Mr. Gilbert Sewell, E-Spirit Elder 2007
Gilbert Sewell is a Mi'kmaq elder, historian, folklorist, storyteller, guide, woodcarver, and Mi'kmaq language instructor from Pabineau First Nation, New Brunswick.
He is the recipient of several awards including the NB Human Rights Award, The NB Eco Award, Orono Maine Museum Award, and the Canadian Merit Award -all attributed to his tireless dedication to sharing, expressing, and teaching others about his Mi'kmaq heritage.
Mr. Sewell has had audiences with Pope John Paul II, Prince Charles, Lady Diana and the Consul of France; and has been featured in countless publications/media including CBC TV/Radio, APTN and The Discovery Channel.
Sewell has also provided the content for a CD-ROM and CD Audio entitled Exploring An Ancient North American Indian Civilization (Micmac) Vol. 1.
In Mr. Sewell's efforts to share his culture, he has enlightened many multi-cultural associations, universities, communities, day-cares, schools, and tour groups from as far as Japan, France, and Germany.
In March 2004, Mr. Sewell received the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal from the Lieutenant-Governor of the province of New Brunswick.
Mr. Sewell also the narrator of Maq and the Spirit of the Woods, an animated children's tale, produced by the National Film Board of Canada in 2006.
Gilbert enjoys writing a bi-weekly column for The Northern Light in Bathurst and The Miramichi Leader in Miramichi, NB.
Take a sneak peak at our previous Elders: