There’s a new Knowledge Carrier-in-Residence for the University of New Brunswick’s Fredericton campus.
Jean Bartibogue officially signed on as UNB’s Kcicihtuwinut (Knowledge Carrier-in-Residence) on April 29 at a celebration ceremony at the Maqiyahtimok Centre on Sitansisk Wolastoqiyik (St. Mary’s First Nation).
Bartibogue’s family, friends and members of the UNB and Mi’kmaq-Wolastoqey Centre communities were also in attendance.
“While [Bartibogue] has only been at the Mi’kmaq-Wolastoqey Centre for a short time, she has brought her knowledge and teachings to bear on numerous programs, events and planning processes,” read a university statement.
“As the UNB Kcicihtuwinut, Elder Jeannie tends to the spiritual and cultural needs of Indigenous students and is committed to helping others within the framework of traditional Wabanaki teachings.”
The university says Bartibogue is a Clan Mother of the Jagej (Lobster) Clan and has spent nearly four decades immersing herself in the knowledge of traditional wisdom, cultural teachings and ceremonies.
Bartibogue says she is grateful to be taking up work as UNB’s Kcicihtuwinut as a guest in Wolastoqey territory, following past Elders-in-Residence Sagatay (Gwen Bear), Opolahsomuwehs (Imelda Perley) and Ramona Nicholas.