Wisdom & Resilience: Kerry Prosper on Indigenous Heritage & Reconciliation

In this Friends United Reconciliation Talk, Nancy Regan speaks with Kerry Prosper, former Paqtnkek Chief and Knowledge Keeper at St. Francis Xavier University.

The conversation looks at Indigenous heritage, language loss, reconciliation, education, and the responsibility of passing knowledge from Elders to younger generations. Kerry Prosper also reflects on Sandra Simon, her porcupine quill basket work, and the importance of preserving cultural memory and hope.

Video: 44 minutes, English – Watch on YouTube

A conversation about knowledge, memory, and hope

In this conversation, Kerry Prosper speaks about the role of Elders and Knowledge Keepers in keeping knowledge alive and passing it from one generation to the next. He explains how knowledge is shared through family, community, education, lived experience, and the responsibility to give back.

Language Loss and Reconciliation

Nancy Regan and Kerry Prosper also speak about language loss, colonialism, reconciliation, and the importance of meaningful action. Kerry reflects on his own childhood, the loss of Mi’kmaw language in school, and the long process of rebuilding cultural knowledge, ceremonies, and confidence.

Remembering Sandra Simon

A central part of the interview is the memory of Sandra Simon, a Friends United artist and mentor known for her porcupine quill basket work. Kerry speaks about Sandra’s life, her work ethic, her friendship, and the way her art helped preserve part of her culture, family memory, and legacy.

Resilience and Hope for Future Generations

The interview was filmed at the Friends United International Convention Centre in Unama’ki, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. It is a quiet and thoughtful conversation about resilience, cultural preservation, education, reconciliation, and hope for future generations.

In this conversation

The role of Elders and Knowledge Keepers
Passing knowledge from one generation to the next
Language loss and the revival of Mi’kmaq traditions
Reconciliation, education, and meaningful action
Sandra Simon’s porcupine quill basket work
Cultural preservation, family memory, and hope

People & Context

Kerry Prosper

Former Paqtnkek Chief and Knowledge Keeper at St. Francis Xavier University. In this conversation, he reflects on Indigenous heritage, language loss, reconciliation, and the passing of knowledge from Elders to younger generations.

Nancy Regan

Professional communicator, broadcaster, host, speaker, coach, and author. In this Friends United interview, she leads the conversation with Kerry Prosper.

Sandra Simon

Friends United artist and mentor, remembered in the conversation for her porcupine quill basket work and her contribution to cultural preservation and family memory.

Friends United International Convention Centre

The interview location in Unama’ki, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. Connected to Friends United’s work in cultural education, art, and respectful dialogue.

Video Information

Series: Second Annual Reconciliation Talks

Title: Wisdom & Resilience: Kerry Prosper on Indigenous Heritage & Reconciliation

Interview with: Kerry Prosper and Nancy Regan

Language: English

Length: 44 minutes

Location: Friends United International Convention Centre, Unama’ki, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada

YouTube URL: Watch the Video on YouTube

Published: February 27, 2025

Main topics: Indigenous heritage, reconciliation, language loss, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, education, Sandra Simon, porcupine quill baskets, cultural preservation, and hope.

Chapters: Friends United opening; Medicine Wind wisdom; meeting Kerry Prosper as Knowledge Keeper; becoming an Elder; residential school and day school impacts; from pain to hope; ceremony and healing; Kerry Prosper’s work as Knowledge Keeper at St. Francis Xavier University; elder life lessons; Sandra Simon’s porcupine quillwork legacy; art as reconciliation; holding on to hope; the basket and final farewell.