Honouring Knowledge and Language Keeper – Maureen Mitchell

We would like to recognize Maureen Mitchell, a well-established Knowledge Keeper and language keeper, for helping name Wigmaq Centered Circle (WCC). Having her involvement and support means so much to us. Her experience, knowledge, and connection to our Mi’gmaq language make this contribution especially meaningful.

A name carries meaning and a sense of belonging. Maureen’s help in naming WCC connects this initiative to the language, teachings, and community relationships we seek to honour. We are grateful for her support and mindful of our responsibility to reflect those values in our work.

Within the teachings we carry, talking circles and Knowledge Keepers hold an important place. We honour them by listening with respect, making room for each person’s voice, and valuing knowledge shared across generations. Language keepers also hold a vital place in this work, helping keep our language present so future generations can continue to learn and connect with it.

These values guide WCC: respect, compassion, fairness, dignity, and shared responsibility. We believe families deserve to be heard, to have a voice in decisions that affect them, and to be supported by people they trust. Building relationships means listening without judgment, recognizing families’ strengths, and respecting their choices.

Our community cookbook is one way to put these principles into practice. Through sharing recipes, we hope to bring generations together, rebuild connections, and introduce more people to WCC. Every contribution helps create a community connection that this initiative needs to grow.

Thank you, Maureen, for helping give WCC its name and for supporting this work. Recognizing your contribution is part of practising the respect we speak about. With your support and the participation of our community, we hope to build something lasting for our families.

– Lee B. & Sherise S.