POSTPONED Presentation: Suliewey: The Sequel to My Indian
Date: Sep 30
2:30 pm
- 3:30 pm
Where: Theatre
Special Presentation: Suliewey: The Sequel to My Indian with authors Chief Mi’sel Joe and Sheila O’Neill
Join Mi’kmaq authors, Chief Mi’sel Joe and Sheila O’Neill for a special presentation on their latest novel, Suliewey: The Sequel to My Indian. This work continues the story of Mi’kmaw guide Sylvester Joe, whose traditional name is Suliewey, as he seeks out the last remaining Beothuk community.
In My Indian, Sylvester was hired by William Cormack in 1822 to guide him across Newfoundland in search of Beothuk encampments. In fact, he followed the advice of his Elders and guided Cormack away from the Beothuk.
In this sequel, having parted ways with Cormack at St. George’s Bay, Sylvester decides to go out on his own, in search of the winter camp of the last of the remaining Beothuk.
Written as fiction by two Mi’kmaw authors, Suliewey supports Mi’kmaw oral history of friendly relationships with the Beothuk.
The novel reclaims the settler narrative that the Beothuk and the Mi’kmaq of Newfoundland were enemies and represents an existing kinship between the Mi’kmaq and the Beothuk.
Rich in oral history, the descriptions of traditional ceremonies and sacred medicines, the use of Mi’kmaw language, and the teachings of two-spirit place readers on the land and embed them in the strong relationships described throughout the book.
This is a free event but a ticket is required. Please reserve your free ticket online or by calling (709)757-8090.
About the Authors:
Sheila O’Neill is from Kippens, NL, and is a member of Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation. Sheila is a mother and grandmother and has a solid background in Indigenous issues and post-secondary education. Sheila is a Drum Carrier and carries many teachings passed down by respected Elders. As a founding member and past President of the Newfoundland Aboriginal Women’s Network (NAWN), she has been part of a grassroots movement of empowerment of Indigenous women within the island portion of Newfoundland and Labrador. An experienced educator, Sheila has worked as a communications instructor with College of the North Atlantic (CNA) in both Newfoundland and Labrador and Doha, Qatar. Sheila holds a BA and BEd, both from Memorial University. She lives in St. John’s.
Saqamaw Mi’sel Joe, LLD, CM, is the author of Muinji’j Becomes a Man and My Indian. He has been the District Traditional Chief of Miawpukek First Nation since 1983, appointed by the late Grand Chief Donald Marshall. Mi’sel Joe is considered the Spiritual Chief of the Mi’kmaq of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Presented in partnership with Breakwater Books.
This special presentation is part of several activities at The Rooms to mark September 30, the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, and part of ongoing year-round programs highlighting Indigenous histories, perspectives and cultures.
Today's Events & Programs
Your Friday’s Just Got Creative
Whether you’re a confident sketcher looking for community and inspiration, or someone who’s always wanted to try drawing but never felt brave enough—this is your chance!
Join us in a welcoming, relaxed environment where creativity flows and everyone belongs. Each week, we explore a new theme while building our skills and own drawing style. From investigating the intricate details of our natural history collection to learning and drawing from our gallery exhibitions.
What to Expect:
• A supportive space to learn, share, and enjoy art together
• Guided exercises with an experienced instructor
• Tips and techniques for all skill levels
• Quality drawing supplies provided (or bring your favorite sketchbook!)
No pressure, just possibilities. Come for the art, stay for the conversation.
Cost: $25 per session plus HST. 10% discount for members. Reserve your spot today online or by calling (709) 757-8090
Let’s draw together at The Rooms!
What fills the void when a species disappears?
Legends from the past and lessons for the future.
Step into our Connections Gallery and hear the stories of the Great Auk, the Newfoundland Wolf, and endangered whales as they echo across the ages through their body and bones.
Commiserate with the extinct, heed the calls of the endangered, and get hands on with remarkable specimens. Then, stand in awe before The Earth, Our Mother, Billy Gauthier’s breathtaking sculpture carved from the skull of a fin whale.
Join us for an unforgettable experience where science meets storytelling and leave inspired, with a deeper love for the rich natural history of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Included in the cost of admission. This tour is suitable for all ages and includes unique specimens not currently on display.
Your Friday’s Just Got Creative
Whether you’re a confident sketcher looking for community and inspiration, or someone who’s always wanted to try drawing but never felt brave enough—this is your chance!
Join us in a welcoming, relaxed environment where creativity flows and everyone belongs. Each week, we explore a new theme while building our skills and own drawing style. From investigating the intricate details of our natural history collection to learning and drawing from our gallery exhibitions.
What to Expect:
• A supportive space to learn, share, and enjoy art together
• Guided exercises with an experienced instructor
• Tips and techniques for all skill levels
• Quality drawing supplies provided (or bring your favorite sketchbook!)
No pressure, just possibilities. Come for the art, stay for the conversation.
Cost: $25 per session plus HST. 10% discount for members. Reserve your spot today online or by calling (709) 757-8090
Let’s draw together at The Rooms!
Fishing for Cod
For centuries, fishing for cod has played a vital role in the lives of the peoples of Newfoundland and Labrador. Generations of fishing men, women, and children made use of the land and sea to sustain them and spent their lives “making fish.”
Each tour is approximately 30–40 minutes and is included in the cost of admission. Free for Rooms members.
In celebration of Black History Month, join us for a special evening of music and poetry in partnership with SARfest, featuring performances by local artists Mado & Sam and Project Highlife.
This event was organized in conjunction with SARfest, the ‘St. John’s African Roots Festival’, which promotes African and Afro-descendant cultures in Newfoundland and Labrador through festivals, Black History Month celebrations, workshops, and other events.
Tickets: $15 plus HST. 10% discount for Rooms members. Get your tickets online or by calling 709-757-8090.
About the Performers:
Sam Youbal is a young self-taught musician, producer, and music director known for his passion for music. Fluent in more than four languages, Sam bridges cultural and musical boundaries with ease, bringing a unique global touch to every project
Madeline Diamond-Grah (professionally known as Mado) is an emerging musician and performer celebrated for her expressive voice, compelling stage presence, and emotional range. A bilingual artist fluent in English and French, Mado is passionate about connecting with diverse audiences through music.
Project Highlife is a dynamic musical collective led by Ghanaian bassist George Gogoe, featuring Khamadi “JJ” Ojiambo on guitar (Kenya), Julien Bouchard on drums and percussion(Canada), and Elena Vigna on violin (Mexico). Based in St. John’s, Newfoundland, the group delivers an electrifying fusion of highlife and Afropop, blending deep, infectious bass grooves, driving percussion, and expressive violin melodies into a distinctive, high-energy sound.