Elizabeth Penashue: Diary of an Innu Elder

What this episode covers

A decade in the works, Penashue’s book, Nitinikiau Innusi: I Keep The Land Alive, is the focus of this conversation between author and activist Tshaukuesh Elizabeth Penashue, her daughter and sometimes interpreter, Kanani Davis, and host Jessica Lea Fleming. Beginning as a daily diary, the book is a detailed account of her daily life peppered with Innu politics, history and culture, culminating in the formation of a full-fledged activist whose view of her own power changes as she is arrested for a protest and taken off to jail with nine other activists. Moving between English and Montagnais (the Innu language), the conversation shows us that one can come to a cause that ignites our passion at any age and transform lives. Tshaukuesh Elizabeth Penashue is a cultural and environmental activist who is well known both in her community and internationally. For many years, she and other peaceful protesters fought against low level flying and bomb testing in Innu homelands in Labrador and Newfoundland and she was arrested a number of times for her activism. Her work has been recognized by a National Aboriginal Achievement award, an honourary doctorate from Memorial University, and numerous media interviews and profiles, articles and consultations. Her first book, Nitinikiau Innusi: I Keep The Land Alive (University of Manitoba Press, 2019), chronicles her experiences as a community activist in battles to preserve the culture and language of the Innu people in Newfoundland and Labrador as well as Quebec, and her work in stopping the practice of low-level flying by the military that caused enormous disruptions in these communities. Kanani Davis is the Director, Administration & Professional Services of Mamu Tshishkutamashutau Innu Education. She is is an Innu educator. Kanani was the first Innu speaking graduate from Memorial University of Newfoundland with a Bachelor of Education. She also has linguistic training in standardized Innu spelling. She has developed many Innu children’s books in Innu aimun. Equally comfortable in a tent, a classroom or a boardroom, Kanani brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and passion to all of her endeavours. She is married with four children. Jessica Lea Fleming is of Métis and Scottish ancestry from Penetanguishene, Ontario. She is an award-winning artist, published poet, producer and performer based in Hamilton. Jessica works in theatre, film and multi-disciplinary mediums as a means of exploring connection, identity, land-based knowledge and the Divine Feminine.