Speaker: Chairman Ed introduced our speaker for the day.
Gerald Gloade is an artist and educator who is well known in the Truro area and beyond.
Gerald started his career working as a graphic designer for the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources’ Communications and Education Branch more than 25 years ago. The focus of his work with the Province moved from forestry education and graphic art to sharing his culture and history in the landscape and environment of Mi'kma'ki with audiences of all ages.
As an artist, educator and Mi'kmaw storyteller, Gerald guides the development of visitor and educational programs for the Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural centre. His stories and interpretations of the Kluskap legends in particular have captured many audiences.
Gerald was brought up and lives in the community of Millbrook with his wife Natalie and their two sons, Gerald D. and Kyle.
It is fitting we had Gerald address us on Treaty Day.
Treaty day is held annually on October 1st and it marks the beginning of Mi’kmaq History Month in Nova Scotia. Gerald told us that it was proclaimed in 1993 by then Premier John Savage and Mi’kmaq Grand Chief Ben Sylliboy. The purpose of Treaty Day is to promote public awareness about the Mi’kmaw culture and heritage for all Nova Scotians.
Gerald gave us an interesting presentation on the Mi’kmaw language and how it is related to first nations across North America. He also outlined the long history of the first nations people in our area.
With the help of slides, Gerald showed some of the 13,000 year old technology that had been discovered at the Debert site and told some wonderful stories that illustrated aboriginal traditional and ecological knowledge, Mi’kmaw art and craft as well as elements of Mi’kmaw spirituality, governance and culture.
The Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre is a great resource in our community and we were fortunate to have Gerald come to make more of us aware of it.
Check out their website.
Gerald was thanked on behalf of the club by past president Alana.
There will be a great opportunity to learn more about Rotary as well as sharpen you leadership skills at the Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) that will be held this fall in Truro.
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