Acadia's Elder Dr. Joe Michael (or "Elder Joe Mike" as he's often known) was recently honoured with a position that is incredibly meaningful to him: a spot on the Mi'kmaq Grand Council. A ceremony on July 26th made the appointment official.
The Grand Council was the traditional governing body of the Mi'kmaq until passage of the Indian Act in 1876, which required western-oriented elected governments. It includes several positions led by a kji'saqmaw (grand chief), a putus (treaty holder and counselor), a kji'keptan (grand captain) and keptins (Captains). At its core, it advocates for the well-being, sustainability, and relationships of Indigenous people in this region. It was pivotal in managing relations with other Indigenous nations, including peacekeeping and trading.
"Today it would be similar to Canada's senate - an intuition of sober second thought," says Roger Lewis, a member of the Sipekne'katik First Nation who also sits on the Grand Council. Roger works as a lecturer at Saint Mary's University and was formerly the Curator of Mi'kmaq Cultural Heritage at the Nova Scotia Museum.
As history evolved in the Atlantic Region, so did that of the Grand Council. It experienced a shift from a more political body to one with more spiritual responsibility - and with a resurgence in Mi'kmaq cultural history, the Grand Council has seen its role expand.
"The Grand Council is many things - not only a keeper of traditions, but today serves as an advisor, to communities and elected Chiefs and Councils," explains Roger. "They often find themselves weighing in on a range of cultural, social-economic, and environmental matters."
In addition to its noted traditional role, the Grand Council has a religious and spiritual role to play in the community. Grand Council members attend to a variety of ceremonies and also perform services at funerals and wakes.
The Grand Council as originally established, served as a bridge between the Mi'kmaq people and the English crown while also taking on the responsibilities of Catholic missionaries. This British influence meant this came with a fair bit of regalia and pageantry.
The Indian Act in 1876 brought with it many changes - as it did a great many things - but the origin of The Grand Council is still very much in the memory of the community members and plays a pivotal role there.
"Elder Joe Mike was appointed as a captain to help contribute to and represent the Mi'kmaq people," explained Roger. "He and others are helping our people to share communication of our history, strengthen community connections, and take the narrative of our history back."
For Elder Joe Mike, this is highest honour he believes he could possibly receive. "I'm humbled to not just be on the Grand Council but to be seen as someone who is worthy of it," he said. "You have to be a good Mi'kmaw person in good standing in the community to be selected, and it's really something special to be singled out that way."
The Grand Council isn't the only body to recognize Elder Joe as deserving of a special honour. Elder Joe was bestowed a knighthood by the Order of St. George this past April. The Order of St. George is a secular, charitable organization that upholds a chivalric code of "faith, service, and honor". During that spring ceremony, Joe received the title of "Chevalier Joe Michael". Previous to this, Elder Joe Mike was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humanities from Acadia in 2019.
We're so proud of you, Elder Joe, and are lucky to have you in our Acadia community!
Many thanks to Roger Lewis for sharing his knowledge about the Mi'kmaq Grand Council for this piece.
LEARN MORE ABOUT ELDER JOE MIKE'S WORK AT ACADIA
As Acadia's Elder in Residence, Elder Joe Mike collaborates with Welkaqnik, Acadia's Indigenous Student Resource Centre, and provides support and resources, primarily to Indigenous students and Indigenous staff, from a holistic Mi'kmaw perspective. This support addresses mental, spiritual, cultural, emotional, and physical health needs.
