Geral Glo is the Program Development Officer for the Migo-Dibert Cultural Center and is a member of the Milbrook First Nation. With a 25-year career in graphic design with Lands and Forests and the Department of Natural Resources, Glo has transitioned into education and communications, focusing on programs related to the environment and wildlife conservation. His deep connection to Mi'kmaq culture enhances his work and outreach efforts in this area.
Glo has dedicated the last 19 years to the Mi'kmaq BT Project, working under the Province of Nova Scotia in the Department of Education. The Migo-Dibert Cultural Center, set to be established on one of Eastern Canada's oldest archaeological sites, will serve as an educational hub focused on Mi'kmaq culture and history. This site, traced back 13,300 years, holds significant artifacts marking the migration of ancestral peoples from warmer climates as the Wisconsin glaciation ended, leading to the establishment of early communities.
Artifacts left by ancestors consist primarily of stones, as organic materials have returned to the Earth. This emphasizes the importance of cultural preservation as Glo insists the center will be a portal to Mi'kmaq heritage, highlighting connections beyond geographical boundaries, encompassing various nations and communities within Mi'kmaq culture.
Dr. Don Julian was instrumental in establishing an advisory council, involving educators and elders from various communities across Mi'kmaq territories to ensure that the cultural center carries authentic representation. Monthly meetings and semi-annual events leverage elders' knowledge and insights, creating a flow of cultural education aimed at young generations and promoting tourism initiatives.
Glo emphasizes the integral role of language in Mi'kmaq culture, describing it as verb-based. For instance, the Mi'kmaq word for caribou is "kalibu," which means to shovel, connecting the action to the animal's behavior. He highlights that language shapes understanding and fosters connections within the community, as storytelling serves as a way to pass down knowledge, traditions, and history through generations, where every storyteller can impart different versions tied to personal interpretations.
Glo criticizes historical accounts that misrepresent the spirituality and knowledge of the Mi'kmaq people, arguing for a narrative that's shaped by indigenous voices themselves. He champions the motto "Nothing about us without us," indicating the importance of consultation with the community when discussing their history and culture.
The concept of sustainability is imbued in Mi'kmaq culture, illustrated by the seasonal migration patterns of the people who had specific homes for winter, summer, and near the coast. This method allowed for resource conservation, adhering to the concept of "nalum," or taking only what is needed, leaving resources for future generations. This cyclical understanding extends to their connection with the environment and the area around them, detailing a comprehensive calendar that reflects their knowledge about nature.
Glo also describes traditional ecological knowledge, noting seasonal changes and animal behaviors as natural indicators of environmental conditions. He mentions the distinctive "pink bubbles" that indicate the arrival of oily fish in the Bay of Fundy, a sign that the Mi'kmaq people rely on for harvesting fish. Observing nature closely allows them to engage in responsible harvesting practices, highlighting their intimate relationship with the environment.
The Mi'kmaq believe in the purification of water following lightning strikes, suggesting that ozone clears contaminants from the water, making it safe for swimming. Glo's narrative challenges modern scientific explanations, illustrating how indigenous knowledge parallels scientific principles while emphasizing traditional wisdom passed down through generations. This connection is further illustrated through personal anecdotes that describe old ponds’ varying usability depending on the season and environmental state.
Glo’s insights reflect an extensive understanding of Mi'kmaq culture, driven by a commitment to preserving and teaching its rich traditions. Through storytelling, community engagement, and an intimate relationship with nature, Glo aims to foster cultural continuity while addressing historical inaccuracies and promoting an expansive understanding of Mi'kmaq heritage. His work promises to link contemporary society with age-old wisdom, reinforcing the notion of interconnectedness across all cultural and environmental realms.