Epekwitk Quill Sisters

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 often feel they belong in the art world, and their hopes for helping to make space for Indigenous Art. The Matues Revisted exhibit is on from January 21 to March 13, 2022 at the Mary E. Black Gallery, 1061 Marginal Road, Halifax.If you would like to submit a listener question or contact the artists, please email epekwitkquillsisters@gmail.com 

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 cooking.If you would like to submit a listener question or contact the artists, please email epekwitkquillsisters@gmail.com

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 that, she's ready to tackle some more. If you would like to submit a listener question or contact the artists, please email epekwitkquillsisters@gmail.com 

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 quillwork or wielding purchasing power.If you would like to submit a listener question or contact the artists, please email epekwitkquillsisters@gmail.com 

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 art has played in her life. Cheryl and Kay discuss their upcoming plans for a Mi'kmaw Christmas market and you'll learn why Kay has to do laundry on Sundays.If you would like to submit a listener question or contact the artists, please email epekwitkquillsisters@gmail.com

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 definitelygotten easier. If you would like to submit a listener question or contact the artists, please email epekwitkquillsisters@gmail.com 

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 contact the artists, please email epekwitkquillsisters@gmail.com

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 the teachings she received from the Elder who taught her to quill, what netukulimk means, and all about spirit baskets. If you would like to submit a listener question or contact the artists, please email epekwitkquillsisters@gmail.com 

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. If you would like to submit a listener question or contact the artists, please email epekwitkquillsisters@gmail.com 

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 contact the artists, please email epekwitkquillsisters@gmail.com.

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 contact the artists, please email epekwitkquillsisters@gmail.com 

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 it was like growing up with Mi'kmaq parents who utilized the bounty of the forest to support their family and pass on cultural traditions.If you would like to submit a listener question or contact the artists, please email epekwitkquillsisters@gmail.com. 

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 and maintaining relationships that respect Mi'kmaw culture.  

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 submit a listener question or contact the artists, please email epekwitkquillsisters@gmail.com 

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 to submit a listener question, or contact the artists, please email epekwitkquillsisters@gmail.com 

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. 

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 how the colour will turn out. If you would like to submit a listener question, you can reach Cheryl and Kay at epekwitkquillsisters@gmail.com 

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.

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 most quill-able bark. They also chat about  how Mi’kmaq harvesting protocols are based on Indigenous science. 

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.