Interview with Elder Peter Joseph of Richibucto Reserve No. 15

I was visiting my sister Vivian the other day when Elder Peter Joseph from Richibucto Reserve No. 15, part of Elsipogtog First Nation, stopped by. We sat in the living room, surrounded by the warm glow of the afternoon sun streaming through the windows. Vivian offered Elder Joseph a cup of tea, which he gratefully accepted.

As we sipped our tea, Elder Joseph began to share stories of his childhood on the reserve. He spoke of the traditional ways of his people, the Mi’kmaq, and the importance of preserving their language and culture. I listened intently, fascinated by the depth of his knowledge and the passion with which he spoke. Elder Joseph told us about the struggles his people had faced. He later granted me the this interview and showed me the photos included here.

Elder Peter Joseph: Good afternoon, it’s a pleasure to be here.

Manny Simon: Elder Peter Joseph, thank you for taking the time to speak with me today. I understand you stopped by to visit the late Edward Augustine’s log cabin while my brother, Maynard Simon, and I visited our sister, Vivian Augustine.

PJ: Yes, that’s right. I was driving by and saw the cabin, and I just had to stop and look. It’s a beautiful piece of work.

MS: As you exited the cabin, you began to talk about the area. You mentioned that East Main used to be all woods.

PJ: Ah, yes. It’s hard to believe how much the area has changed over the years. When I was growing up, East Main was nothing but woods. We would hunt and gather there, and it was a beautiful place.

MS: You also mentioned people crossing Gasparrow Creek when the tide was low to get to Big Hill.

PJ: That’s right. We would cross the creek when the tide was low, and it was a shortcut to get to Big Hill. It was a common route for us, and we would often use it to get to the other side.

MS: As we walked towards your truck, you showed me some pictures. Can you tell me more about them?

PJ: Ah, yes. These are some old photos of my family and community. This one is of my parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Joseph. They were hardworking people who taught me the importance of respecting the land and our traditions.

MS: That’s a beautiful photo. What’s the story behind the next one?

PJ: Ah, this is a photo of the Big Cove ball team. We were a proud team, and we played hard. And look, there’s your late cousin Jesse John Simon. He was a great player and an even better person.

MS: I remember Jesse. He was a kind soul. What’s the story behind the last photo?

PJ: This one is from 1954. It’s a photo of men on a truck heading across the river to work on a farm. We would often work on farms and in the woods to make a living. It was hard work, but it was a good life.

MS: These photos are a valuable part of our community’s history. Can you tell me more about the importance of preserving our stories and photos?

PJ: Our stories and photos are a part of who we are. They tell us about our past, our traditions, and our culture. By preserving them, we can learn from our experiences and pass on our knowledge to future generations.

MS: Thank you, Elder Peter Joseph, for sharing your stories and photos with me today. It’s been a pleasure listening to you.

PJ: The pleasure is mine. I’m glad I could share my stories with you.

Manny Simon is a St. Thomas University student and a member of Elsipogtog First Nation.