Candidate Jenica Atwin’s family inspires her to seek greater understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people

by Oscar Baker | Sep 21, 2018 | Contributors, Wicked Ideas

When Jenica Atwin was still in elementary school she built a traditional Wolastoqiyik longhouse with the guidance of her stepfather Ron Tremblay, now the Wolastoqiyik Grand Council chief. Although non-Indigenous, Atwin was always captivated by Wolastoqiyik culture.  ...

Nova Scotia-based Mi’kmaw language training program shows early promise – and opportunity to expand

by Oscar Baker | Aug 22, 2018 | Contributors, Wicked Ideas

Mi’kmaw language advocacy group Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey is paying people to learn their traditional language.  The Nova Scotia-based organization, which represents 12 Mi’kmaq communities, wants 15 new apprentices to partner with a mentor for...

Homeless Fredericton musician looking for a place to play his songs

by Oscar Baker | Aug 22, 2018 | Contributors, Wicked Ideas

Mike Kennedy sits on a green crate and pillow, an empty Styrofoam cup in hand, begging for change. The 60-year-old’s hands are gnarled from years living on the street. His white beard hangs just under his jawline and is clean shaven up to his face. Kennedy’s...

Invasive beetle destroying New Brunswick’s ash trees – and threatening Mi’kmaq basket making

by Oscar Baker | Jul 23, 2018 | Contributors, Wicked Ideas

An indiscriminate ash tree killer has been spotted in northern New Brunswick and poses a threat to the province’s entire ash population.    The emerald ash borer can destroy 99 per cent of an ash tree species which doesn’t bode well for the black ash tree...

Healing social work: Injecting Indigenous methodologies into profession key to reducing number of Indigenous children in care

by Oscar Baker | Jun 28, 2018 | Contributors, Wicked Ideas

A social work group says Indigenous knowledge is key to better professional practices because the current system isn’t working for Indigenous people.   The Mi’kmaw Wolastoqiyk Association of Social Workers is trying to inject Indigenous knowledge into...

Local inventor’s off the wall invention could ease chronic pain

by Oscar Baker | Jun 21, 2018 | Contributors, Wicked Ideas

Curtis Kennedy’s childhood dream was lacing up his skates for an NHL team. Instead at 14 he was diagnosed with Blastic Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Neoplasm (BPDCN), a rare form of leukemia that can affect multiple organs, including the lymph nodes and skin. Now...