Epekwitk Quill Sisters

In this episode, Kay and Cheryl chat with Elders Pete and Francis Jadis. They'll talk about learning to make baskets as children and add their memories to those shared by their sisters.

If you would like to submit a listener question or contact the artists, please email [email protected] 

In this episode, Kay and Cheryl speak with two Elders and knowledge keepers from Epekwitk. Dr. Judy Clark and Barbara Jadis-Bruisedhead, who are sisters that grew up on both the Lennox Island and Scotchfort reserves.  They'll discuss what it was like growing up with Mi'kmaq parents who utilized the bounty of the forest to support their family and pass on cultural traditions.

If you would like to submit a listener question or contact the artists, please email [email protected]. 

In this episode, Kay and Cheryl host special guests PEI Premier Dennis King and Abegweit First Nation Chief Junior Gould. You'll hear about their experiences harvesting birch bark, lessons to be gained from trees, and the importance of building and maintaining relationships that respect Mi'kmaw culture.  

In this episode we’ll meet Kay and Cheryl’s children. The kids, Riley (11), Kiera (10), Declan (9) and Carolyn (7) discuss what they think about their mom’s being quillers and how they are learning quillwork. 

If you would like to submit a listener question or contact the artists, please email [email protected] 

In this episode, Cheryl and Kay discuss what it’s been like as parents being able to teach our children how to harvest and quill, as well as the disadvantage some Mi’kmaw women haven when it comes to harvesting. 

If you would like to submit a listener question, or contact the artists, please email [email protected] 

In this episode, Cheryl and Kay discuss how they create our designs, which nuns were almost given credit for quillwork and how market forces shaped how quillwork was made. 

In this episode Cheryl and Kay chat about the famous Mi’kmaq red dye, environmental concerns that prevent them from replicating old dye techniques, and the trials and tribulations they've had when dyeing porcupine quills because they never know how the colour will turn out. 

If you would like to submit a listener question, you can reach Cheryl and Kay at [email protected] 

In this Episode, Cheryl and Kay chat about the materials they use to edge the quillwork, how trees talk to each other, and whether Cheryl will ever find something in the woods Kay will eat.

In this episode, Cheryl and Kay discuss their favourite time of year: birch bark harvesting! They explore why harvesting the bark doesn't kill the birch trees,  the amazing way the trees heal themselves, and share tips about harvesting the most quill-able bark. They also chat about  how Mi’kmaq harvesting protocols are based on Indigenous science. 

In this episode, Mi'kmaq porcupine artists Cheryl and Kay chat about porcupines, their quills, and what happened when Kay dequilled one for the first time. The artists will also discuss whether porcupine will ever make it on the menu.