During a perfect and colorful sunset this past Saturday, 2SLGBTQIA+ folks went kayaking then shared stories around a bonfire at Dominion Park Beach, Saint John.
Go Fundy Events provided everyone with all the equipment and knowledge necessary for the journey. Go Fundy guides took the group on an almost two hour route on the Wolastoq (otherwise known as the Saint John River) to discover the park’s surroundings.
Photos: Daniel Meza / Chroma NB
Upon return, kayakers and new attendees met David Smith from First Nations Storytellers. Smith, a Mi’kmaq storyteller, was waiting for the group with a beach bonfire. He led everyone on a journey with stories and reflection, leading attendees to learn and understand more about Indigenous culture. Attendees shared their feelings and learnings in an enriching, honest, and even fun conversation.
Smith shared dough for bannock (a bread associated with a variety of Indigenous nations) with the crew so folks could roast it on a stick over the fire.
The Miꞌkmaq are a First Nations people of the Northeastern Woodlands, Indigenous to the areas of Canada’s Atlantic Provinces, the Gaspé Peninsula of Quebec as well as the Northeastern region of Maine in a territory known as Miꞌkmaꞌki. Together with Wolastoqey, Peskotomahkati and Penobscot nations, they make up the Wabanaki Confederacy, which covers all of what today is known as New Brunswick, and more!
Check out our social media posts in late September to learn more about historical and present day gender and sexual diversity in First Nations cultures.
—Chroma: Pride, Inclusion, Equality Inc. is a non-profit organization that provides support for 2SLGBTQIA+ people in the Saint John Region. Chroma commits to advocating for and collaborating with our community, as well as providing 2SLGBTQIA+ education to all. We promote positive initiatives for the community and conduct research to highlight gaps in services and policy to encourage positive change.