Indigenous ceremony, events, and activities

Melissa Peter-Paul is a Mi’kmaw woman from Abegweit First Nation, located on Epekwitk, PEI.

Growing up, Melissa was immersed in cultural teachings and was surrounded by a family of basket makers. She began her artistic expression at a young age, making regalia and beadwork, and is skilled in both traditional and contemporary styles.

Melissa’s exposure to other Mi’kmaq artforms led her to quillwork, a traditional skill in which the ancestors of her maternal grandfather excelled. Melissa was accepted into an apprenticeship with Mi’kmaq Quill Art in 2015. Her training was grounded in the traditional insertion technique and utilized the study of both cultural teachings and formal material culture resources available through historic publications and museums.

Quillwork is created by inserting porcupine quills, either dyed or kept natural, into birchbark. The pieces are then edged with quills, sweetgrass or spruce root. Over the course of her apprenticeship, Melissa learned techniques and protocols related to harvesting raw materials, as well as the complex geometry of traditional design work.

Upon completion of her apprenticeship, Melissa has been integral in establishing a community of skilled quill workers. This community of quillers seeks to expand awareness of the artform and recently began working on collaborative projects.

Melissa launched her professional career as a Mi’kmaq quill artist with her first solo exhibit at Receiver Coffee presented by This Town is Small in Charlottetown in 2019. She is heavily influenced by 20th century Mi’kmaw quillwork and she is supported in her harvesting efforts by her family.

Melissa is proud to be passing the art on to her two sons and the broader community.

Winner of the 2023 Atlantic Indigenous Artist Award
Winner of the 2023 The Leo Chevierie Cultural Connector of the Year Award

She is apart of the “The Quill Sisters”, a collaboration of Mi’kmaq women working together. a group of skilled Mi’kmaq women from Epekwitk who have worked together to revitalize the traditional artform of porcupine quill work. Early collaborative effort centered on design feedback, joint harvesting, business strategies and a lot of laughter! Each individual recognizes that by working together, they can build a community network centred on Mi’kmaq values that makes ancient cultural practices relevant in the modern world. They may have unique styles, but together they showcase traditional practices that are timeless. They are proud to share with you their work as quill sisters.

Elder George Paul was born on the Red Bank Indian Reservation along the Miramichi River in New Brunswick. For the past 30 years, Paul has been involved with the Aboriginal Traditional Movement in reviving Mi’kmaq songs, chants and ceremonies. Paul is known throughout the region for his focus on Aboriginal studies. He has been appointed on several occasions to be a voice for his people on several Aboriginal issues. Paul has collaborated with many schools, universities and government agencies in the development of Mi’kmaq music, language, art and dance. 

Tracy Anne Cloud is a proud member of Metepenagiag Mi’kmaq Nation and has been the Director of Trilateral Negotiations for Mi’gmawe’l Tplu’taqnn Inc. (MTI), since 2016.  

Over the past 25 years Tracy has developed a diverse set of professional skills resulting from her work experience within the Atlantic Indigenous communities, particularly in Indigenous Rights and Treaty Implementation. Cloud’s eclectic professional experience includes working at Indigenous Services Canada, in the Lands & Trust Directorate; at the National Centre for First Nation Governance, as a Policy & Implementation Officer; and from 2012-2016 she served her community, holding public office as Metepenagiag Mi’gmaq Nation Band Councillor.  

Much of Cloud's work has focused on facilitating dialogues on aspects of self-determination, governance, leadership, nation rebuilding and rights implementation. She continues to advocate for Indigenous Rights, the revitalization of Mi’gmaq laws, reconciliation, and reclamation within Mi’gma’gi.

Michelle Peters is a Mi’kmaw woman from Piktukewaq in the traditional territory of the Mi’kmaq people. She is a registered social worker, educator, and clinical specialist with over 13 years of experience providing clinical services and crisis support across Mi’kma’ki, including in volunteer, not-for-profit, provincial, federal, and private practice settings. Grounded in a spiritual worldview and a traditional way of life, Michelle specializes in supporting Indigenous clients to achieve health and well-being, helping them identify and work toward their counselling goals. In addition to her clinical work, she teaches academically and regularly facilitates customized workshops and consultation services throughout Mi’kma’ki.