The reclamation and restoration of pride in Mi’kmaw culture in Newfoundland is an ongoing process.

It’s a process still supported by one of the movement’s key instigators, the respected elder Dr. Calvin White.

In his new memoir, One Man’s Journey: The Mi’kmaw Revival in Ktaqmkuk, Dr. White weaves together more than 70 years of his personal history with an account of his involvement in the Mi’kmaw movement in this province.

His words describe his memories of growing up in Flat Bay, and how the lessons he learned from his mentors later contributed to and inspired his work to fight for recognition for Newfoundland Mi’kmaq from the provincial and federal governments.

Honest and intimate, One Man’s Journey is a personal and critical collection of knowledge that is intended to share stories and history with a new generation and to challenge young Mi’kmaw people to continue the ongoing work to expand knowledge and to preserve and celebrate Mi’kmaw culture in Newfoundland.

About the Author

 Born and raised in Flat Bay, Dr. White is a cultural mentor to his community and to Mi’kmaq across the province.

He is a former chief of the Flat Bay band and former president of the Federation of Newfoundland Indians (FNI). He has served on many national boards including the Native Council of Canada, the National Indian Brotherhood, the Aboriginal Liberal Commission and the National Council of Welfare.

In the 1960s, Dr. White helped organize Aboriginal families in the province to form the Native Association of Newfoundland and Labrador, which later became the FNI. He was one of the original petitioners in the 1989 legal action brought by the FNI against the federal government, which eventually resulted in the agreement to form the Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation.

Dr. White received the Commemorative Medal for the 125th anniversary of the Confederation of Canada, a Lifetime Achievement Award from Ulnooweg Development Group, and the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador. He was awarded a Human Rights Champion Award, an honorary doctor of laws degree from Memorial University, the Canada 150 Sesquicentennial Pin and was appointed to the Order of Canada for his pivotal role in achieving recognition for Newfoundland Mi’kmaq.

One Man’s Journey is published by Memorial University Press and is available now.