“Current Elders’ Advisory Council.”
In 2002, when Don Julien invited us to guide the development of Mi’kmawey Debert, we agreed, because sharing our culture is of great importance to us. When we visit Debert, we feel the spirit of our ancestors and our pride in ourselves, and our history is renewed and strengthened. It is this sense of renewal and strength that we want for our people. Each of us brings ideas about what we think visitors will enjoy. We hope visitors will leave Mi’kmawey Debert feeling and knowing our connection to this landscape and the long and rich history of our people. Everything else we do – planning, creating, discussing, and communicating about the project – are all, in the end, undertaken so that we can give visitors a true sense of who we are, where we have been, and where we are going.
Our goal for general visitors, students and teachers, and our own communities, is to immerse them in our pride and knowledge about our culture and history, and to convey our attachments to our communities and homeland – this is the place we call Mi’kma’ki. We hope Mi’kmawey Debert will be a living place where visitors will experience our culture. Our history and ancestors are alive in our world, and we want visitors to share in our spirit and communities.
Wela’li’ek
Mi’kmawey Debert Elders’ Advisory Council
Meet the current Elders on the EAC
- Dr. Donald M. Julien
- Judy Bernard-Googoo
- Joe Googoo
- Mary-Ellen Googoo
- Ernest Johnson
- Judy Bernard Julian
- Rebecca “Becky” Julian
- Maynard Marshall
- Sister Dorothy Moore
- Patsy Paul-Martin
- Agnes Potter
- Kenny Prosper
- Ernest Johnson
- Barbara Sylliboy
- Lorraine Whitman
Dr. Donald M. Julien
Dr. Julien is a Mi’kmaw historian and the executive director of The Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq, which has grown under his leadership over the last two decades into one of the most respected tribal councils in Canada. With over 40 years researching and documenting Mi’kmaw history, Donald shares his knowledge and experiences through speaking engagements, university lectures and research papers. Donald is a Member of the Order of Canada and the Order of Nova Scotia for his work promoting Mi’kmaw history, language and culture. He has also been awarded two honorary degrees from Acadia University and Mount Saint Vincent University. Donald is a peacetime veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces and has served in the United Nations Peacekeeping Tour in Cyprus. He continues to work with the Canadian Armed forces in a community advisory role, the RCMP Aboriginal Advisory Group, as well as the Auditor General on Aboriginal matters. He sits on the Advisory Board for Admiral of the Canadian Navy, and he was appointed Honorary Lt. Colonel in 2011. Donald and his wife Diane live in Truro and are the proud parents of four children, five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Judy Bernard-Googoo
Judy Bernard-Googoo, a mother of six comprising five daughters and one son, boasts a proud background within a family of eleven siblings, where she holds the distinction of being the youngest. Originating from the small village of Wagmatcook First Nation located in Cape Breton, Judy embodies the essence of her rural upbringing. Regarded as an Elder within her community, Judy is known for her wealth of knowledge and life experiences. Alongside her husband, Joe, she imparts invaluable land-based teachings to schools and young adults, specializing in the intricate realm of Mi’kmaq medicines. With a deep-rooted connection to tradition, Judy engages in the creation of traditional arts and crafts, including beading, drum making, and birchbark biting. Beyond her artisan pursuits, Judy demonstrates a multifaceted skill set encompassing moose hunting for sustenance, gardening to promote a return to ancestral diets, and entrepreneurship through her authentic Mi’kmaw art and craft business. Passionate about preserving indigenous heritage, Judy has embarked on the ambitious project of reproducing a native village, aiming to illuminate the daily lives of her ancestors for educational purposes. Amidst her rich tapestry of endeavors, Judy harbors aspirations of venturing abroad to share her cultural insights with the wider world.
