
Epekwitk Quill Sisters
Join a group of Mi'kmaq porcupine quill workers as they share the stories behind their art. Every week, Cheryl and Kay come together to talk about their experiences as contemporary quillers using traditional techniques. Episodes will share tales about harvesting, learning how to create traditional designs, and what happens when you ran out of materials during the middle of winter.
Episodes
21 episodes
Matues Revisted: Part 1
In this episode, Cheryl and Kay chat with Aiden Gillis, one of the curators for their upcoming show Matues Revisted. They discuss why its important to have Indigenous people working at museums and art galleries, how Indigenous people don't ofte...
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Season 1
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Episode 21
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56:14

Etawey Wli-Newelewin (Wishing you a Merry Christmas)
In this episode, Cheryl and Kay talk about Christmas in Mi'kma'ki and what quillwork means for the holidays. They also chat about the different traditions that get celebrated in their communities, and once again Kay is skeptical of Cheryl's coo...
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Season 1
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Episode 20
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52:14

Success at the Market!
In this episode, Cheryl and Kay talk about attending the Indigenous Christmas market and how amazing it was to meet podcast listeners. The market was also the first time Kay has sold her art to the general public, and now that she's conquered t...
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Season 1
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Episode 19
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55:34

Cultural appropriation...please don't!
In this episode, Cheryl and Kay talk about cultural appropriation and how the law in Canada isn't protecting Indigenous knowledge. Indigenous nations have limited options stop appropriation, so personal choices matter when deciding to make quil...
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Season 1
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Episode 18
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55:49

Our Indigenous lives
In this episode, Cheryl and Kay chat with Noella Moore. Noella is another former apprentice and the quiller whose medallion was recently chosen to be worn by the mascot of the 2023 Canada Games in PEI. You'll hear her story and the role Mi'kmaw...
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Season 1
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Episode 17
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55:24

The Value of Quillwork
In this episode, Kay and Cheryl talk about their least favourite part of quilling: putting a price on their quillwork. There are many different approaches to pricing, but with more quillers selling their work, the process has definite...
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Season 1
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Episode 16
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50:42

It's Treaty Time!
In this episode, Kay and Cheryl mark Treaty Day and the start of Mi'kmaw History Month by talking about the Peace and Friendship Treaties and how they apply to Mi'kmaw quill work.If you would like to submit a listener question or contac...
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Season 1
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Episode 15
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52:51

Spirit Baskets
In this episode, Cheryl and Kay chat with Carola Knockwood, a long time quill artist and instructor. Carola, originally from Indian Island and Elsipogtog New Brunswick, is currently living in Membertou where her art is on display. Carola shares...
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Season 1
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Episode 14
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52:48

Chatting with a Pro
In this episode, Cheryl and Kay chat with guest Tara Francis, a professional Mi'kmaq quill artist from Elsipogtog. Tara is a graduate from the New Brunswick College of Craft and Design and will share her experiences at the College.
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Season 1
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Episode 13
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1:05:36

To market, to market
In this episode, Cheryl and Kay chat about how they started to sell their art. Taking quillwork public was challenging in ways they hadn't anticipated but a lot of lessons were learned!If you would like to submit a listener question or ...
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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47:52

Let's hear from the Uncles!
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 ...
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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44:34

Chatting with Elders
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 ...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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48:40

The Premier, the Chief and the Birch Grove!
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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43:44

Family matters...with our kids
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 s...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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43:53

Family Matters
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 t...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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49:11

Chunky Moose
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.
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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46:32

Fixative and forget it!
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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45:58

Right on the Edge
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.
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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44:03

Let's talk about birch, baby!
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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45:58

Everything you ever wanted to know about porcupine quills
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.
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Season 1
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Episode 2
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44:43

How we became Mi'kmaq Porcupine Quillers
In this episode Cheryl and Kay discuss when they first discovered Mi'kmaw porcupine quill work, how they learned to quill and when they first felt like they were truly quillers. Pictures of the quillwork discussed can be viewed on ...
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Season 1
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Episode 1
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45:44
