We had the honour and privilege to sit with Elder Dr. Becky Julian of Sipekne’katik NS who came and had some pɨtewey (bit-eh-whey) and shared her lived experiences with our team at Ulnooweg.

She is the mother of 8, grandmother and great grandmother to many. She even brought one of her newest great-grandchildren in with her to be part of her visit! This is Mi’kmaw culture at its finest. Everyone got to be part of Elder Dr. Becky’s family too, as we got to include her granddaughter and great-granddaughter in our chats.

Although she is a Residential School survivor and was stripped of her language and culture, she was able to reclaim it back. Elder Dr. Becky has an honorary doctorate from Cape Breton University and has been given the title of “Mi’kmaw Language Keeper.” She also sits on Elder Advisory Councils.

Elder Dr. Becky has a deep love of education, and has spent a majority of he ...