April 1, 2026
Mi'kmaw Kina'matnewey is proud to introduce our new Youth Leadership Committee, a group of passionate young people dedicated to helping strengthen connections between youth and our communities. The committee will work closely with MK to help bridge gaps and provide valuable insight into the needs, priorities, andexperiences of youth in their communities.
Through this initiative, committee members will also have opportunities to grow as leaders by taking part in skill-building, mentorship, and community engagement activities. We look forward to supporting their journeys while learning from their voices, ideas, and leadership.
Bridgette Sylliboy
My name is Bridgette Sylliboy, and I am from We’koqma’q First Nation. I am a proud mom to two girls who inspire me every day to build a strong future for our family. Raising strong & confident Mi’kmaq girls is my greatest goal as a mom.
I work at We’koqma’q Mi’kmaq School as a Student Program Assistant, where Isupport our youth and push them to thrive in every way. I am also the owner of Kina’masultinej, creating resources like flashcard readers to help people learn the Mi’kmaq language.
Everything I do is rooted in love for my daughters, my culture, and my community.
Donovon Johnson
Donovon Johnson was born and raised in the community of Eskasoni and has 4 brothers. Donovon, is a fluent speaker of the Mi’kmaw language and has such compassion for the Mi’kmaw language and its revitalization. Donovon has volunteered for youth groups, locally, and represented our youth nationally. Donovon has language teaching with other communities. He has such a gift of reading and writing in Mi’kmaw and his hobbies include collecting and banking old Mi’kmaw words from Elders and knowledge keepers.
Kassidy Augustine
Kwe 'my name is Kassidy Augustine I am 21 years old and I am from Sipknekatik first Nation. I just recently graduated from Dalhousie University with a bachelor in Political Science. I enjoy running, gardening, travel, politics, and the study of Law.
Montanna Labradore
Ni’n telusi Montanna Labradore, tleyawi Glooscap First Nation. I currently serve as the Energy Coordinator at Glooscap Ventures, where I lead renewable energy and energy efficiency initiatives for my community. I studied fashion design and run my own zero-waste business, where everything I create is made with our Mother Earth in mind, blending my love of fashion with my commitment to the environment.
I joined the Youth Council because I know firsthand how challenging it can be as a youth to connect with your community and culture. I want to help make that path easier for others and bring good things to our community. My goal is for our community to be proud of who we are, and I want to help lead the way toward that future.
Being part of my community is what gives me purpose, and that love and responsibility guide everything I do.
Tristen Isadore
Kwe’— teluisi Tristen Michael Isadore (Trissy). I am from Wagmatcook First Nation, though I grew up in Eskasoni. My parents are Roy Peck Sr. and my late mother, Doreen Isadore, who passed away on September 16, 2016, at the age of 34/35.
I graduated from Wagmatcookewey School with the Class of 2019, where I received the Highest Average in Mi’kmaq Studies and Mi’kmaq Language during my graduation year. I have always been a fluent Mi’kmaq speaker and have been involved in our culture for many years as a Powwow singer and Kojua dancer, singing for about 12 years. For the past 6–7 years, I have also been proud to sing with the Stoney Bear Singers.
One of my greatest passions is sharing and teaching the Mi’kmaq language, especially through songs, prayers, and cultural teachings. Music and language are powerful ways to keep our traditions alive and pass them on to the next generation.
What inspired me to take on the MK Youth Council role was my experience when I first moved back to Wagmatcook. I noticed how difficult it could be for many youth to communicate and understand the Mi’kmaq language. Growing up in Eskasoni and attending EEMS and ABMHS, then returning to my home community, was an adjustment. I realized there were limited programs and support available to help youth reconnect with and learn their own language — not only in school but within the community as well.
Although I sometimes find myself speaking Mi’kmaq less than I would like, I always make an effort to speak it with my siblings and family. There are not many fluent Mi’kmaq speakers in Wagmatcook today, but I strongly believe it is never tool ate to learn. My goal is to help inspire and support youth in reconnecting with their language, culture, and identity.
