Fort Folly youth learning to embrace MiÂ’kmaq culture (fwd)

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Last updated at 9:07 AM on 08/08/07

Fort Folly youth learning to embrace Mi’kmaq culture

KATIE TOWER
The Sackville Tribune Post
http://sackvilletribunepost.com/index.cfm?sid=52226&sc=129

[photo inset - Students at Fort Folly are learning more about their culture,
including native drumming, through a month-long program taught by Mi’kmaq
historian and storyteller Gilbert Sewell.]

Fort Folly youth are gaining a greater understanding of their native
heritage thanks to a renowned Mi’kmaq elder who is sharing his knowledge
with the youngsters at the First Nations reserve.

Gilbert Sewell, a storyteller and historian from Pabineau First Nation, has
visited the small reserve near Dorchester for the past five years to pass
on the legendary stories and songs and, of course, the language that is
such a vital part of the Mi’kmaq heritage.

During a month-long program, the young natives - ranging in age from 11 to
18 - are taught the fundamentals of their native culture, including:
traditional songs and dances; how to survive in the woods, including what
plants are safe to eat; the Mi’kmaq language; as well as native history in
the region, including the story behind many of the place names such as
Dorchester, Westcock, Parrsboro, Mactaquac, Kouchibouquac and Shediac,

The youngsters say they feel fortunate to take part in Sewell’s program and
are eager to learn more about their culture, particularly to become more
skilled in their mother tongue.

“It’s our native language,” says 15-year-old Gerald Knockwood, who has taken
part in the summer course for three years now. “It’s our background and it’s
what we stand for.”

And that’s exactly what Sewell hopes to instill in the next generation – a
love and understanding of their native traditions.

The native historian, who has travelled extensively and teaches others about
his culture, traditions and medicines, says teaching native youth the
importance of their culture is vital so that it can be passed on to future
generations. With so many mixed marriages in the native communities, many
of the traditions and customs are no longer followed, he adds.

“They’re rapidly losing their language and their culture,” he says of the
Mi’kmaq people, noting a large percentage of them now speak only English.

But that all could change, according to Sewell, who says he is pleased to
see a resurgence of people becoming more interested in their backgrounds.

“There’s a new wave of appreciation for the language and the (Mi’kmaq)
culture,” he says. “There’s a lot more people digging into their past and
checking out their genealogy.

“I think the stigma of being native is not as prevalent as it used to be
and
people are more aware of their heritage and who they are,” says Sewell,
whose knowledge and appreciation of his cultural background came from his
grandfather.

He was quick to give praise to the Fort Folly youth for their willingness to
learn new things and their dedication.

Twelve-year-old Alex Knockwood returned the praise, however, and insisted
she feels honoured just to have taken part in such an essential program.

“There’s not many people that can still speak the language
so it’s a
privilege just being a part of this.”

Mike Belliveau, 18, says he couldn’t agree more.

“I am the only one now in my immediate family who knows how to speak
Mi’kmaq,” he says. “ This is a way to preserve the Mi’kmaq language
and I
think that’s pretty darned important.”

Many of the students Sewell has taught over the past five years have gone on
to university, with one preparing to start on her master’s degree and
another recently moving on to work with the Department of Indian Affairs.

Sewell, who grew up hunting, trapping, and gathering medicines from natural
vegetation, offers guided tours back at his home reserve in Papineau,
including hiking, fossil hunting, and snowshoeing, and teaching awareness
of the environment.