Joe Googoo
Joe Googoo, an Elder hailing from Waycobah First Nation, boasts a rich tapestry of life experiences. As a devoted father of nine, with six daughters and three sons, he takes pride in his expansive family of 52 grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, a number that continues to grow. After becoming a widower in 2003, Joe found love once again and remarried his first love in 2004, solidifying their bond. Born and raised in Waycobah First Nation, Joe embarked on his professional journey at the age of 19, serving as the director of fishery for the Oyster Farm in Whycocomagh, Nova Scotia. Over the years, he transitioned into various roles, including housing director for the Whycocomagh Band from 1980 to 1987. Seeking new horizons, Joe ventured into entrepreneurship, cultivating oysters independently while managing the Rod One Stop gas station full-time. Joe’s passion for community service led him to run for council in 1998, a position he held for six years before resigning to preserve his role as a fishery guardian. In 2008, he was appointed as a director of the Whycocomagh Band for the oyster farm, a position he continues to hold with dedication. Outside of his professional commitments, Joe and his wife, Judy, nurture their shared love for gardening at the Wagmatcook community garden. Recognized for his outstanding contributions, Joe was honored as the Elder of the Year with the Grand Chief Donald Sr. Award in 2023 and received the prestigious Elders Award in 2017. His commitment to environmental stewardship was further acknowledged with the Bras d’Or Lakes Collaborative Environmental Planning Initiative (CEPI) award in 2016. Joe’s involvement extends beyond local initiatives, as he serves as an active member of the Grand Council since 1998 and participates in advisory committees such as the 2019 Sea Side Trail in Cabot Trail and the 2022 Grand-Council. Passionate about passing on traditional knowledge, Joe engages in land-based activities with students and conducts workshops on various subjects, including Mi’kmaw language teaching, drum making, raw hide and leather crafting. When he’s not busy with community endeavors, Joe indulges in his hobbies, which include fishing, hunting, trapping, gathering medicines, gardening, canoeing, kayaking, and diving. Through his multifaceted contributions and unwavering dedication, Joe Googoo continues to enrich the lives of others and preserve the heritage of the Mi’kmaq people. .
Dr. Mary-Ellen Googoo
Dr. Mary-Ellen Googoo lives in Membertou First Nation with her husband, Francis. Originally from Eskasoni First Nation, she is the granddaughter of Grand Chief Gabriel Sylliboy. Mary-Ellen is the mother of seven children, 28 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Mary-Ellen holds a Bachelor in Education from University of New Brunswick, a certificate in Special Education from Acadia University, and a Masters degree with a focus in curriculum development, as well as an honorary doctorate from Cape Breton University. Mary-Ellen is the former Director of the Mi’kmaq College Institute at Cape Breton University. Her extensive community work includes serving with the Nova Scotia Native Women’s Association. In 2012, she received the Sarah Denny Award for excellence in the promotion for language and culture.
Ernest Johnson
Ernest Johnson, born April 6, 1941, lives in Eskasoni First Nation, though he spent much of his early life in Potlotek First Nation being raised by his grandparents. He feels lucky to have had their guidance from a young age, learning traditional practices like gathering, hunting, fishing, and trapping. Although he attended St. Thomas University, Ernest likes to say that his education comes from the “University of the Backwoods.” Ernest worked with the Union of Nova Scotia Indian as a Community Development Worker and later he was the Vice-president. He also was the vice-president of the Unama’ki Institute of Natural Resources. Currently Ernest is an Elder advisor for UINR. Ernest has been married to his wife Mildred (Miney) for over 50 years. Together, they have raised five children, 13 grandchildren, and 7 grandchildren. Ernest is a professor at Cape Breton University teaching Advanced Mi’kmaq Language. Most recently, Ernest has shifted his focus to sharing his traditional knowledge with Mi’kmaw youth, such as basketry, and traditional land and animal use. He believes that creativity and adaptability are key when working with youth, that is why he uses hands-on practices to transfer traditional knowledge, embracing technology and using new tools to ease the transition of knowledge. He has also been a member of the Baha’i Faith in Eskasoni for over 40 years.
Judy Bernard Julian
Judy Bernard Julian is from the Paqtnkek First Nation. She and her late husband Albert (1950-2020) are the proud parents of eight children and grandparents of seven grandchildren. Judy was involved with the Federation of Foster families and the former Chair of the local support group. She holds a B.A. (Anthropology and Native Studies) from Trent University. During her career, Judy worked as the Educational Counsellor at Paqtnkek First Nation, and then as Aboriginal/Black Student Advisor at St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, NS. She is a former member of the Strait Regional School Board.