Destiny Francis
Destiny Francis is a proud member of Pictou Landing First Nation, a devoted mother, and a strong advocate for youth in her community. As a Student Support Worker at Northumberland regional high school, she is passionate about supporting and guiding students while building meaningful connections with them.
Destiny is also proud to be part of the Mk youth council , where she helps represent and uplift youth voices. She loves being involved in community projects and workshops that strengthen culture and connection. In her freetime, Destiny enjoys beading, sewing, and spending quality time with her young son.
MiracleJohnson
MiracleJohnson is a proud member of Membertou First Nation who is deeply passionate about youth, community, and cultural connection. She is committed to learning from Elders so she can carry that knowledge forward and share it with the next generation. Miracle is open and vocal about her personal journey, including the work she has put into her own mental health and growth. She strives to support youth in their paths of self-discovery while reconnecting to their culture, and she actively advocates for stronger mental health supports for Indigenous youth in her community.
Eliza Gould
Kwe’! teluisi Eliza Jane Gould tleyawi We’kistoqnik L’nue’kati . Aq tapuiskikipunaij el ta’pu, unki’kuk Martine Gould aqq Joshua Nicholasoq, nepsitkwa’lit Sugar Poulette aq wikmaq. Etlikina’masi Unama'ki espi kina'matno'kuom pemlukwatm Bachelor Of Art mita ketu nujikina’muey Mikmaw tli’suti mita mekite’tm l’nui’suti. I love to spend my time with Eskasoni youth being focused on teaching them language and culture. I have a deep connection with my community and my Elders, who have taught me in many ways over the years and helped shape me into the person I am today.
Becky Pierro
Hi everyone! I’m Becky, an 18-year-old proud member of Wagmatcook. I joined the Youth Council because I want to create a space where every young person feelscomfortable reaching out and getting involved. I am deeply passionate about youth development and believe the key to our future lies in respecting and learning from our Elders.
While I understand our language fluently, I am still working on my journey to become a confident speaker. I want to remind my peers that it is never too late to learn. Let’s walk that path together! When I’m not busy with the council or learning from our knowledge keepers, you can find me exploring, going for drives. I’m here to listen, to learn, and to pass our traditions down to the next generation.
Yvonna Sack
Yvonna(Eva) Sack is a youth leader from Sipekne’katik First Nation who is passionate about culture, creativity, and community connection. She is an active member ofthe Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey Youth Council and enjoys participating in cultural workshops and community initiatives that uplift youth voices.
Yvonna performed in Metnu’na’q, an Indigenous adaptation of Shakespeare’s The Tempest with Zuppa Theatre. The production was highly successful and ran for two consecutive summers, bringing powerful Indigenous perspectives and storytelling to the stage.
In her free time, Yvonna enjoys sewing ribbon skirts and learning traditional skills, using creativity as a way to celebrate culture and identity.
Fae Swinamer-Lane
K’we! Teluisi Fae Swinamer. I am a 21-year-old two-spirit woman from Lsitkuk. My First Nations heritage is both L’nu and Wolostoqey, but I align more with my Mi’kmaq culture due to being raised in Mi’kmaq territory. Though, living in Fredericton, New Brunswick for school I have been reconnecting with my Wolostoqey roots ! I’m graduating with my Bachelor of Arts degree from St.Thomas University with my majors in Criminology and Psychology and a minor in Native Studies. I plan on completing a Master of Social Work degree so I can work with children who struggle with housing and substance abuse disorder. My hobbies include beading, art, gaming, and being outdoors. My goals in the youth council involve providing more opportunities for my community’s youth to experienceculture along with feeling heard and giving direction to their community.
Elle Gould
Kwe ’I am Elle Gould and I am 20 years old, proudly from Eskasoni. I am currently attending MSVU for my Bachelor of business administration. I absolutely love playing softball and volleyball for fun or competitively! I am honored to be part of the first MK youth council representing Eskasoni, this is important because we get to voice the youths of our communities and stand up for them! I am very excited what this council will bring to our communities!
