Over the span of his 31 years, Richard Pellissier-Lush of Lennox Island has proven to be a force in the province’s Indigenous community. Richard is very proud of Mi’kmaq culture and he loves to share that culture.
For 11 years, he has worked with Mi'kmaq Heritage Actors/Mi'kmaq Legends/Next Gen Legends and has spent the last two years working with the National Arts Centre’s “Music Alive Program”, which brings his drumming, singing and dancing into schools across the Island.
Every year Richard meets with Elders to learn new teachings, new songs and new stories to bring back to his theatre group, comprised of 17 young Indigenous individuals.
He teaches the group what he has learned, and they showcase these teachings across the Island. While the Covid-19 pandemic has slowed them down, there were still over 100 shows performed in 2021 featuring PEI’s Indigenous youth.
Richard has been leading the way to ensure Mi'kmaq stories are not lost, that Mi’kmaq history is retold at each and every show, and that their language is being shared.
In his work life as an engagement officer with L'nuey, Richard helps community members of Lennox Island First Nation and Abegweit First Nation to develop an understanding of traditional treaty rights. His skill as a storyteller helps him to accomplish that.
Richard is also the author of a new children’s book about growing up as an Indigenous person. The book is being published by Acorn Press.