One Nation. One Tribe. The Peyakôskân Podcast

S2E14 2025 Culture Camp Recordings ft. Eli and Chelsea

In this episode of the Peyakoskan Podcast, host Brett English and host Russ discuss the significance and preservation of Indigenous languages with guests Eli Beaver and Chelsea Dunn. They talk about the vital role of language in shaping personal identity and cultural connection. They discuss the challenges of revitalizing languages like Cree and the methods they employ, such as integrating language into daily life and using media platforms to educate and spread awareness. They also emphasize the importance of persistence and community support in keeping these languages alive for future generations. The conversation highlights the need for initiatives and campaigns to promote Indigenous languages and the positive impact of learning and speaking one's native language within their community.

 

Disclaimer: The views expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect the official stance of GPFC's Peyakoskan Podcast. We aim to provide a platform for diverse perspectives.

S2E13 Cultural Healing Through Dance & Tradition Ft. Elder Dave Matilpi

The Peyakoskan Podcast, hosted by Ethan, features an interview with Elder Dave Matilpi who shares his life story, beginning in Alert Bay BC. Separated from his traditional family and placed in a residential school, he describes the trauma and identity struggles he faced. After battling addictions, he found healing through reclaiming and embracing his cultural heritage. He speaks on his journey to becoming a ceremonial elder, dancer, and advocate for youth, highlighting the importance of cultural identity and the enduring strength of Indigenous peoples.

 

Disclaimer: The views expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect the official stance of GPFC's Peyakoskan Podcast. We aim to provide a platform for diverse perspectives.

S2E12 Myths & Legends ft. Natal

In this episode of the Peyakoskan Podcast, Xander and Natal delve into various myths and legends from the Americas, with special emphasis on Indigenous stories. They discuss the origins of Halloween and cultural traditions like Mexico's Day of the Dead, where families clean their ancestors' bones. The conversation spans tales of tricksters and supernatural beings like the Siwan Nava, El Theo, Skin Walkers, and Wendigos, exploring how these legends teach moral lessons or explain cultural phenomena. Personal anecdotes of eerie encounters in nature add a suspenseful and engaging touch. The hosts also reflect on the differences between Indigenous spiritual beliefs and Western perspectives, concluding with a suggestion to smudge for spiritual protection.

Disclaimer: The views expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect the official stance of GPFC's Peyakoskan Podcast. We aim to provide a platform for diverse perspectives.

S2E11 Aunties Talk Language Resurgence

The Peyakoskan Podcast, hosted by Russell and co-host Brett, features an insightful discussion with two educators from Alberta on the challenges and importance of integrating Indigenous languages like Cree into the school curriculum. The conversation explores the necessity of immersion and firsthand experience for effective language learning, the impact of safety and acceptance in sharing Indigenous knowledge, and the significant role of cultural connections in education. The educators highlight the need for supportive and nurturing environments, contrast between theoretical and practical language learning, and emphasize the importance of making Indigenous language programs accessible to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students for true reconciliation and cultural preservation. The discussion also touches on the broader educational challenges such as class sizes, resource availability, and the need for lived experiences outside traditional classroom settings.

Disclaimer: The views expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect the official stance of GPFC's Peyakoskan Podcast. We aim to provide a platform for diverse perspectives.

S2E10 Learning Mi'kmaq Language Education Ft. Brigitta Francis

Peyakoskan Podcast interviews Brigitta Francis about their language teachings in New Brunswick. We learn different Language Systems, dialects and curriculums. Brigitta shared with the Peyakoskan Podcast links to help listeners to learn the Mi'kmaq language.

 

Links:

Friendship Centres:

About | Grande Prairie Friendship Centre | Grande Prairie

Maoi Ginaamasoltinej Mi'kmaq — Under One Sky Friendship Centre

 

Learning language:

https://www.efnea.ca/phrases

https://www.mikmaqonline.org/

https://www.firstnationhelp.com/ali/lexicon.pdf

https://www.learn.migmaq.org/index.html

https://quizlet.com/user/learnmigmaq/sets

https://www.mikmaweydebert.ca/sharing-our-stories/education-and-outreach/school-curriculum/mikmaw-translations-for-teaching-about-the-mikmaq/

https://www.efnea.ca/learn-mi-kmaq1

https://www.afnts.ca/mikmaw/dashboard

*** https://qalipu.ca/qalipu/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/History-of-Written-Mi-kmaw.pdf

 

History of Mi’kmaq language through colonialism

https://www.kinu.ca/mobile-apps 

https://www.kinu.ca/resources?search-filters-subjects=mikmaw-language 

 

YouTube videos with language and cultural teachings:

