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Articles by Meghan Dewar
Be You Bar: P.E.I.’s first queer bar to open in time for Pride
There’s a new bar in town… and it’s as loud, proud and colourful as the community it hopes to embrace. Planning to open in time for this year’s Pride P.E.I. celebrations, the Be You Bar will be a safe, inclusive and long-awaited 2SLGBTQIA+ addition to the bar scene in downtown Charlottetown. The nightclub and lounge’s anticipated opening day is July 26th at 7pm and will open their colourful doors at 119 Grafton Street, the former home of the Hive and Hollow.
Charlottetown's Be You Bar: off to a bad start
This is an update to an article by Meghan Dewar published 3 weeks ago. With P.E.I. Pride 2025 coming to a close, many queer Islanders were excited to be able to keep the celebrations going at the Be You Bar which soft-opened on August 1. However, the shine of the new queer bar seems to have quickly worn off.
Membertou's Madeline Christmas pivots after Team Atlantic withdraws from National Aboriginal Hockey Championship
Advertisement 1 Author of the article: • Cape Breton Post • • Article content The Team Atlantic withdrawal from the 2025 National Aboriginal Hockey Championship disappointed many Mi’kmaq hockey players, but Membertou’s Madeline Christmas didn’t let it throw her off. Instead, she pivoted. The 17-year-old was making moves and gearing up for the Team Atlantic tryouts when the news broke that Atlantic would be pulling out of the championship.
Passionate discourse ensues after Mi'kmaq chiefs reject DFO control of Mi'kmaq elver fishing
Advertisement 1 Author of the article: • Cape Breton Post • Article content Elver fishing has become a hot topic within the Mi’kmaq communities and a moral debate. Alongside confusion regarding the stance of local chiefs on the situation, elver fishing has become a passionate topic online. Which is more important: honouring Treaty rights or protecting juvenile eels so they will be there for the next seven generations?
Reclaiming language: Mi'kmaw Kina'matnewey breaks down new language revitalization strategy
Skip to Content Advertisement 1 'This is the first language of this province' Author of the article: • Cape Breton Post • Article content Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey has been making waves as the recipient of federal and provincial funding in the past month for the Mi’kmaq Language ReVITALization strategy. Mi’kmaq Kina’matnewey executive director Blaire Gould shared that the funding is the result of years of hard work from many key players and that she is very happy it has come to fruition.
‘Pleased and honoured’: Eskasoni’s Tuma Young recipient of King Charles III Coronation Medal to recognize lifetime achievements Original
Eskasoni’s Tuma Young was one of several Mi’kmaq individuals celebrated and honoured at the recent King Charles III coronation medal ceremony in Membertou. Young is a Mi’kmaq lawyer who has championed several different movements for the two-spirit community, HIV/AIDS response, and mental health/suicide prevention. “I was nominated for the medal by Senator P.J. Prosper, he asked me if I would mind if he chose to nominate me,” said the 59-year-old Eskasoni band member.
Communities and venues revealed for Celtic Colours 2025
Article content Venue and community line-up information for the 29th annual Celtic Colours International Festival have been revealed. The 2025 festival will take place from October 10-18, consisting of 50 concerts in 36 different communities around Cape Breton Island. Some concerts will take place in long-standing Celtic Colours venues such as the Savoy Theatre in Glace Bay, the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site, and the Strathspey Performing Arts Centre in Mabou.
‘Pleased and honoured’: Eskasoni's Tuma Young recipient of King Charles III Coronation Medal to recognize lifetime achievements
Advertisement 1 Author of the article: • Cape Breton Post • Article content Eskasoni’s Tuma Young was one of several Mi’kmaq individuals celebrated and honoured at the recent King Charles III coronation medal ceremony in Membertou. Young is a Mi’kmaq lawyer who has championed several different movements for the two-spirit community, HIV/AIDS response, and mental health/suicide prevention.
Eskasoni elder Dr. Albert Marshall Sr. recipient of King Charles III Coronation medal alongside Chief Leroy Denny Original
Among the many Cape Breton recipients of a 2024 King Charles III Coronation medal was Eskasoni’s own elder Dr. Albert Marshall Sr. Marshall is known for his coining of ‘Etuaptmumk’, also known as the two-eyed seeing concept which is utilized to recognize both traditional Mi’kmaq ways of thinking along with contemporary Western ways of thinking. The Eskasoni elder has been under the spotlight recently, having also received the Order of Canada in October 2024.