Rebecca (Becky) Julian
Becky Julian, born April 23, 1941, in Indian Brook, was raised by her aunt and uncle, Madeline and Andrew Francis. She is originally from Pictou Landing First Nation but currently lives in Sɨpekne’katik First Nation. Becky and her late husband, Stephen (1938-2022), met in 1958 and have eight children, 14 grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. For more than 40 years, Becky was a driving force in the education field working for Sɨpekne’katik First Nation and surrounding communities. In the 1980s, she became a certified Mi’kmaw linguist and began teaching the Mi’kmaw language in schools throughout NS, eventually working with L’nu Sipuk Kina’muokuom teaching the language to all grades. Becky received the Grand Chief Donald Marshall Sr. Memorial Elder Award in 2013 and an honourary doctorate from Cape Breton University in 2017, for her commitment to the Mi’kmaw culture. Most recently, Becky received an award from the Nova Scotia Community College for her work in keeping the Mi’kmaw language alive.
During her youth, she spent much of her time with community Elders, learning the uses of traditional materials for basket-making, quillwork, beading, and crepe-paper flowers. Becky is a skilled craftsperson and has created one-of-a-kind pieces such as baskets, quillwork, leatherwork, beading, and sewing. She has co-authored numerous Mi’kmaw language resources including L’nuey Klusuaqn Wi’katin Mi’kmaw Workbook, basket making in Sɨpekne’katik and most recently “Becky’s Wooden Roses.” As a sign of her commitment to her culture, she now teaches these skills to others, passing on the traditions of her people. Becky is a survivor of the Shubenacadie Indian Residential School. She became a member of the Advisory Council in 2018.
Maynard Marshall
Maynard Marshall, born December 2, 1962, in Sydney, Nova Scotia, to Pauline Battiste and Thomas Marshall, grew up and resides in Potlotek First Nation. Maynard comes from a big family where he is the second youngest of 11 children; he has six brothers and four sisters. Maynard received his NS GED, then went on to Dalhousie University where he took the TYP program; from there, Maynard studied Mi’kmaw linguistics at Memorial University and Cape Breton University. In 1997, Maynard also attended an internship at the Canadian Museum of History (former Canadian Museum of Civilization) in Gatineau, Quebec. With his background in language, Maynard worked as a language teacher, Mi’kmaq translator and interpreter. From early on, Maynard quickly discovered his strengths lay in interviewing Elders and gathering cultural knowledge. His time working and learning with Elders taught him the significance of immersing language within culture and the importance of sharing that knowledge with future generations. Maynard has four children, one stepson, and two stepdaughters. He is married to wife Jeanette from Potlotek, and together they have seven grandchildren. He currently sits on the advisory board for the Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey Elders Advisory Group and has been a member of the MDCC Elders Advisory Council since 2018.
Sister Dorothy Moore
Sister Dorothy Moore, from Membertou First Nation, entered the Congregation of Sisters of St. Martha of Antigonish shortly after graduating high school and became the first Mi’kmaw Religious Sister in Nova Scotia. Sister Dorothy, as she is affectionately known, has dedicated much of her life to education. She received her teaching certificate from the Nova Scotia Teachers College, Bachelors degrees (both Arts and Education) from St. Francis Xavier University, and an M.Ed. from Mount Saint Vincent University. Her contributions to the province have been recognized by both the Order of Nova Scotia (2003) and Order of Canada (2005). Sister Dorothy received honorary doctorate degrees from Mount Saint Vincent University, Cape Breton University (previously the University College of Cape Breton), and Saint Mary’s University and has made a significant impact on Native Studies in Nova Scotia. She is currently an Education Consultant with the Membertou First Nation.
