Description
Mi'sel Joe: An Aboriginal Chief's Journey is based on a series of taped interviews with Raoul Andersen and John Crellin, as Mi'sel Joe tells his life story. Both a hereditary and band-council leader, Mi'sel Joe is a Conne River Mi'kmaw, born at Miawpukek in 1947. His family consists of traditional leaders and he's work record includes farm hand, factory worker, railroad worker, construction worker, truck driver, heavy equipment operator, ranch hand, commercial fisherman, underground miner and labour foreman. Mi'sel Joe returned to Miawpukek in 1973. Since that time, he has been involved in First Nation Politics, first as a Councilor and after the death of his uncle, Chief William Joe in 1982; he became Traditional Saqamaw and the Newfoundland District Chief for the Mi'kmaq Grand Council. Mi'sel Joe is also a spiritual healer and he is committed to preserving the language, culture and traditions of his people. In May 2004, Mi'sel was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, by Memorial University of Newfoundland & Labrador. The degree was awarded in recognition of Mi'sel's contribution to the economic, social and political development of the Mi'kmaq people of Newfoundland & Labrador. This memoir includes several photographs and was a Finalist for the 2010 Atlantic Book Awards. First Nation Communities Read title.