The Kisiku’k Wklusuwaqnmuow or Dear Elders Project is an ongoing video archive of Mi’kmaq Elders from First Nations communities in Atlantic Canada, including: Eskasoni; Indian Brook; Lennox Island; Membertou; Eel Ground; Bear River; and Wekoqmaq to name a few. Kisiku’k Wklusuwaqnmuow is hosted on Atlantic Canada’s First Nation Helpdesk website . The Helpdesk hosts an archive of Elders discussing, topics such as childrearing, writing, youth, praying, death, war veterans, and Mi’kmaq language. Kisiku’k Wklusuwaqnmuow also provides a venue for videos of traditional storytelling, and music as well as a clip of the monthly Elders meetings made possible through videoconferencing technology.
These archives become increasingly important living documents of the Elders and the knowledge they possess. For example the link titled “Elders Videos” has the late Mi’kmaq poet, Rita Joe, advising youngsters and their parents “I am hoping the children write.” After which she directly addresses the youngsters: “and don’t let your teacher put your work in the garbage. Save it!”. Such videos are invaluable resources for Mi’kmaq youth and adults who want to hear from the Elders.
Rita Joe - 500 Years from First Nation Help Desk.
The Atlantic Canada’s First Nation Helpdesk also has a video archive of an Elders meeting. Like the newly built Eeyou Communications Network/Réseau de Comunications Eeyou in Eeyou Istchee and James Bay, Atlantic Canada’s First Nation Helpdesk already provides dedicated broadband infrastructure and connectivity services to the remote and rural First Nations communities in Atlantic Canada. On top of the video archives of Elders sharing their knowledge, the network provides a venue for Elders meetings via videoconference.
Click here to find Eskasoni on Google Maps.
Click here to find Indian Brook on Google Maps.
Click here to find Lennox Island on Google Maps.
Click here to find Membertou on Google Maps.
Click here to find Eel Ground on Google Maps.
Click here to find Bear River on Google Maps.
Click here to find Wekoqmaq on Google Maps.