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Todd Labrador "Waterdancer"
~Sumgwon ick-dook nugee a-muk-gud~

Mi'kmaq Nation 

TODD LABRADOR "WATERDANCER": A seventh generation Mi'kmaq from the Kedgemakooge area of Nova Scotia is dedicated to nurturing his people's culture and traditions. A former student of the Nova Scotia Teacher's College, the 45 year old traditional artist and artisan values his chosen way of educating. Born in Bridgewater N.S., he's spent most of his years on the Wildcat reserve in Queen's County. He makes drums, baskets, rock etchings , waltes games and is a self-taught builder of Birch bark canoes that come in various sizes. Just recently, Todd has completed a full size birch bark canoe for the Bear River First Nations new cultural centre . It was his first full size canoe. He and his father had planned for years to revive this almost forgotten tradition, and after many years and hurtles he has succeeded.

Todd's wife Lori , daughter Melissa , son Matthew and step-daughters Lindsey and Courtney play an important role in his life . He's ever grateful to his mother, Juanita, and father the late chief, spiritual healer Charlie Labrador. He's also very thankful to his great-grandfather Joe Jermey of the Wildcat reserve, who passed on when Todd was an infant. Through his father, Todd has learned much about his great grandfathers ways and wisdom. Both, his father and great grandfather had much respect for mother earth and all it's inhabitants . They were both basket makers and Joe was a birch bark canoe builder. It is very important for Todd to keep their ways alive, and he believes that he can do this through his art. 

For the past several years Todd has be taking his knowledge into schools through out south western Nova Scotia. He also teaches Cultural awareness to various groups and organizations. Todd believes that by teaching the youth , whether it be drum making or canoe building, that this will ensure that these ways are not lost and that they will be there for our future generations .

He has just recently traveled abroad to learn a few beneficial techniques from a well known canoe builder in Quebec. During that time he had the opportunity to assist in building a 8ft canoe. Todd is very honored to have had this chance of expanding his already apparent skill. He gives great credit to the teachings of not only fellow canoe builders, but also to his Father for the guidance he has given him through the years and continues to do so.

Todd believes that this gift he has is something he must share with others to ensure that birch bark canoe building is not a lost art.

Todd & his dog Pete cooking lunch - Rossignal area, Nova Scotia	Todd's first full size birch bark canoe	Todd working on a 14ft canoe at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic in Halifax, Nova Scotia
Loyal assistant and best friend, Pete