Saqamaw Mi'sel Joe Biography
Mi'sel Joe was born in Miawpukek on June 4, 1947. He was born into a strong Mi’kmaq family, both his grandfather and uncle have held the office of hereditary Saqamaw. Mi'sel has been educated in all the Mi’kmaq ways and traditions. Morris Lewis, the first appointed Chief in Newfoundland by the Grand Chief in Mi’kmaq territory, was Mi'sel’s great, great uncle.
At the age of 16 Mi'sel was given the alternative to either leave the reserve to journey to other parts of Canada in search of employment or to travel to a neighboring community and attend secondary school. Mi'sel chose to leave the reserve and during his time away from the community he held several different positions such as farm hand, factory worker, railroad worker, construction worker, truck driver, heavy equipment operator, ranch hand, commercial fisherman, underground miner and labor foreman.
- Chief Mi'sel Joe 2009
© Memorial University
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.
In 1988, the community of Miawpukek decided to create a two-chief system whereby there would be an Administrative Chief elected every two years in addition to the Traditional role as Saqamaw. Mi'sel is currently in his sixth consecutive two year term as Administrative Chief. He has been very successful in performing two of the above roles during his term of office.
Mi'sel Joe is also the spiritual leader of his people. In this capacity he has gained recognition provincially, nationally and internationally, particularly in the area of spiritual healing.
Mi'sel Joe has presented on native medicines and traditional healing practices at several International Alternative Medicine Conferences and hosted the 1996 International Healing Conference at Conne River. .
Saqamaw Mi'sel Joe is committed to preserving the language, culture and traditions of his people. He also plays a very public role in presenting a better understanding of the Mi’kmaq people of Miawpukek to residents of this province and country. In this process he has developed a positive profile through numerous interviews in print and electronic media, and publicized speaking engagements.
Mi'sel’s private life include both business activities and hobbies. He owned and operated an outfitting operation for a number of years and is now a published author of two books entitled “Muinji'j Becomes a Man” and “An Aboriginal Chief’s Journey”. He has also submitted poetry and has been published in the book “Backyards of Heavens”.
Some of his hobbies are bone carving, snow shoe making, hiking and spending much time learning the Mi’kmaq Language and songs.
Mi'sel resides in Miawpukek with his wife, Colletta. He has a daughter Leona and granddaughter Ansalewit (Angel).
Mi'sel is involved in several committees and organizations such as:
- Miawpukek Powwow Committee Advisor
- Miawpukek Human Resources Board
- MAMKA Board
- Miawpukek First Nation Negotiation Team
- Self Government Steering Committee
- Ulnooweg Development Corporation
- Parks Canada – National Board
- Atlantic Policy Congress (Executive Council, All Chiefs)
- The First Nations Trust Fund
- Mentor – Trudeau Foundation
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.
Traveled to Maui to meet with Traditional Healers.
Visited Rome. Met with the pope and Jesuet priests to discuss the Catholic Church’s role in destroying Mi’kmaq Language & Culture. Both were banished in the early 1920’s.
Traveled to Britan to speak to university students on Conne River and ongoing education on the plight of the Mi’kmaq in Newfoundland.
Published author of two books: Muinjij Becomes a Man (Breakwater Brooks) and An Aboriginal Chief’s Journey (Flanker Press). Both publishers are located in St. John’s, NL.
Published poetry – in conjunction with MUN – in the book entitled Backyard of Heaven and a two week book tour with Memorial University to Ireland.
July 1999 – Traveled across the Gulf in an ocean going Birch Bark Canoe. The crossing reconfirmed our oral history and added to our land claims and public education efforts.
July 2004 – Traveled from Conne River to Miquelon in an ocean going Birch Bark Canoe. This crossing displayed the rich history between the French communities of Newfoundland and the islands of Saint Pierre et Miquelon to the Mi’kmaq people of Newfoundland.
