"My son, you do not need black hair, brown skin, or brown eyes like me to pray and practice your culture. You will learn the songs and the drumming in time. The Creator's plan was to give you everything that makes you who you are, and you are perfect to me just the way you are! Always remember that, no matter what anyone else says to you. We need to pray for those children too, my son, as hard as that may seem. But remember, you are exactly how the Creator planned you to be, and I will love you until the end of time."

As a Mi'kmaq child, Richard Pellissier-Lush grew looking different than other the other Indigenous children. He didn't feel he fit in with the non-Indigenous or the Indigenous children he knew. But his mother continually reminding him that he was part of the Creator's plan empowered him to embrace his culture no matter what he looked like. Her chorus of encouragement stayed with him through his childhood and helped make him the man he is today.

Richard Pellissier-Lush is a Mi'kmaq man from Lennox Island First Nation, PEI. His passions are based on his Mi'kmaq culture, traditions, loyalty and love of the First Nations communities and his family, the Mi'kmaq People. Richard works with L'nuey as an Engagement Officer, his biggest strength is working with his Mi'kmaq brothers and sisters. He is one of the founders and original members of Mi'kmaq Legends, an all Indigenous Theatre Group that specializes in telling the stories, traditions, songs, dances, and culture of the Mi'kmaq from the past, and present. Richard is passionate about working with First Nation Communities to make sure the Mi'kmaq People know their rights, understand their rights, and help build a future for all L'nu that is strong and can flourish seven generations from today.

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Jessica Jerome is a two-spirit graphic designer, born in the Listuguj Mi'kmaw First Nation, and raised as a member of the Mi'kmaq's of Gesgapegiag, located along the banks of the Gaspé Peninsula. Originally introduced to art as a way of dealing with grief, Jessica quickly became a skilled artist, earning certificates in visual arts, communications, and graphic design. Works as a freelance graphic designer/Illustrator and artist consultant. Her artwork is displayed in galleries and privately owned.

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