Patsy Paul-Martin
Patsy Paul-Martin, a proud Mi’kmaq woman hailing from Eskasoni holds a deep reverence for her heritage and sacred Mi’kmaw language. With a Master’s degree in Education, she embraces a lifelong journey of learning, guided by the cherished values instilled by her parents and mentors. Married and residing in Millbrook, she raised four children and now delights in her five grandchildren, finding solace in traditional sweats with her daughters and granddaughters. Currently, Patsy directs the Millbrook Literacy Centre and serves part-time as an Associate Professor at St. F.X. University. She is passionately committed to promoting her Mi’kmaq heritage, drawing strength from her grandfather, Grand Chief Gabriel “Muin/Bear” Sylliboy, and incorporating his teachings into her work. As a member of the Elders Advisory on MDCC, Patsy plays an integral role in preserving and celebrating Mi’kmaq culture and traditions.
Agnes Potter
Agnes Potter from Bear River First Nation is recognized as someone who brings honour and a lifetime of service to her community. A mother of six, a grandmother and great grandmother, Agnes is known in her community and beyond for her loving, kind and modest personality. Agnes is also well-known for her craftsmanship. Agnes is a lifetime Mi’kmaw Elder for the Native Women’s Association of Nova Scotia and the Native Women’s Association of Canada’s National Elder of the East. In 2012, her outstanding contributions to the Mi’kmaw community were recognized with the Grand Chief Donald Marshall Sr. Elder Achievement Award. Agnes Potter was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal in 2012. She is the newest member of the Mi’kmawey Debert Elders’ Advisory Council.
Kenny Prosper
Kenny Prosper grew up on the Eskasoni First Nation. He is the son of the late Wilfred J Prosper Sr and Bessie Prosper. He is born Dec 1952 and graduated from CBU in 1989 with his diploma in Business Technology. His main hobbies or interests are the Mi’kmaw language, history and genealogy and karaoke with friends. He lived in Eskasoni until 1994 and moved to Halifax in Oct 1994 where he was employed as the Native Hospital Liaison Interpreter until his retirement in Nov 2019. Presently he has a part time job doing Mi’kmaw translations and is a member of the Wabanaki Two-Spirit Alliance.
Barbara Sylliboy
Barbara Sylliboy,from the community of Eskasoni , has raised two foster daughters, who are now both young adults, and they have given her five beautiful grandchildren. Barbara holds a Bachelor of Arts from Dalhousie University, a Bachelor of Education from St. Francis Xavier University, and two Diplomas in Education (Counselling and Curriculum Development) from University College of Cape Breton (now Cape Breton University). She has dedicated much of her life to teaching, having been involved in various educational initiatives. Barbara has taught in the Mi’kmaw Language Program at the Eskasoni Elementary and Middle School, and she played a key role in organizing and facilitating the Mi’kmaw Immersion certificate program at St. Francis Xavier University while working as a student advisor at Cape Breton University. Prior to retiring, Barbara worked as a translator to develop curriculum for the Mi’kmaw Immersion program at Essissoqnikewey Siawa’sik-l’nuey Kina’matinewo’kuo’m. Currently, she engages in translation contracts for government and various organizations in her spare time.
Lorraine Whitman
Lorraine Whitman, also known as “Grandmother White Sea Turtle,” hails from the Glooscap First Nation, descended from a lineage of esteemed leaders. Graduating with honors from the University of Alberta’s Grant McEwan College Rehabilitation Practitioner program, she has dedicated her career to healthcare and healing, specializing in Aboriginal Diabetes programs. Lorraine has served as a council member for the Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq, advocating for Indigenous rights and equality, and has held leadership positions in various organizations, including the Nova Scotia Native Women’s Association and the Native Women’s Association of Canada (NWAC). In addition to her extensive community involvement, Lorraine is recognized as an Elder for Acadia University and serves on the Board of the Nova Indigenous Tourism Enterprise Network. Her contributions extend internationally, notably as an Elder involved in the winning design for the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia’s Mi’kmaq cultural project. Honoured with the Grand Chief Marshall Elders Sr. Award on Treaty Day in 2020, Lorraine now serves on the Mi’kmawey Debert Elders Advisory Council. Married for 40 years and dedicated to preserving Mi’kmaw culture, Lorraine balances her career with speaking engagements, community outreach, and mentoring youth, inspiring them to overcome obstacles and embrace their heritage.
