Important reflections during Mi’kmaq history month

November 10, 2021
Prince, Queens and Kings Districts, Prince Edward Island

News release

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Cst. Louanne McQuaid and Elder Doreen Jenkins

During Mi'kmaq history month, Cst. Louanne McQuaid had the opportunity to listen to important reflections from Elder Doreen Jenkins from Abegweit First Nation in Scotchfort, PEI.

What would you like people to know about the history of the Mi'kmaq community?

I think it's really important to realize that when we were given this land by the creator, our people always took care of whatever resources we had. We made sure that whatever we fished or hunted, we moved from spot to spot on the island so we wouldn't overdo it. We were always mindful and resourceful for what we had around us. We made sure that we didn't take more than we needed. And we made sure that we never took anyone's spot. That analogy goes a long way with how we interpret what's given to us today.

In our traditions, it's always important to know that we are, and have always been very proud people - until we came in contact with alcohol and drugs. With alcohol and drugs, you get it all you want until it gets you. And once it gets you, you have no power over it. In all those struggles that we had because we were living on reserves, with it goes your pride, your dignity, and your self-worth. It changed the whole quality of life we had.

What advice do you have?

As an elder now, I look back and think of all of the different facets of my life that I went through, and all of the struggles the children have today. I think that our leadership in our reserves is the one big key to helping the people gain back some of their power and strength and belief in who they are. The two chiefs that hold really near and dear to my heart are Brian Francis and Chief Junior Gould. They brought the reserves along at a phenomenal rate. Now they have so many good activities for children, and they let them know that they matter and have a say. The children can stand up for themselves and say "You can't do this to me, you can't treat me like that." Teaching self-preservation, and dignity, and respect is so important.

Respect for your culture and for yourself gives you the strength to be the person you're supposed to be. Your words matter. It changes for you for your self-worth. By making the children strong and educated, they in turn pass it on. The bad stories, it's important for people to hear these too, because those actions should never be repeated in society.

You mentioned earlier when I was speaking to you, that your first love is yourself?

Absolutely. To know self-love is to know that you will never allow yourself to be put down. You will have the courage to walk away from people that are going to harm you. You will have the courage to say "you can't do that to me, I wont accept it."

It's important for our children to stay strong, to stay away from drugs and alcohol, and to stay healthy in mind, body and spirit.

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