Reporting in Mi'kma'ki
Reporting in Mi’kma’ki is a Mi’kmaw-led experiential journalism course
'I hope it continues’: Mi’kmaw Elder shares importance of teachings
You have to know who you are, says Elder Mary Lou Bernard
By Paige Dillman and Ainslie Nicholl-Penman
Tall pillars disguised as birch trees welcome Mi’kmaw students into the front entrance of L’nu Sipuk Kina'muokuom (LSK) School in Sipekne'katik First Nation. Vibrant paintings of colourful moose and soaring eagles adorn the hallway walls.
By 10:00 a.m., Mary Lou Bernard’s class is full of students sorting through containers of beads. The room is lined with handmade baskets, student art, and Mi’kmaw games, like Waltes.
A Waltes board for an ancient Mi’kmaw dice game in Mary Lou Bernard’s classroom at L’nu Sipuk Kina'muokuom (LSK) School. (Photo Credit: Erin Moore)
Bernard has taught as the Elder-in-Residence at LSK for 16 years. Her culture, language, and crafts class allows the students to learn more about their Mi’kmaw identity.
“You have to know who you are,” says Bernard, “If you lose that, you lose yourself.”
Elder Mary Lou Bernard on the importance of bringing culture and traditions into the classroom (VIDEO: Paul Robinson)
In this class, Bernard introduced the artistry of beading into her lessons – a centuries-old Mi’kmaw tradition.
“It helps them do fine work […] and also to appreciate what goes into making stuff,” Bernard says. “You did that with your own hands, you know. You should be happy about that.”
Her classroom carries an eager-to-learn energy, a feeling she says has stuck with her since she was little.
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Dalania Paul and Gorga Lynn working on their dream catchers. (Photo Credit: Ainslie Nicholl-Penman)
Bernard grew up in Elsipogtog First Nation in New Brunswick and says she always knew she wanted to work with children.
“I was in Prince Edward Island one time and (was) asked to help (at) the preschool. And oh they were so cute,” she says. “When I came to Shubie, I got this opportunity to go back to school and get my grade 12.”
In 1973, Bernard moved to Sipekne'katik, often called Shubenacadie or Shubie for short, to complete high school and was accepted to a teacher’s college after graduating.
“That’s where it all began,” she says.
Bernard says learning is a lifelong process. “And I’m trying to share (everything) as I go along.”
Mary Lou Bernard’s classroom at LSK. (Photo Credit: Ainslie Nicholl-Penman)
After 46 years of teaching, Bernard says helping Mi’kmaw youth finish a project motivates her to keep going.
“It’s seeing a student catch onto something that they didn’t realize before,” she says. “It’s like they almost light up.”
Bernard leans over to help Peyton Levi with his medicine pouch as he struggles to thread the lace.
“He’s impatient and wants to get it done fast,” she chuckles. “But when he did get it done, he was glad that it was his.”
Mary Lou Bernard helping LSK student Peyton Levi with his medicine pouch. (Photo Credit: Ainslie Nicholl-Penman)
Though she didn’t get to it in this class, she typically ends the school day with a language lesson.
Bernard says she is one of the only fluent Mi’kmaw Elders who teaches at the school and wants the Mi’kmaw youth to continue learning and never lose that drive inside them.
“How can you prove you’re Mi’kmaw if you can’t speak your language?” she says.
Bernard says her time at LSK has helped her see the importance of learning and keeping Mi’kmaw traditions alive.
“It’s working out good,” she says with a smile on her face. “I hope it continues.”