by Trevor Gould Key Stories Curatorial Assistant Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre

From September 30th to October 3rd 2021, the Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre had the honour of hosting the 1st annual Shubenacadie IRS Survivors Healing and Resilience Gathering, held in Truro, Nova Scotia. Survivors, descendants and Elders from all over Mi’kmaw and Wolastoqiyik territories were invited as guests to this important gathering. Supported by Executive Director Tim Bernard, Administrator Sheila Pierro-Tremblay and IRS Legacy Coordinator Dorene Bernard, the weekend gathering was also emceed by Mi’kmawey Debert’s very own Trevor Gould from Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation.

The first day of the gathering started with keynote speaker Jane Meader and her daughter Paulina, both from Membertou First Nation. They talked of healing from the trauma of residential school, and its intergenerational impacts on our communities and families. Later that night, Richard Gutch Poulette from Eskasoni First Nation offered entertainment, while also giving a touching tribute to his late fellow bandmate and residential school survivor Alex Pikun Poulette by singing “Forgiveness.” A young Mi’kmaw artist from Fall River, Nova Scotia, DeeDee Austin performed songs from her upcoming album Steppingstones. The next day, Senator Dan Christmas shared a beautiful and thoughtful keynote address.

Cultural breakout sessions were also offered to survivors and guests. Artists from all over our territories provided cultural and indigenous workshops for our guests, as well as tr ...

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