years, and history of some significant sites – including Pituamkek (Hog Island and Sandhills), which is set to become a National Park Reserve.    Tune in to hear how archaeo...

In this episode, Juku’e host Sean Doke speaks with L’nuey Executive Director Jenene Wooldridge to discuss the 2024 Epekwitk Nationhood Gathering that was held last month, and why this event is so important in working toward Epekwitnewaq Mi’kmaq self-determination and governance. They chat about highlights from the gathering, how things have changed since the first gathering in 2019, progress relat...

In this episode, Juku’e host Sean Doke speaks with his colleague, L’nuey Senior Negotiator Tracey Cutcliffe. Tracey breaks down the context and history around the Hog Island specific claim that is currently in negotiations in Epekwitk (PEI). Hog Island (also known as Pituamkek) is a barrier island off the northwestern coast of Epekwitk, and home to ongoing and traditional land use by the Mi’kmaq s...

In this episode, Juku’e host Sean Doke speaks with Mi’kmaw artist and educator Gerald Gloade from Millbrook First Nation in Nova Scotia, who is a wealth of cultural knowledge and also the Program Development Officer for the Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre. Gerald talks about how he began his cultural knowledge-sharing journey, the significance of traditional districts in Mi’kma’ki, amazing archae...

In this episode Juku’e host Sean Doke speaks with Chief Junior Gould for the National Day for Truth and reconciliation. They discuss how he began his journey in becoming a leader for reconciliation, examples of true reconciliation in action, and his hopes for the future of his community and the broader Canadian society.

In this episode Juku’e host Sean Doke speaks with his new colleague, L’nuey Engagement Officer Kiara Labobe. They dive into detail on Ni’n aq No’kmaq (Me and My Relations), a process through which the Epekwitnewaq Mi’kmaq (Mi’kmaq of PEI) will work to determine who can exercise Aboriginal and Mi’kmaq Treaty rights in Epekwitk (PEI). Kiara outlines what the Epekwitnewaq Mi’kmaq should know about th...

In this episode Juku’e host Sean Doke speaks with L’nuey Executive Director Jenene Wooldridge to learn about public opinion surveys that were conducted to gauge Islanders attitudes and perceptions of Mi’kmaq issues in Epekwitk, and more specifically, about the goal of reconciliation. Jenene touches on some background and results of the surveys, why it is imperative to measure them over time, and t...

In this episode Juku’e host Sean Doke speaks with Dr. TJ (Tuma) Wilson, UNDRIP Project Coordinator for the Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Chiefs Secretariat, to learn about the history of UNDRIP (United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples), why it’s significant for the rights of Indigenous Peoples, how “Free, Prior, and Informed Consent” can changes things drasticall...

In this episode special for International Women's Day, Juku’e host Sean Doke speaks with Mi’kmaq women in leadership across Epekwitk. He hears words of wisdom from strong and inspiring women such as Chief Darlene Bernard, Councillor Madlene Sark, Councillor Charlene Campbell, and L’nuey Executive Director Jenene Wooldridge.

In this episode, Juku’e host Sean Doke speaks with Jamie Thomas to learn about the upcoming Indigenous Artisans Christmas Market that is building excitement across Epekwitk. They discuss how the market came to be, what people can expect when they attend, why events like this are so important, how it relates to the Indigenous Tourism Association of PEI, and what could be on the horizon for Indigeno...

In this episode, Juku’e host Sean Doke speaks with L’nuey Executive Director Jenene Wooldridge to hear about Maw-Lukuti’kw – We Work Together: The 2022 Nationhood Gathering that was held earlier this month, and why this is so important. They discuss moving beyond the Indian Act and colonial boundaries, the road to self-governance, and visions for the future generations of the Epekwitnewaq Mi’kmaq...

In this episode, Juku’e host Sean Doke speaks with Elder and Residential School Survivor Marlene Thomas in the spirit of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. They chat about Marlene’s past experiences, her perspective of where she sees things today, her trip to Rome to hear the Pope address Survivors, how she persevered with resilience through tough times, and what she hopes to see for the f...

In this episode, Juku’e host Sean Doke speaks with Knowledge Keeper and Epekwitk’s (PEI's) first ever Indigenous Poet Laureate Julie Pellisier-Lush, to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day by recognizing some of the Mi'kmaq cultural initiatives that have been happening across the Island. They discuss what it means to be Mi'kmaq, how the theatre company Mi'kmaq Legends came to be, how it feels...

L’nuey is hosting a special new podcast series through Juku’e, called “What We Do – Short Snappers”. Epekwitnewaq Mi’kmaq community members will have a chance to hear L’nuey staff talk about the work they do, their roles and responsibilities, and why it all matters. All this is summed up in short five minute segments to help the community better understand L’nuey and the work that the organization...

In this episode, Communications Officer Sean Doke speaks with Elder Doreen Jenkins of Abegweit First Nation to discuss growing up Mi’kmaq, spiritual strength, embracing culture and traditions, and aspirations for the future of Mi’kmaq culture.

In this episode, Communications Officer Sean Doke speaks with Keptin and Elder Jimmy Bernard of Lennox Island First Nation about struggles and discrimination the Mi’kmaq have faced, the woven history of basket weaving and wisqoq - the black ash, and what he hopes to see for Mi’kmaq culture and traditions in the future.

In this episode, Communications Officer Sean Doke speaks with Mount Stewart Consolidated School Principal Mary Kendrick about the inaugural 2021 Reconciliation Recognition Awards that were given by the Epekwitk Assembly of Councils last year, and some initiatives at Mount Stewart school that work towards reconciliation through education. Nominations for the 2023 Reconciliation Recognition Awards a...

In this episode, Communications Officer Sean Doke speaks with École Saint-Augustin Vice-Principal Julie Gagnon about the inaugural 2021 Reconciliation Recognition Awards that were given by the Epekwitk Assembly of Councils last year, and the journey towards reconciliation between Mi’kmaq and Acadian communities. Nominations for the 2023 Reconciliation Recognition Awards are open to the public this...

Join us in celebrating International Women’s Day 2022 in this special Juku’e Women’s Day takeover episode!  In this episode, Communications Officer Annie Martin speaks with Chief Darlene Bernard of Lennox Island First Nation on what International Women’s Day means to her, the role of Mi’kmaq women historically and today, being a female leader and role model, her pride in her community, as wel...