Jenaya Pictou
Kwe,Teluisi Jenaya Pictou, wetabeksi Millbrook First Nation. My traditional name is grandmother sea turtle, My protector is the turtle, my warrior is Grandmother water and my colours are green, yellow and brown. I am committed to learning mi’kmaq and being an active part of revitalizing the language in my community. I currently live in Kjipuktuk while I study dental assisting at Nscc, I am passionate about education and I am constantly seeking opportunities to learn new things. When I am not studying, I am practicing my Kojua and getting ready for powwow season with my family. I am very proud to be a sister, auntie and godmother. I love travelling but mi’kmaki will always be my favourite place.
Shyla Morrison
Hi, I’m Shyla. I’m from L’sitkuk (Bear River First Nation), and I’m passionate about creating safe, fun, and meaningful spaces for our youth. I love workingwith young people through language, art, and community activities that help us stay connected to who we are.
I graduated from L’Sitkuk Education Centre, and I’m getting ready to start the Community Development program at Acadia University. My long‑term goal is to continue on to law after my degree so I can advocate for my community in a deeper, more impactful way
I’m someone who leads with warmth, creativity, and collaboration. Whether I’m planning youth programs, helping with language videos, or supporting community events, I always try to make sure everyone feels included, supported, and seen.
Sierra Julian
Sierra is a community member of Paqtnkek First Nation and currently serves as the Mi’kmaw Physical Activity Leader (MPAL) in her community. In her role, she supports a variety of youth-led programs that focus on physical activity, cultural connection, and overall well-being. Sierra is passionate about creating opportunities for youth to stay active, build confidence, and stay connected to their culture and community. Through her work, she helps organize programs, events, and initiatives that bring people together and encourage positive, healthy lifestyles.
She is a graduate of St. Francis Xavier University and is proud to represent Paqtnkek as a member of the Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey Youth Council. Sierra is committed to uplifting youth voices and contributing to meaningful change within her community.
In her free time, she enjoys being involved in community activities, supporting local events, and finding new ways to engage youth through recreation and culture.
Peter Googoo
Hello, my name is Peter Googoo and I am born and raised in Membertou First Nation.
I am son the of Janice and Sheldon Googoo. My professional background entails a concentration within STEM. I was an engineer’s assistant working with Public Works Canada and M&R Engineering Firm for two years while studying Civil Engineering at University of New Brunswick. At this job I was exposed to the professional demands of modern engineering; communication, scheduling, management and problem solving. I owe a great thanks to Joan Muise and Donnie Arsenault for the great experience.
For the past 5 years I have worked at Atlantic Coastal Action Plan Cape Breton (ACAP CB) as a habitat restoration technician and Mi’kmaw community liaison. Where I spent a lot of time working within the river systems checking water quality data, stream assessments, culvert assessments and building approved water alternator structures for stream health. At this job I would say I developed a connection to the beaver by spending so much time in rivers caring about the health of those local ecosystems. I give thanks to Jen Cooper, Kathleen Aitkens and all of those who work at ACAP for all the teachings, guidance and professional development.
Aside from my professional side of life, I have made the commitment to the redroad life and have been sober for three years. It was along this journey that I met great mentors to teach me how to carry myself as a Mi’kmaw man. I fall short of the standard set by the teachings but I strive every day to cultivate integrity to embody those teachings. To always answer the call of help because you never know how bad it had to be to ask for help. I thank my teachers who were with me during those dark moments and teaching me to keep praying; Lulan Wells, Jeff Ward and Elliot Gould. To finalize my bio, I am nothing without my family, they are who I owe everything to.
“I can only see so far because I stood on the shoulders of Giants.” - Isaac Newton
Angelo Bernard
From Eskasoni
Trent Simon
From We’koqmaq
Laela Denny
From Pictou Landing
Dakiya Nelson
From Millbrook
Cadence Davidson
From Sipekne’katik
Camden Maloney
From Sipekne’katik
Candice Blackhorn
From Bear River
Brianna MacEachern
From Annapolis Valley
Breagh Laing
From Wasoqopa’q
Dawson Smith
From Wasoqopa’q