Eskasoni elder Dr. Albert Marshall Sr. recipient of King Charles III Coronation medal alongside Chief Leroy Denny
Skip to Content Advertisement 1 Author of the article: • Cape Breton Post • Article content Among the many Cape Breton recipients of a 2024 King Charles III Coronation medal was Eskasoni elder Albert Marshall Sr. Marshall is known for his coining of “Etuaptmumk,” or the two-eyed seeing, a concept utilized to recognize both traditional Mi’kmaw ways of thinking along with contemporary Western ways of thinking. He also received the Order of Canada in October 2024.
RCMP looking for missing person from Eskasoni
Skip to Content Advertisement 1 Author of the article: • Cape Breton Post • Article content The RCMP are asking for the public’s assistance in locating an Eskasoni woman who has been missing since March 14th. Jennifer Mary Ann Bartlett is a 40-year-old from Eskasoni who frequents in the Sydney area. Bartlett is described as 5-foot-7 and 175 pounds with bleached blonde hair and blue eyes.
“I was really honoured”: Local achievements celebrated at annual Membertou awards banquet Original
Membertou residents were able to celebrate their neighbours and family members at the annual Membertou awards banquet on March 4th. Many were recognized for their exemplary accomplishments and service to the community, including Membertou beader Jocelyn Marshall, who was invited to Washington, D.C. in early 2024 to restore old Mi’kmaq beadwork.
'I was really honoured': Membertou awards banquet celebrates achievements
Advertisement 1 Author of the article: • Cape Breton Post • Article content Membertou residents were able to celebrate their neighbours and family members at the annual Membertou awards banquet on March 4th. Many were recognized for their exemplary accomplishments and service to the community, including Membertou beader Jocelyn Marshall, who was invited to Washington, D.C. in early 2024 to restore old Mi’kmaq beadwork.
Cardinal, MacIvor to tell stories at Cape Breton's Highland Arts Theatre
Advertisement 1 Author of the article: • Cape Breton Post • Article content The Highland Arts Theatre will feature the storytelling and musical stylings of Cliff Cardinal and Daniel MacIvor on Saturday. MacIvor will present his story ‘How To Remember’ about his time growing up in Sydney in the 70s, while Cardinal will present ‘How To Forget’, a collection of stories and songs from his recent work.
Rich Mi'kmaq, Acadian and Gaelic culture keep Cape Breton thriving
Advertisement 1 How Canada Wins Author of the article: • Cape Breton Post • Article content Editor’s note: This is Part 4 in our contribution to Postmedia’s national series “How Canada Wins.” Over a five-week period, we are chronicling our community’s place in the country, the promise of greater prosperity, and the blueprint to get there. See the series intro here.
“A kid at heart”: Remembering Eskasoni’s Arnold ‘Big Chief’ Sylliboy Original
An Eskasoni man is being remembered for his unwavering commitment to bringing joy and laughter to all those around him. Arnold Sylliboy Sr. was 43-years-old when he passed away suddenly in his home in Sydney on February 22nd. He is survived by his loving fiancée Nina Kent and his children Arnold Jr., Evan, Arlo, and Arley, along with his mother, Vera Sylliboy.
L'Nu Affairs helps to launch new Mi’kmaw Language ReVITALization Strategy with Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey Original
Mi’kmaq language revitalization has gained additional support from the Nova Scotia government in collaboration with Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey. The Mi’kmaw Language ReVITALization Strategy is a collaborative plan to support the growth and sustainability of the language throughout Nova Scotia. It will focus on providing Mi’kmaw language learning opportunities for Mi’kmaq children and youth.
Potlotek to host wrestling event featuring first Mi'kmaq pro wrestler and former WWE wrestler Original
Potlotek will be hosting some wrestling talent, including former WWE superstar Gangrel and up-and-coming Mi’kmaq wrestler Chaz Williamz from Burnt Church First Nation in New Brunswick, who is the first Indigenous pro wrestler on the East Coast. The event will be taking place on Wednesday, March 12th at the Mi’kmawey School Gymnasium, beginning at 6:15 P.M. The event will be free to attend.
Morgan Toney's new album 'Heal The Divide' out on music platforms Original
Morgan Toney has some new music on the shelves and is hitting the road on tour. The Mi’kmaq fiddler and songwriter has released his new album, ‘Heal the Divide,’ which features the single, ‘Hold My Reservation,’ which speaks to Toney’s love of his home in Unama’ki/Cape Breton. The new album also features the musical expertise of Gordie Sampson on guitar, which creates a ‘Cape-Breton-meets-Nashville sound.
