This fall, Mount Allison University is proud to present a new Indigenous Speaker Series, featuring Indigenous community members who will share their knowledge, traditions, and insights.  

In collaboration with Nicole Porter, a Mi’kmaq cultural coordinator and knowledge keeper from Fort Folly First Nation, the series aims to foster understanding and dialogue about Mi’kmaq culture and history.  

“When I first took on this role last year, one of my priorities was to bring more cultural teachings to Mount Allison and to strengthen the relationship between the University and Fort Folly,” says Porter. “That work begins with learning the truth and learning from the Elders and knowledge keepers who carry it. There is such a high demand for these teachings and by bringing knowledge keepers to campus, we not only support Indigenous students but also help all students, faculty, staff, and the wider community learn and grow as part of reconciliation and decolonization. The speaker series is an important part of that work, and having Elders and artists share Mi’kmaw culture during Mi’kmaw History Month and throughout the year helps us tell the truth, take action, and build this relationship from the ground up.” 

The speaker series will offer students, faculty, staff, and the wider community the opportunity to connect with and learn from the Indigenous community. Each speaker will bring a unique perspective, making this an important opportunity for cultural education, reconciliation, and community engagement. 

“The Indigenous Speaker Series is an important opportunity for our community to listen, learn, and engage with Indigenous knowledge, culture, and history,” says President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Ian Sutherland. “By taking the time to connect and reflect, it expands our understanding and reminds us of the shared responsibility we have in fostering respect and reconciliation.” 

The Indigenous Speaker Series is funded by the Marjorie Young Bell Distinguished Speaker Endowment Fund and Future Wabanaki.

The schedule of speakers includes:

Elder George Paul 

Journey to the Honour Song 
Wednesday, Oct. 8 | 6:30 p.m. 
Windsor Grand Room

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 

Treaty Education 
Wednesday, Oct. 22 | 6:30 p.m. 
Crabtree Auditorium M14 

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 Cloud 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

Thinking L’nu; How Authenticity, Connection and Wholistic Practice will Help You Thrive (and Survive) your Western Educational Experience 
Monday, Nov. 3 | 6:30 p.m. 
Windsor Grand Room

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, Peters 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.