Considered one of the pillars in the revitalization of the Mi’kmaw language; Elizabeth (Ryan) Paul was an absolute master in this field. Her sudden passing is a great loss for the Mi’kmaw Nation. Dr. Bernie Francis, Doctor of Civil Law, Author, Linguist, Advocate, Mentor and Dear Friend of Elizabeth quotes; “Having lost one of our best language ambassadors, the Mi’kmaw language has taken a severe hit. Elizabeth created a mountain of curriculum work which will serve our children for years to come.”
On Sunday December 1, 2019, our beautiful mother, Elizabeth Ann Paul, passed away at the age of 69. Elizabeth’s late husband, her beloved Ryan Paul, released her from suffering and embraced her to begin her journey into heaven. Elizabeth was born on November 21, 1950 in Antigonish, NS to Margaret ‘Dr. Granny’ Johnson and John T. Johnson. She grew up in Eskasoni and on September 7, 1968 she married Ryan Paul. Together, they raised three daughters; Carol Ann, Starr, Dwan, and two sons; George and Sean.
Elizabeth began her work with Mi’kmaw language revitalization at the Micmac Association of Cultural Studies (MACS) in the late seventies. It was here, at MACS that she began studying the rudimentary techniques of reading and writing in her language, Mi’kmaw, under the instructors; the late Sarah Denny, Peter Christmas and Bernie Francis. It was not long before her teachers recognized her keen interest and how quickly she understood the concepts of the Smith Francis Orthography. Elizabeth attended the University of New Brunswick where she obtained her Bachelor of Education. Elizabeth’s passion for teaching was reflected in the learning experiences of her many students. Her unique and fun loving nature was apparent in her teachings and she has made an impact on many students, both young and old.
Elizabeth began her teaching career at Mi’kmawey School in Potlotek along with ‘Language Pioneers,’ Dr. Marie Battiste and the late Dr. Murdena Marshall. Elizabeth then continued her work in Mi’kmaw language at the Eskasoni and Elementary Junior High School. She strengthened her roots working with linguistics at the University College of Cape Breton and McGill University. She then expanded her role as Professor of Mi’kmaw, through extensive contract work and teaching language throughout Mi’kma’ki. Elizabeth worked with various publications meticulously translating and editing text into Mi’kmaw, one text in particular; The Stone Canoe authored by Peter Sanger and illustrated by Alan Syliboy. Elizabeth’s work became indispensable in the support and development of Mi’kmaw language curriculum. In 2009, her work became full circle, because it was at Ta’n L’nuey Etl-Mawlukwatmumk (TLE) that Elizabeth was able to fully commit to the critical role she played in the revitalization of the Mi’kmaw language along with her dynamic team of language warriors; Barbara Sylliboy and Arlene Stevens. The trio worked simultaneously, translating and editing text, not only for the Eskasoni School Board but other organizations such as Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey, Eastern Woodland Publishing, Mi’kmawey Debert, Parks Canada, Nova Scotia Government, Nova Scotia Education and Early Childhood Development, UINR, Working Time, RCMP, Service Canada, Residential and Day School settlements, Census Canada, Eskasoni Health Centre and Mark Parkhill. Elizabeth was a valuable member of the Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey Advisory Board where she and her peers provided input and guidance in the creation of policy and curriculum.
Elizabeth’s love for language was just one of many passions. Her early interests included traveling with Dr. Granny (a skilled and talented basket maker) to cultural showcases, beadwork, bingo, karaoke, cards and “double-up.” It was through these social circles, Elizabeth shared her infectious laughter and extraordinary sense of humour. No one was more dear to Elizabeth than her family. Elizabeth was preceded in death by her father, John T. Johnson, her mother, Margaret Johnson, her brothers, Arthur Julian, Ralph Julian, Prentice Johnson, her sisters, Linda Moore, Joan Marshall, foster son John Duncan Doucette and her beloved husband, Ryan Joseph Paul. She is survived by her children, 2 sons; George (Mary), Sean Ryan (Kissy), 3 daughters; Carol Ann (Joe), Starr and Dwan Starr, and her “Ja’li” Dallas; grandchildren; Shawnee, George Brett, Brayden, Reanne, Jolie, Rhenda, Walter Sean Ryan, Keisha, Deniro, Nathaniel, Shaelyn, Camryn, Maisyn, Derek Mike, Suzy Anne, Harry, Nicola, and Diya. Her brothers; Albert (Goly), Gerald, Gerard (Regina), Tom (Elizabeth), Derek (Sharon), and her sisters; Lottie, Patricia, Carol, Mary (Allan), and her godchildren; Rhonda, Nerissa, Scotty, Michael, Anne Francine, Arthur, Carlee and Kirsten Jas.
Elizabeth’s family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Virick, his wife, Mabel Anne, Dr. Milburne, the entire staff at the Cape Breton Cancer Centre, and the staff at 4B Cape Breton Regional Hospital, your support during this short but difficult time is greatly appreciated, Wela’liek. Special thanks to all family and friends who came to celebrate her birthday a week before her passing, and to Elizabeth’s helpers and friends, Nora and Mike.
Visitation will take place at 1 Elizabethryan Lane, Eskasoni, Nova Scotia, commencing Thursday, December 5, 2019 at 7 o’clock p.m. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2019 at 1 o’clock p.m. at Eskasoni Holy Family Parish. Flowers may be sent to the home and memorial donations can be made in Elizabeth’s name to the Cape Breton Cancer Centre. Memories and condolences may be forwarded to the family by visiting www.twcurry.com.