“A kid at heart”: Remembering Eskasoni's Arnold ‘Big Chief’ Sylliboy
Skip to Content Advertisement 1 • Article content An Eskasoni man is being remembered for his unwavering commitment to bringing joy and laughter to all those around him. Arnold Sylliboy Sr. was 43 years old when he passed away suddenly in his home in Sydney on Feb. 22. He is survived by his loving fiancée Nina Kent and his children Arnold Jr., Evan, Arlo, and Arley, along with his mother, Vera Sylliboy.
L'Nu Affairs helps to launch new Mi’kmaw Language ReVITALization strategy with Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey
• Article content Mi’kmaq language revitalization has gained additional support from the Nova Scotia government in collaboration with Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey. Last week, L’Nu Affairs Minister Leah Martin announced the new project, which is backed by the funding announced on Feb. 27. The Mi’kmaw Language ReVITALization Strategy is a collaborative plan to support the growth and sustainability of the language throughout Nova Scotia.
Pain studies earn Cape Breton doctor Order of Ontario
Skip to Content Advertisement 1 • Article content A Cape Breton-born doctor known as a pioneer in tracking a patient’s perception of pain has received the Order of Ontario for her influential work. Joy MacDermid is the co-director of the Roth McFarlane Hand and Upper Limb Centre Clinical Research Lab, scientist at Lawson Research Institute, and research chair at University of Western Ontario and Canada Research.
Potlotek to host wrestling event featuring first Mi'kmaq pro wrestler and former WWE wrestler
Advertisement 1 • Article content Potlotek will be hosting some wrestling talent, including former WWE superstar Gangrel and up-and-coming Mi’kmaq wrestler Chaz Williamz from Burnt Church First Nation in New Brunswick, who is the first Indigenous pro wrestler on the East Coast.
Morgan Toney's new album 'Heal The Divide' out on music platforms
Skip to Content Advertisement 1 • Article content Morgan Toney has some new music on the shelves and is hitting the road on tour. The Mi’kmaq fiddler and songwriter has released his new album, ‘Heal the Divide,’ which features the single, ‘Hold My Reservation,’ which speaks to Toney’s love of his home in Unama’ki/Cape Breton. The new album also features the musical expertise of Gordie Sampson on guitar, which creates a ‘Cape-Breton-meets-Nashville sound.
Port Hawkesbury experiencing town-wide power outage, cause unknown
Advertisement 1 • Article content As of early this morning, Port Hawkesbury began experiencing a town-wide power affecting upwards of 1500 customers. Cause is currently unknown and restoration time is predicted to be 12:00 P.M. Power outage has resulted in the closing of Nova Scotia Community College Strait Area campus.
North Sydney Food Bank volunteer receives King Charles III Coronation Medal
Advertisement 1 • • Article content Receiving a King Charles III Coronation Medal was a long time coming for Lawrence Shebib, a Sydney resident well-known for his decades of volunteer work with the North Sydney Food Bank. The King Charles III Coronation Medal represents the highest recognition of service and community impact.
Feds announce $7.1 million investment into Mi'kmaw Kina'matnewey Original
The federal government announced an investment of $7.1 million over five years to Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey to support the revitalization of the Mi’kmaw language in Nova Scotia. The announcement was made by Jaime Battiste, Member of Parliament for Sydney-Victoria, on behalf of the Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Canadian Heritage.
“I just don’t trust the dogs”: Eskasoni resident shares concerning experience with roaming dogs in community Original
Margaret Bernard can’t let her cat, Sparkles, outside anymore for fear that he won’t come back home. Not because of Sparkles, but because of the dozens of dogs that currently roam around her community of Eskasoni. Bernard is among many who are experiencing the effects of having many loose dogs roaming around their homes and causing them to feel restricted to their houses. “There’s too many dogs and other cats that want to fight him. One time, a dog almost got him.
CBRM’s Creative Catalyst Program now open for 2025 applications
Skip to Content Advertisement 1 • • Article content The Cape Breton Regional Municipality has opened the 2025 applications for their Creative Catalyst Program. The Creative Catalyst Program supports local artists who are embarking on their arts career, exploring different creative paths, or creating without the intent to monetize. Since its launch in 2023, it has provided approximately $75,000 to nearly 40 artists.
'I just don’t trust the dogs': Eskasoni resident shares concerning experience with roaming dogs
Skip to Content Advertisement 1 • Article content Margaret Bernard can’t let her cat, Sparkles, outside anymore for fear that he won’t come back home. Not because of Sparkles, but because of the dozens of dogs that currently roam around her community of Eskasoni. Bernard is among many who are experiencing the effects of having many loose dogs roaming around their homes and causing them to feel restricted to their houses.
‘It’s just a natural thing,’: River Bourgeois couple recognized for lifetime of community volunteering
Advertisement 1 • • Article content River Bourgeois wouldn’t be what it is today without the dedication to volunteering of Henrietta and Arthur Doary. The retired couple is well-known in the area as a force of good, which earned them recognition from Richmond County as their volunteers of the month for December.
