Reporting in Mi'kma'ki
An experiential Mi’kmaw-led journalism course to teach responsible reporting of L’nue’l stories
Elders
Mi’kmaw Elders have so much to teach us and they are an important part of Reporting in Mi’kma’ki. As keepers of the culture, they have a collective wisdom gathered from past generations. They are philosophers, spiritual guides, historians and linguists. They are storytellers. Sitting in their company, sometimes for hours, we learn how to listen deeply; an essential skill for all journalists —and human beings—if we truly want to understand each other. We are so grateful for their time and their teachings.
Mi’kmaw Elder and residential school survivor, Vernon Maloney in Sipekne’katik First Nation. (Photo Credit: Natalie Mariah)
This following interview transcript references the Shubenacadie Indian Residential School. A 24 hour Crisis Line is available at 1-866-925-441 for survivors, their families and community members who are impacted and need help.
Mi’kmaw Elder Vernon Maloney lives in Sipekne’katik. He’s a residential school survivor.
“I was born here, 70 years ago. I went to residential school for ten years. I had three sisters, four brothers in there with me. I lost my language. I lost everything. I was in there two years before we could see our parents. We were separated. The girls go one side, boys go the other side. And the only time you got to see each other is when you’re going to church, or going to eat breakfast, dinner, supper. But you can't talk. That's hard to see your sister next to you and you can't talk.
“I wish they’d teach more Mi’kmaw language, and Mi’kmaw history in the classroom. The history, and land of our people. It’s easy teaching it when you’re young, but at my age, it’s pretty hard to take it back. I can’t speak it at all. They should start teaching it, and bringing it back. That’s most important.”
Mi’kmaw Elder Mark MacDonald recounts his days playing softball in Sipekne’katik First Nation. (Photo Credit: Natalie Mariah)
Mi’kmaw Elder Mark MacDonald has lived in Sipekne’katik First Nation since 1960 and describes some of the ways the community has changed since then.
“We never used to have paved roads, it was always dirt roads everywhere,” he says, pointing at the newly paved road in front of him.
“When I was going to school, we couldn’t talk in Indian, we had to talk in English. It sucked,” says MacDonald. “Some [kids] talk Indian here, they’re teaching in [Mi’kmaw] now at the school up here.”
“But it was alright, I had fun when we played softball. I’d go around the bases, every time I’d get up to hit the ball, and as soon as that ball hit the ground and rolled right to the fence, I’m half way between second and third base. All the other guys would turn around and I’d be gone.”
MacDonald says he was somewhat of a softball celebrity when he was younger.
“One time I was playing and these kids ran up to me asking for my autograph.”