Former members of the EAC
Sarah Francis
Sarah Francis of Pictou Landing First Nation has influenced people in her community through her dedicated work in her church, the Boys and Girls Club, and the Mawiomi annual gathering. She was a Band Councillor for 10 years and resigned to enter into the Congregation of Sisters of St. Martha of Antigonish. She teaches religion classes to young people, leads marriage counselling, and is well-known for her participation in the annual Ste. Anne’s Mission in Maligomish. In 2001, Sarah received the Grand Chief Donald Marshall Sr. Elder Achievement Award recognizing her lifelong contribution to the Mi’kmaw community.
Theresa Isaac Julien
Theresa Isaac Julien lives in the Millbrook First Nation. She and her husband Keith have raised three sons and a daughter. Theresa was born and raised by her parents George and Janet Isaac (Martin) in the Listuguj First Nation in Quebec, one of the youngest in a big family. After attending school on and off-reserve in her home community, she attended Concordia University (B.Ed. Teaching English as a Second Language), Harvard University Summer School, and then the University of New Brunswick, where she earned an M.Ed. After teaching at the Elsibogtog (Big Cove) First Nation and in provincial public schools, Theresa joined the Nova Scotia Department of Education, where she helped produce “Mi’kmaq Past and Present, A Resource Guide.” Presently, Theresa and her family run a small business in Millbrook.
Florence Walsh
Florence Walsh was born in Dort’s Cove, Guysborough County, and grew up in the Millbrook First Nation. She and her husband James have three children and eight grandchildren. Florence is recording secretary with Mi’kmawey Debert Elders’ Advisory Council and brings with her a diverse business background. After graduating with honours from Success Business College, Truro, she worked in Boca Raton, Florida, then in Toronto, Massachusetts, and back to Nova Scotia. Florence has also worked with the Native Council of Nova Scotia, Mi’kmaw Kina’masuti (now called Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey), and R.J. & Sons Foundation in Pictou Landing. She is presently active with two Native Council committees and is a board member of the Indian Island Church Committee (Maligomish, Pictou County, NS).
Past members of the EAC
Dr. Elsie Charles Basque (May 12, 1916 – April 11, 2016)
The late Dr. Elsie Charles Basque was a Mi’kmaw woman, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, Elder and teacher. Born in 1916, she was the first Mi’kmaw to hold a teacher’s license from the Provincial Normal College, and the first to teach in a non-native school. In 1939 she re-opened the first day school in Indian Brook, which had been closed since February of 1930 after the Indian Residential School in Shubenacadie was built. It was no longer necessary for Mi’kmaw children to be placed at the Residential School at young ages. Elsie spent much of her life in Boston, MA, but moved back and lived in Saulnierville, NS, and continued to share her knowledge with students of all ages. She held three honorary doctorates from the Provincial Normal College (i.e. Nova Scotia Teachers College), the Université Sainte-Anne, and, most recently, Acadia University. Elsie was the recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Queen Diamond Jubilee Medal and was a member of the Order of Canada. In 1999 she received the Grand Chief Donald Marshall Sr. Elder Achievement Award recognizing her lifelong contribution to the Mi’kmaw community. As an educator and volunteer, Dr. Elsie Charles Basque serves as a role model and a champion of Native values and traditions.
Dr. Murdena Marshall (September 17, 1942 – October 22, 2018)
The late Murdena Marshall, granddaughter of Grand Chief Gabriel Sylliboy, was born in Waycobah. She lived in Eskasoni with her husband Albert. She is a mother of 6 children; a grandmother and great grandmother. Murdena lists the Mi’kmaw language as her greatest love. Considered a traditional knowledge expert, she has worked with her husband Albert to develop and to promote the concept of Etuaptmumk (Two-Eyed Seeing) as a guiding principle for co-learning with different cultural knowledges. Among other publications, Murdena has co-authored Mi’kmaq Hieroglyphic Prayers: Readings in North America’s First Indigenous Script (with David Schmidt), and Muin aqq Luiknek Tesijik Ntuksuinuk (Muin and the Seven Bird Hunters) (with Lillian Marshall). Murdena earned her B.Ed. (Native Education major) from University of New Brunswick, and an M.Ed. from Harvard University. In 2009, she was awarded an honorary doctorate from Cape Breton University. She was appointed a Mi’kmaw Justice of the Peace in 1995. In 2006 Murdena received the Grand Chief Donald Marshall Sr. Elder Achievement Award recognizing her lifelong contribution to the Mi’kmaw community. Murdena generously shares her deep knowledge of Mi’kmaw culture with as many people as possible.
