Albert Marshall

Elder Dr. Albert Marshall has devoted his life to tirelessly preserving, strengthening, and spreading Mi’kmaq culture, language, values, and concepts. He is a co-creator of the influential Etuaptmumk/Two-Eyed Seeing (E/TES) guiding principle, which serves to integrate traditional Indigenous ways of knowing with other systems of thought, synthesizing them to create a strong, healthy common ground. Not only has it been profoundly meaningful for Indigenous peoples, it has also been important for non-Indigenous organizations who are endeavouring to become healthier, more welcoming spaces for Indigenous peoples.

Elder Albert and his late wife, Elder Dr. Murdena Marshall, travelled across Turtle Island to speak about E/TES to a wide variety of institutions, promoting E/TES as a model for intercultural collaboration. Elder Albert has published widely, with his works serving as valuable guides that have shaped everything from environmental decision-making to health research to economic development.

Within his Eskasoni community, Elder Albert shares his knowledge through workshops and mentors youth as well as adult community members who want to learn more about their Mi’kmaq culture. His work with the Unama’ki Institute of Natural Resources has been influential for decades.

Whether he was speaking in Europe about the dangers of Agent Orange, working to achieve recognition of Dakota sacred lands at Oheyawahi in Minnesota, or teaching in Eskasoni about the importance of eel harvesting, Elder Albert has always remained firmly rooted in the Mi’kmaq Seven Guiding Principles – and has touched countless hearts and minds in the process.