• Mi’kmaq version of Drums by Johnny Cash -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7j8kCvty3n0&list=PLjhoyc8fKItVd_NN2AJpBRfJEfTWfs7sY&index=5 
• Mi’kmaq version of religious prayers by Elder Susan Ann Sock, who passed in 2011. Written version in the comments - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lr275f92E8A 
• Stories from elders in Mi’kmaq - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlBI7uETrT4
• Ko’jua history and ji’kmaqn in Mi’kmaq & Miklish https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=knbX2dC4-vE
• Morgan Toney Ko’jua song and dance https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnpvxx0xyMU
• Ko’jua history by Jermaine Doucette https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhV7PqTpul8
• Mi’kmaq words for wi’koum parts (wigwam)  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WshJ-7yF0A
• Mi’kmaq rendition of Glooscap meeting his grandmother (with subs) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3X5qKanUuPM
• Storytelling in Mi’kmaq with animations and subs https://www.youtube.com/@nigwegcollective3207
• Mi’kmaq 13 moons https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USqMvF_wnOA
• Mi’kmaq medicines https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Gpl2ilrHhQ
• Drum Making https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9G_XNw3cVw
• Fine arts https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0KuCdLn6Odw
• Ji’kmaqn teachings https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFo26JloLVc

Book Resources:

For Children:

Shyla Augustine, “Mi’kmaq Alphabet Book”, 2020, New Brunswick, Monster House Publishing

Loretta Gould, “Counting in Mi’kmaw”, 2019, Nimbus Publishing

Alan Syliboy, “Mi’kmaw Animals”, 2018, Nimbus Publishing

Alan Syliboy, “Mi’kmaw Daily Drum”, 2020, Nimbus Publishing Limited

Cathy LeBlanc and David Chapman, “Mi’kmaw Moons”, 2022, Formac

Braelyn Cyr, “Apli’kmuj’s Journey”, 2023, Monster House Publishing, New Brunswick

‘Sogii Steph’ Stephanie Augustine, “Bird in a Cage”, 2024, New Brunswick

Mi’kmaq translations of Robert Munsch books

Thomas’ Snowsuit, Andrew’s Loose Tooth, Love You Forever, I Have to Go, Mud Puddle, A Promise is a Promise, and I’m So Embarrassed.

 

For Adults:

Ruth Holmes Whitehead, “Niniskamijinaqik / Ancestral Images: The Mi'kmaq in Art and Photography”, 2015, Nimbus Publishing,

Ruth Holmes Whitehead, “The Old Man Told Us”, 1991, Nimbus Publishing

Ruth Holmes Whitehead, “Tracking Doctor Lonecloud: Showman to Legend Keeper”, 2002, Goose Lane Editors

 

Miscellaneous:

Margaret Augustine and Dr . Lauren Beck, “Mitji-Let's Eat!: Mi'kmaq Recipes from Sikniktuk”, 2024, Nimbus Publishing

Beaverbrook Art Gallery, “Ekpahak: Where Tide Ends/ Ou le Maree About it”

Dictionaries and teaching materials:

Eddie Francis, “Miigemag Language in 13 Instructional Phases”, 2020,

Laurie Lacey, “Mi’kmaq Medicines”, 2012, Nimbus publishing

Rev. Silas Tertius Rand, “Dictionary of the Language of the Micmac Indians”, 1888, Halifax N.S, Nova Scotia Printing Company.

Jeremiah S. Clark, “Rands Micmac Dictionary”, 1902, The Patriot Publishing Company, Prince Edward Island

*** While these books are a bit controversial due to their authours, there are many linguists around my area that use them, especially the original Rand book, and it is important to include the past as well as the present**** - Brigitta

https://numerique.banq.qc.ca/patrimoine/archives/52327/3216685

https://numerique.banq.qc.ca/patrimoine/archives/52327/3216686

https://numerique.banq.qc.ca/patrimoine/archives/52327/3216687

https://numerique.banq.qc.ca/patrimoine/archives/52327/3216688

• Scan of the original father pacific system

 

Compilation sources:

https://dsic.mystrikingly.com/

 

Potential outlines for the territories:*

http://www.danielnpaul.com/Map-Mi%27kmaqTerritory.html

https://parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/ns/fortanne/culture/autochtone-indigenous/carte-mikmaki-map

https://native-land.ca/maps/territories/mikmaq

 

Disclaimer: The views expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect the official stance of GPFC's Peyakoskan Podcast. We aim to provide a platform for diverse perspectives.

S2E9 Part 2 Dene Teachings with Bernadette Smith

Repeat after me Dene Teachings with Elder Bernadette Smith.

 

Disclaimer: The views expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect the official stance of GPFC's Peyakoskan Podcast. We aim to provide a platform for diverse perspectives.

S2E8 Part 1 Dene Teachings With Elder Bernadette Smith

Repeat after me and follow along with Elder Bernadette Smith as she teaches Dene in this Special Episode of the Peyakoskan Podcast.

 

Disclaimer: The views expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect the official stance of GPFC's Peyakoskan Podcast. We aim to provide a platform for diverse perspectives.

S2E7 Al Crawford Part 2

Al shares his journey becoming a young adult, and shares wisdom on becoming a knowledge holder.

 

Disclaimer: The views expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect the official stance of GPFC's Peyakoskan Podcast. We aim to provide a platform for diverse perspectives.