A message from Elder Dr. Joe Michael on National Indigenous Peoples Day
In light of , Elder Dr. Joe Michael wanted to share this message with the community:
"Understanding and interacting with different cultures helped me to better understand the diversity of culture. Our Mi'kmaq Nation has met many different ethnic and diverse groups, and learning to respect these cultures has allowed us to better communicate and understand people."
Who is Elder Dr. Joe Michael?
Elder Dr. Joe Michael (or "Elder Joe Mike" as he's often known) is Acadia's Elder in Residence. In this role, he collaborates with Acadia's Indigenous Student Resource Centre and provides support and resources, primarily to Indigenous students and Indigenous staff, from a holistic Mi鈥檏maw perspective. This support addresses mental, spiritual, cultural, emotional, and physical health needs.
Elder Joe Mike, who was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humanities from Acadia in 2019, is a highly regarded inspirational and spiritual leader within the Mi鈥檏maw Nation, Indigenous communities across Canada, and on Acadia鈥檚 campus, particularly with students interested in learning traditional knowledge.
His passion for educating youth has made him a regular visitor to university campuses in Nova Scotia. At Acadia, he has played a key role in Mawio鈥檓i events since 2015. In addition to his consulting and teaching, Elder Joe carves talking sticks that have made their way around the world and are a symbol of his belief in the power of storytelling and finding balance.
Elder Joe Michael was the first Mi鈥檏maw member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. During his 25-year RCMP career, he earned respect from Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. He combined his traditional knowledge with contemporary policing practices to increase cross-cultural awareness and develop the RCMP鈥檚 Aboriginal Community Policing model that remains part of the force鈥檚 cadet training program in Regina. Before retiring from the RCMP as Detachment Commander, he became the force鈥檚 Pipe Carrier responsible for performing sacred rituals and ceremonies and helping all people better understand the Indigenous culture.