Two-time JUNO Award-winning Oji-Cree artist Aysanabee playing the Savoy Theatre
Glace Bay will have the opportunity to listen to the musical creations of two-time JUNO award-winning Oji-Cree artist Aysanabee at the Savoy Theatre on March 12th. The Indigenous artist will be stopping in during his first-ever Canadian headlining tour, ‘Now and Then.’ Aysanabee is an alternative indie artist who is a member of the Sucker Clan from the Sandy Lake First Nation in Northwestern Ontario. He is currently based out of Toronto and creates music under his mother’s maiden name.
‘Move freely without fear’: Wagmatcook finalizing plans for an active transportation network
Wagmatcook is entering the final design and concept stage for improving the active transportation infrastructure within the community. Through collaboration with Cycling Nova Scotia and the provincial Blue Route initiative, Wagmatcook is finalizing plans for the addition of a community-length multipurpose trail and safer Trans-Canada highway crossing options. The project initially began in Spring 2022, shared Wagmatcook C.E.O. Donald Hanson.
‘Move freely without fear’: Wagmatcook finalizing plans for an active transportation network
Wagmatcook is entering the final design and concept stage for improving the active transportation infrastructure within the community. Through collaboration with Cycling Nova Scotia and the provincial Blue Route initiative, Wagmatcook is finalizing plans for the addition of a community-length multipurpose trail and safer Trans-Canada highway crossing options. The project initially began in Spring 2022, shared Wagmatcook C.E.O. Donald Hanson.
New Waterford duo Hearts of Kin release new single
Skip to Content Advertisement 1 • Article content New Waterford dynamic duo ‘Hearts of Kin’ have released a new single just in time for the month of love. Hearts of Kin is comprised of sisters Shellie Tobin and Danielle MacDonald, who formed their band in 2019 and released their debut album in 2023. Their plan for 2025 is to release a collection of singles, starting with their new song, ‘Natural.’ “This is the first single that we’ve released since our debut album and we’re really excited.
‘Move freely without fear’: Wagmatcook finalizing plans for an active transportation network
Skip to Content Advertisement 1 • Article content Wagmatcook is entering the final design and concept stage for improving the active transportation infrastructure within the community. Through collaboration with Cycling Nova Scotia and the provincial Blue Route initiative, Wagmatcook is finalizing plans for the addition of a community-length multi-purpose trail and safer Trans-Canada Highway crossing options.
Protecting and promoting Indigenous creators: Mikmawitasik: Mi’kmaq-Made Mark initiative authenticates creators
A new Mi’kmaq initiative is giving Mi’kmaq creators a venue to authenticate and market their craft. Mikmawitasik: Mi’kmaq-Made Mark has launched their pilot project, which provides ID numbers and background pages to registered members who have proven their Mi’kmaq roots. Advisory board member Jeff Ward enthusiastically promotes the initiative, stating that it’s about more than being authentic. “It’s our authentic gateway to enrich our culture in communities in Nova Scotia.
‘Everyone deserves this type of medicine’: Membertou youth attend culture camp at Caribou Marsh
Connecting with nature is a huge part of Mi’kmaq culture, shared Membertou’s Shanna Francis, which was the catalyst behind a youth culture camp at Caribou Marsh in January. Francis organized the camp with her partner Counsellor Craig Christmas and his best friend Warren LaPorte after she and Christmas had the idea on a wintery walk with their baby. “We just had a baby and we’ve been taking our baby out into the woods with us.
Protecting and promoting Indigenous creators: Mikmawitasik: Mi’kmaq-Made Mark initiative authenticates creators
A new Mi’kmaq initiative is giving Mi’kmaq creators a venue to authenticate and market their craft. Mikmawitasik: Mi’kmaq-Made Mark has launched their pilot project, which provides ID numbers and background pages to registered members who have proven their Mi’kmaq roots. Advisory board member Jeff Ward enthusiastically promotes the initiative, stating that it’s about more than being authentic. “It’s our authentic gateway to enrich our culture in communities in Nova Scotia.
Protecting and promoting Indigenous creators: Mikmawitasik: Mi’kmaq-Made Mark initiative authenticates creators
A new Mi’kmaq initiative is giving Mi’kmaq creators a venue to authenticate and market their craft. Mikmawitasik: Mi’kmaq-Made Mark has launched their pilot project, which provides ID numbers and background pages to registered members who have proven their Mi’kmaq roots. Advisory board member Jeff Ward enthusiastically promotes the initiative, stating that it’s about more than being authentic. “It’s our authentic gateway to enrich our culture in communities in Nova Scotia.
