Moccasin Tracks

John Nick Jeddore is a Mi'kmaw elder, living in Conne River, Bay D’Espoir. A long-time local entrepreneur, he has also been an active and prominent member of the community, serving as the first president of the Conne River Native Council and as a councillor with the Miawpukek Band Council. John Nick has always taken pride in keeping traditions alive. He is often invited to the local school to share his knowledge, memories, and experiences with the students, whom he hopes will in turn pass on his stories to their own children some day. Now in his 90s, John Nick likes to keep busy by carving wooden replicas of eel spears, exercising on his treadmill, cooking, keeping in touch with friends and family through social media, and travelling. He still enjoys a meal of fish and wild meat, and is grateful that community members often share their catch with him. John Nick is the recipient of several awards, including the "Tradition Bearer" Award from the Historic Commemorations Program (2012), the Seniors of Distinction Award for being a "Keeper of Knowledge" (2010), a Lifetime Achievement Award for Long-time Entrepreneur from the Atlantic Aboriginal Achievement Awards (2007), and the Donald Marshall Memorial Elder Award (2005).

"An unsentimental record of a life lived, of a Conne River Indian who respects the tradition he was born into and recognizes its vulnerability to a newer age…Jeddore's senses are finely tuned." - Newfoundland and Labrador Book Award Jury