Lillian Marshall (September 30, 1934 – April 9, 2018)
The late Lillian Marshall has worked for her home community of Potlotek (Chapel Island) since December 1975 in different aspects of Aboriginal education. Throughout Lillian’s life, she continually worked towards the preservation and promotion of Mi’kmaw history, customs, values, language and culture. She wrote several books, developed language CDs and created children’s stories and games. Her most recent project was to create a playing-card game for waltes that can be enjoyed by all ages. It is played exactly like the actual old Mi’kmaw dice game (waltes), but instead of dice, it is played with playing cards. Lillian completed the Native Language Immersion Teaching program at McGill University and is a graduate in Early Childhood Education, Froebel Centre, Truro, NS. A life-long learner, she also holds a B.A. (Community Studies) from Cape Breton University and a Diploma in Counselling from Acadia University. In 2007, Lillian received the Grand Chief Donald Marshall Sr. Elder Achievement Award recognizing her lifelong contribution to the Mi’kmaw community.
Doug Knockwood (December 11, 1929 – June 16, 2018)
The late Doug Knockwood, a respected Elder from Indian Brook First Nation, has worn many hats throughout his life, including that of Canadian Special Forces member, a chef, and a former student at Saint Mary’s University. A man dedicated to helping his people, Doug co-founded treatment programs for Mi’kmaq in Nova Scotia, and served as an alcohol and drug counsellor and treatment director for 30 years. Since his retirement in 1991, Doug continues to share the wealth of his experience and knowledge in advocating for Mi’kmaw issues, sharing his wisdom and spirituality. One such example is his work with the Indian Brook School Board, coordinating “talking circles” for teachers, staff, students and parents. He is a proud grandfather of five generations. In 2003, Doug received the Grand Chief Donald Marshall Sr. Elder Achievement Award recognizing his lifelong contribution to the Mi’kmaw community.
Gerald Toney Sr. (November 21,1943 – November 6, 2020)
Gerald Christopher Toney, fondly known as Keptin Gerald, was a revered leader and community organizer throughout his life. His dedication to community economic development, workshop hosting, and elder service shaped the fabric of his beloved community. As a respected member of the Mi’kmaq Grand Council, he offered invaluable guidance and support to individuals across Mi’kma’ki. Gerald’s influence extended to the creation of the CMM Forestry Advisory (now DENR Advisory Committee), where his expertise laid the foundation for numerous programs and services. His legacy lives on through his contributions to the Mi’kmawey Debert Elders Advisory Council and his impactful leadership within the Annapolis Valley First Nation. His sudden passing on November 6, 2020, marked a profound loss for his family, community, and all who benefited from his wisdom and dedication.
Phyllis Googoo (February 15, 1944 – April 27, 2023)
Phyllis Googoo was a member of the Waycobah First Nation. She and her husband Bernie were the proud parents of three children, nine grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. As a Mi’kmaw speaker and lifelong advocate of the Mi’kmaw language, Phyllis raised her children to be fluent in Mi’kmaq. She also always loved teaching. She was a graduate of the Nova Scotia Teachers College and St. Francis Xavier University, and she worked and taught at the Waycobah First Nation School. Phyllis was an Assembly of First Nation Regional Elder and a member of the We’koqma’q Elders Council, the Nova Scotia Native Women’s Association, and the women’s drum group We’koqma’qewiskwa’q. In 2008, she received the Grand Chief Donald Marshall Sr. Elder Achievement Award, recognizing her lifelong contribution to the Mi’kmaw community.
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