Muinjij Becomes a Man
Muinji’j has been waiting all his life to make this trip with his grandfather-a trip to the city to sell rich otter, beaver and muskrat pelts and bring back supplies to the village. It’s a long expedition that tests Muinji’j’s reserves of strength, patience and maturity. Just as he thinks he and his niskamij have faced all of their challenges, the worst happens-his naskamij falls ill. Although Muinji’j gathers the medicine his grandfather asks for, it doesn’t help fast enough. Both of them realize that there is only one solution: Muinji’j must continue the jou ey alone. He must face the challenges and mysteries of a city he has never seen, and retu to help his grandfather as well as his village that relies on him. Saqamaw Mi’sel Joe is the chief of the Miawpukek Mi'kamawey Mawi'omi - Conne River Mi’kmaq Tribal Nation in Newfoundland. The Miawpukek Band Reserve, which is the only one recognized in Newfoundland, has an on reserve population of approximately 700 people. The reserve is located on the south east shore of Newfoundland. The reserve covers an area of some 14 square miles. It lies 560 km from the capital city of St. John's and 180 km from the nearest services center, Grand Falls. Saqamaw Mi’sel Joe was bo in Miawpukek on June 4, 1947 into a strong Mi’kmaq family; both his grandfather and uncle have held the office of hereditary Saqamaw. He has been educated in all the Mi’kmaq ways and traditions. Currently, Mi’sel Joe is in his fourth consecutive two-year term as Administrative Chief. He is also the spiritual leader of his people. In this capacity he has gained recognition provincially, nationally and inte ationally, particularly in the area of spiritual healing. He lives together with his wife Colletta and granddaughter Ansalewit at Miawpukek First Nation in Newfoundland. Muinji’j Becomes a Man is his first book.
