Amlamgog grows conservation trust lands with gift from Memramcook family
On today’s show, we stopped by Amlamgog (also known as Fort Folly) First Nation to talk with cultural coordinator Nicole Porter about a strip of land recently gifted to the community as part of the Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas trust. Plus we look at what’s coming up in today’s Tantramar council meeting, including a public hearing on drive thrus and a report of JN Lafford’s application for the town’s new development tax incentive. … Continue
‘Honouring the spirits of the children’ at Fort Folly sacred fire on the second annual TRC day
Canada’s second National Day for Truth and Reconciliation came and went last Friday, and thanks to Nicole Porter, people in the Tantramar region had a chance to reflect and learn.
Mi’kmaq knowledge keeper Nicole Porter and her son Zachary Dubé, a firekeeper, invited people to a sacred fire on Cherry Burton Road. CHMA stopped by to talk with Porter and Dubé, and some of the people who made their way to the fire:
Porter spent the whole day speaking to comers, helping them feel comfortable engaging with the fire and pointing them to ways to learn more, such as the nearby Fort Folly community walking trails which feature interpretive panels. Porter says a steady stream of families came to the fire, as well as larger groups such as daycares and the Mount Allison soccer teams.
“It’s good to see the public coming out and wanting to educate themselves,” says Porter. “We’re just so honoured that we can share the culture with every one.”
16-year-old Zachary Dubé tended the fire, and took the time to explain the customs around it to people who came, many of whom took the opportunity to offer some tobacco to the fire.
“It’s just like when you’re praying to God,” says Dubé. “There is no right or wrong way to do it. You just speak your mind or your heart.”… Continue