‘Everyone deserves this type of medicine’: Membertou youth attend culture camp at Caribou Marsh
Connecting with nature is a huge part of Mi’kmaq culture, shared Membertou’s Shanna Francis, which was the catalyst behind a youth culture camp at Caribou Marsh in January. Francis organized the camp with her partner Counsellor Craig Christmas and his best friend Warren LaPorte after she and Christmas had the idea on a wintery walk with their baby. “We just had a baby and we’ve been taking our baby out into the woods with us.
‘Everyone deserves this type of medicine’: Membertou youth attend culture camp at Caribou Marsh
Connecting with nature is a huge part of Mi’kmaq culture, shared Membertou’s Shanna Francis, which was the catalyst behind a youth culture camp at Caribou Marsh in January. Francis organized the camp with her partner Counsellor Craig Christmas and his best friend Warren LaPorte after she and Christmas had the idea on a wintery walk with their baby. “We just had a baby and we’ve been taking our baby out into the woods with us.
WAGE funding helping promote equity and safety for women in Cape Breton
Skip to Content Advertisement 1 • Article content Recipients of the federal government’s Women and Gender Equality (WAGE) funding in July are putting the funding to use to promote equity and safety for women in Cape Breton. The WAGE funding was allotted for capacity-building within the chosen organizations, which included Techsploration, a women/gender-diverse career exploration organization.
Protecting and promoting Indigenous creators: Mikmawitasik: Mi’kmaq-Made Mark initiative authenticates creators
Advertisement 1 • Article content A new Mi’kmaq initiative is giving Mi’kmaq creators a venue to authenticate and market their craft. Mikmawitasik: Mi’kmaq-Made Mark has launched its pilot project, which provides identification numbers and background pages to registered members who have proven their Mi’kmaq roots. Advisory board member Jeff Ward enthusiastically promotes the initiative, stating that it’s about more than being authentic.
‘Safer and more accessible community’: Whycocomagh developing concept for increased accessibility
Advertisement 1 • • Article content Whycocomagh has entered the starting stages of creating a more accessible and pedestrian-friendly community. The Whycocomagh Active Transportation and Detailed Design Plan will tackle the current roadway situation which prioritizes vehicles over foot traffic, explained Inverness deputy CAO Melanie Beaton.
‘I’m not going to show my cards’: Cape Breton MP Battiste continues leadership funding efforts
Advertisement 1 • • Article content Jaime Battiste is feeling good about getting on the Liberal ballot after officially submitting his application for Liberal leadership last Friday. Surprisingly, Battiste shared that acquiring the funding to meet the first entrance fee instalment of $50,000 wasn’t the biggest obstacle he’s overcome since announcing his intention to run on Jan. 13. On Jan.
'The calm in the chaos': Meet Darwin, Nova Scotia's only facility support dog
Advertisement 1 • • Article content Leeside Society’s facility support dog Darwin is a crowd favourite, beloved by shelter clients and staff alike. The two-year-old golden lab/retriever mix has been hard at work at the Leeside Society Transition House in Port Hawkesbury since he was brought to Nova Scotia in June 2024. His primary handler Kelsee Burke, a crisis counsellor at Leeside, was the catalyst in bringing the service of a facility support dog to Cape Breton.
BREAKING: Indigenous MP Jaime Battiste submits application for Liberal leadership Original
Jaime Battiste has officially met the criteria to run as a Liberal candidate in the race to replace Justin Trudeau. Battiste made the announcement during a Mi’kmaq Chiefs Meeting in Dartmouth this morning. Battiste is the first Indigenous Liberal PM candidate and, if successful, would be Canada’s first Indigenous prime minister.
Cape Breton MP Jaime Battiste officially submits application for Liberal leadership
Advertisement 1 • Article content Jaime Battiste has officially met the criteria to run as a candidate in the race to replace Justin Trudeau as leader of the Liberal Party of Canada. Battiste made the announcement during a Mi’kmaq chiefs meeting in Dartmouth this morning. Battiste is the first Indigenous Liberal PM candidate and, if successful, would be Canada’s first Indigenous prime minister.
BRIEF: Atlantic Economic Council releases Indigenous Partnership Best Practices report
The Atlantic Economic Council released an Indigenous Partnership Best Practices report on Wednesday to guide non-Indigenous organizations towards effective Indigenous partnerships. The report was in collaboration with Membertou’s Chief and C.E.O. Terry Paul and McInnes Cooper and reflects on the best practices in fostering partnerships with Atlantic Canada’s Indigenous communities.
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