Mi'kmawitasik is a Pilot Program

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Dawn Googoo

Quill Harvester

Mi'kmaw Home Community

We’koqma’q L’nue’kati First Nation

Mi'kmawitasik ID

DG102222

Expertise

Harvesting Matues (Porcupine) Quills

Ways to Connect

Markets & Online: Quills available via Etsy – NSMatuesStore
Products: Cleaned, sorted, and dyed porcupine quills for artists
Cultural Learning: Honoring matues and traditional harvesting practices

 

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Dawn Googoo

Maker

Harvesting, preparing, and sharing quills for Mi’kmaw artisans, while learning and preserving cultural traditions.

Dawn Patricia Googoo is a dedicated quill harvester and cultural learner, committed to preserving and sharing Mi’kmaw quillwork traditions. While not a quill artist herself, through her business, Nova Scotia Matues, she carefully cleans, sorts, and dyes porcupine quills, ensuring that this traditional material remains available for Mi’kmaw artisans and quillworkers.

While new to the craft, Dawn has gained knowledge from experienced quill artists and continues to refine her techniques. She takes pride in honoring the gifts of the matues (porcupine), incorporating smudging and gratitude into her harvesting process. Dawn is also expanding her offerings by attending markets and operating an online store, ensuring that quills remain accessible to artists working in this sacred tradition.

Quillwork is a deeply rooted practice in Mi’kma’ki. By learning, practicing, and sharing, Dawn ensures that this cultural legacy continues for future generations.

“What was shared with me, I share back. I am learning about the matues and how special it has been to our people.” – Dawn

Cultural Knowledge and Practices

Storytelling | Cultural Knowledge and Practices – Other: Nursing history and education to Mi’kmaw and non-Mi’kmaq

Language and Education

Mi’kmaw Language Speaker

Land-Based Learning and Traditional Practices

Hunt: Some knowledge from my father; not a hunter by any means | Medicine: Learning | Harvest: learning

Sports, Recreation, and Cultural Activities

Sport and Culture: Learning waltes; canoeing