Fort Folly youth are learning to embrace their Native heritage with open arms, thanks to a renowned Mi’kmaq elder who has once again been 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 every summer for the past eight 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 throughout July, the young participants, 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; what plants are safe to eat or have medicinal qualities; the Mi’kmaq language; as well as native history in the region, including the story behind many of the place names in the area.
“Gilbert teaches us a lot of cool stuff and he tells us these real amazing stories,” said twelve-year-old Kayla Nye, a participant in this year’s program.
Throughout the four-week program, the youngsters have visited ancient hunting grounds in the area, walked in the woods to learn more about traditional and medicinal plants, took a trip to Parrsboro for a fossil-hunting expedition, and had the chance to use their new drumming and chanting skills at Beaumont.
“It’s really fun and I’ve really enjoyed it,” said Nye.
The young students have become very aware of how vital it is to preserve a culture that has been eroding for more than four decades.
“It’s important to keep it going . . . we don’t really want it lost,” she said.
“Each year, we learn a little more and a little more,” said Trystan Knockwood, 13. “It’s been great learning the language and learning how to survive in the woods . . . it’s a good way to spend the summer.”
Tiffany Hunter, who has participated in the program since its inception and now serves as Sewell’s assistant, said it’s essential that today’s generation learn more about their history.
“It’s important to keep the information going,” she said. “You don’t really hear much about the history anymore, and the information isn’t as accurate as it could be.”
Hunter said she’s been fortunate to have become quite adept at speaking and reading the language and, for the past several years, has been teaching friends and family to use it as well.
“I hope to maybe pass all this stuff on one day, the way Gilbert does.”
Sewell, who turned 70 this year, said anyone who wants to learn about the Native culture is welcome to take part in the program because his greatest wish is for people to continue learning about their history and passing it on.
“All the things people take for granted are the things they don’t know about,” he said.
For instance, although they are often referred to as Mi’kmaq, Sewell is quick to point out that his people should be correctly known as Nnu.
And he also stresses to the youngsters that they are not just the youth of Fort Folly, they are the people of Amlamgog (the areas along the river that were occupied by the First Nations people in New Brunswick).
Sewell, whose knowledge and appreciation of his cultural background came from his grandfather throughout his youth, said much of the Native history that is taught in schools and local museums is limited, so it’s important to teach the younger generation more about who they are and where they came from.
“In school, history seems to start with the English and the French; it’s as if we didn’t exist.”
