Komqwejwi'kasikl, or Mi’kmaq (L’nuk) hieroglyphs, are part of a complex communication system sustained by L’nuk as long as they can remember. Translating roughly to suckerfish writings, which refers to the paths suckerfish leave on the river bottom as they move, Komqwejwi'kasikl is a symbolic language that was used by L’nuk for inscribing maps and tribal records — each character representing a concept that can be expressed through the the oral and written (phonetic) aspects of the language.

The trauma of colonization has impacted L’nuk culture, fragmenting knowledge and creating an interruption in the number of L’nu who speak the language. With loss of language comes loss of worldview and the way of relating with all kin, including the land — the origin of language.

Thankfully paths remain, and L’nuk artist — Michelle Sylliboy — walks these paths through her practice to engage in dialogue with the land, ancestors and cultural memory. Her creativity is an active relationship that listens to and honours the animacy of the land and culture of Mi’kma’ki, as well as the knowledge within.

Michelle Sylliboy approaches the L’nuk hieroglyphs as a “continuous hermeneutic discourse.” Through poetry, photography, sculpture and pedagogy, Sylliboy seeks to reclaim her Indigenous voice and the L’nuk way of life through tracing the lines and messages of the culture in the land and language—recognizing that the land speaks to us if we choose to listen. — LDD

https://michellesylliboy.bandcamp.com/album/live-at-obey-convention-2019

Award winning author and Interdisciplinary artist Michelle Sylliboy (Mi’kmaq/L’nu) was born in Boston, Massachusetts and raised on her traditional L'nuk territory in We'koqmaq, Cape Breton. While living on the traditional, unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, Sylliboy completed a BFA at Emily Carr University of Art + Design, and a Masters in Education from Simon Fraser University. She is currently a PhD candidate in Simon Fraser University’s Philosophy of Education program, where she is working to reclaim her original written komqwej’wikasikl language. Her collection of photography and L’nuk hieroglyphic poetry, Kiskajeyi—I Am Ready, was published by Rebel Mountain Press in 2019 now available as an ebook. She was recently appointed at St FX University as new tenure track faculty in Education, Modern Language and Fine Arts departments.

Lindsay Dawn Dobbin is a Kanien'kehá:ka - Acadian - Irish water protector, musician, artist, storyteller, educator and lifelong learner who gratefully lives and creates in Wabanaki Territory. Born in Kenepekachiachk—a tidal tributary of Wolastoq ("the beautiful river")—their practice follows the highest (and lowest) tides in the world within the traditional unceded lands of the Wəlastəkwiyik, L'nuk and Peskotomuhkati, Bay of Fundy.

Sound Artist Johnny Spence is a composer, musician, community arts facilitator, radio producer & sound artist. He strives to move through the world with open-ears and an open-heart. A resident of Tkaronto, he has been lucky enough to create, laugh, swim, farm, & love on Mi’kma’ki land and water for over half his life. He is grateful to the earth, the water, and the original peoples of the land for their generosity and compassion. Creating vibrations with this extraordinary ensemble alongside – and inspired by – Michelle’s radiant poetry is a true joy. Endless love and thanks to Billy & his entire extended family.

Nick Dourado is a sound artist, pianist and teacher. Member of the Creative Music Workshop in K'jipuktuk and mentored by Jerry Granelli their practice is based in spontaneous composition and non-linear time and space. They are a descendant of the Konkan people.

Recorded by Dario Lozano-Thornton at Paul O' Regan Hall, K'jipuktuk, Mi'kma'ki for Everyseeker Festival/Obey Convention 2019. Mixed and mastered by Dario Lozano-Thornton and Nicholas Dourado. All music composed, arranged and performed by Lindsay Dobbin, Nicholas Dourado, Johnny Spence and Michelle Sylliboy.

Here’s a great interview with Michelle Sylliboy, which includes some details of our collaborative work together: https://www.bodyliterature.com/2022/09/08/interview-with-artist-michelle-sylliboy/