The Mi’kmaq people have been here since the ice began to melt over this great land. They learned the medicines in nature to keep them healthy and they hunted the animals of the land and fished the waters of the sea. During the summer months they would gather in large community groups to celebrate, dance and sing.

When the cold winds started to blow, they would go off in their own little family units to survive the winter. It was a hard life and it was always a struggle to make it through the long cold winters. One thing is certain, at night, by the campfire under the stars those families would tell stories, stories about who they were, where they came from, and all the lessons they needed to learn about life. Those stories passed on traditions, songs, language and the culture of the Mi’kmaq people.

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Julie Pellissier-Lush is a Mi’kmaw storyteller, photographer, actor, drummer, best-selling author, and the first Indigenous Poet Laureate for PEI. Through her books, songs, poetry and other creative pursuits, Julie celebrates and shares the powerful stories of the Mi’kmaq on PEI. Amongst her many accomplishments, Julie helped script the play ‘Mi’kmaq Legends’, which has been performed countless times over the past 12 years across the Island. 

At her essence, Julie is a cultural teacher and knowledge keeper. She finds inspiration from her elders, as they bravely share their stories, and from today’s courageous youth who are embracing and celebrating their rich culture. Her five children serve as her greatest inspiration and enduring reason for getting up each day to teach, sing, and create in celebration of her Mi’kmaw roots. 

The multi-talented, heart-centred artist’s contributions to the Mi’kmaw community and PEI have not gone unnoticed. She is the recipient of the Queens Jubilee Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Senators 150 Medal. Born in Summerside, Julie spent her childhood living in provinces all across Canada, including time spent living on Lennox Island and in Dundas. Today, Julie resides near Charlottetown with her husband, Rick, her five children, and her granddaughter, Miah.

Julie’s books are available for purchase through local bookstores, as well as online at Indigo and Amazon. Her plays continue to grow in popularity and are featured in various festivals and stand-alone productions across Atlantic Canada. Julie is currently writing a new ghost storybook with the Elders of PEI as well as two children’s books.