Meet Mount Allison's own Ambearrister, Maurina Beedle
āThereās a new face on the Mount Allison campus this term. The University welcomed its own āAmbearristerā ā Maurina ā as part of the Spirit Bear program. Arriving on campus just before the holidays, Maurina, a stuffed bear, is named after Maurina Beedle, a Miākmaw Elder from Pictou, NS. She received her spirit name, meaning Girl of the Wild Flowers, in a ceremony held on campus with Elders from Unamaki and Elsipogtog First Nations communities.
Through the ceremony, the Elders found that our Maurina is a free spirit who loves children and being in nature,ā explains Patty Musgrave-Quinn, Mount Allison's Indigenous affairs co-ordinator. āIt was these characteristics that helped bring her namesake. Maurina holds the spirit of the Wiāklatmuāj, who are known as āThe Little Peopleā in Miākmaw legends. The Wiāklatmuāj have been in Miākmaāki for thousands of years and are known as tiny tricksters with magical powers who work to teach us lessons.ā
Maurinaās protector and warrior is the Eagle, which represents clarity and love.
With the First Nations Caring Societyās guidance and led by the Universityās Indigenous Affairs Office, Maurina will embark on a number of initiatives and events throughout the year in support of reconciliation efforts. These include attending meetings of the Universityās Indigenous Advisory Circle and campus events such as smudging ceremonies and gatherings in the Universityās sweat lodge. Maurina, along with Musgrave, is also taking an introductory class in Miākmaq language with instructor Joan Milliea this term.