Creating change

An ambitious person, passionate about their culture, language, and the arts, Jaimie Augustine, whose Mi’kmaq name is Kitpu Pigun Epit (Eagle Feather Woman), has a longstanding history of being the change they wish to see in the world. “When I started to change, everything changed.” 

As a Mi’kmaw person, Jaimie recalls growing up in challenging circumstances, being led to believe that a different life wasn’t possible. Jaimie is a millennial scoop survivor and has spent their lifetime re-connecting to that which was forcibly taken away from them. “We didn’t know what it was like to be free, and we still don’t.”

“First Nations Peoples across the country were forcibly placed on reservations, on parts of the land where nothing can grow.” Despite the ongoing colonial influence, Jaimie has vision beyond our current system of existence. “As we continue to rebuild ourselves, our communities, and our systems, we get closer to living in the future we wish to live. We learn that we are deserving of all the healing and growth, even if we are put in circumstances where growth seems impossible. It’s never impossible, though it may be difficult.”

Struggling with addiction and homelessness from a young age, Jaimie is no stranger to overcoming adversity. For a long time, they couldn’t get their basic needs met so there was no space for dreaming and ambition. Their time was spent just finding ways to survive. Once Jaimie was able to get their basic needs met, they learned to start shifting their goals. “I’m thankful for every single person I have met along the journey who has helped me see that I am deserving of a good life.” Jaimie is deeply committed to healing so they can be there for their family and community. “Now I can live life. I can change and grow, supporting my children and community members along the way.”

Jaimie is the Language and Drumming Coordinator at the Native Council of PEI where they share their passion for cultural and language revitalization. “I am motivated by the next generation of young people. Those who are learning to be themselves fully in the world.” Jaimie is working hard to create unity within the communities that they are a part of. Jaimie doesn’t dwell on the hard parts of their upbringing and formative years. They have used that pain as a catalyst for change. “There was a lack of support when I was younger, so I keep working on being able to be the support that I needed back then, the support people still need today.” Jaimie’s generous compassion comes from a lifetime of struggle. They have learned a lot, and they freely share their gifts with the world. “I give what I need(ed) to receive.”

Along with their work at the Native Council of PEI, Jaimie is an artist who shares their culture and their healing in everything they create. “Art is both a practice and product of expression, and I’m so glad I allow my spirit to shine through art.” Jaimie’s artistic practice is one that allows deep healing and connection. “Art helps me work through my pain.” When someone engages with Jaimie’s art, they can feel the depth of emotional connection that has been part of the creation process. 

Growth and healing are not linear, and Jaimie continues to work diligently to create the life that they want for themselves and their family. “I continue to do the hard work of shifting my mindset and connecting to cultural and creative outlets.” Challenges and obstacles persist, and Jaimie has found the inner capacity to continue working through hard things. “I have learned that my voice matters and it’s ok not to be ok.” Jaimie’s tenacity comes from their strong connection to community and the land. “I remind myself and others to find the people and places that feel like home.”

As a 2-Spirit person, Jaimie is no stranger to living life in the in-between spaces. “I love the early part of spring where it feels like we are in-between seasons.” Jaimie is modernizing traditions and unravelling the ongoing impacts of colonization. “It’s important to me that 2-Spirit teachings are available to our community. We lost so much during the process of colonial influence through Christianity.” 

Never shying away from difficulties, Jaimie is a cycle-breaker who is deeply committed to creating a more culturally responsive community. “Life can keep presenting challenges and struggles but no matter how many walls I come across, I find a way to climb over that wall.”

“Our wishes can become our reality if we are willing to do the hard work. Everyone is worthy and deserves to make their own dreams come true.”