St. Anne's Mission Potlotek
The following Video was developed by Ray Doucette of Membertou. This video shows the Annual St. Anne's Mission in Potlotek thoughout the 1950's and the 1960's. The St. Anne's Mission is an annual celebration that is celebrated by all Mi'kmaq in all communities throughout the Atlantic. Potlotek, Chapel Island, is the main community where the Mi'kmaq have gathered for hundreds of years to celebrate St.Anne's Mission. This video not only shows the gathering in Chapel Island but also shows the St. Anne's celebrations that occurred in Membertou every year as well.
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This is an introductory section to the video of Chapel Island which is featured in the following 10 video excerpts.
View of Island from other side - 5:34
This video clip shows a view of Chapel Island from the water and from Potlotek. The video shows various Mi’kmaq people boarding boats heading to the Island for the St. Anne’s weekend celebrations. Some of the people that are identified in this summary include the late Chief Noel Doucette, the late Elizabeth and John McEwan of Membertou and the late Lawrence Paul Sr. of Eskasoni. Lawrence Paul Sr. operated boat transportation to and from the island for many years.
The video clip shows various daily activities occurring on the island during the Mission weekend. The clip features a child playing on the infamous cannon that was brought to the island from Louisbourg, after Louisbourg fell to the British. As well, the clip also shows the rock where the Abbe Maillard would give his sermons at. Many elders are shown in the video, who have long since passed on. This includes Frank Doucette of Membertou.
Bishops Arriving at Island - 7:39
The video clip shows the Bishops arriving at the island and the procession of Mi’kmaq altar boys who followed them on the island. Also shows the preparation of the altar for mass and the actual mass ceremony.
Video features the late Grand Chief Donald Marhsall, the late Chief Ben Christmas, and others giving speeches on the island. Also shows the ringing of the bell.
Video clip shows people socializing on the island and traditional dancing by the Kabatay family dancers. Also shows the late Charlie Gould, Margaret Johnson, and many others.
Woman Praying at the Monument - 4:34
This clip shows various people praying at the rock located on Chapel Island. Also shows many people socializing throughout the island.
Bishop Praying (Older Footage) - 6:50
Video footage featuring Chapel Island ceremonies. This clip shows the late Grand Chief Alex Denny and the late Grand Chief Donald Marshall walking together. Also shows Grand Chied, Grand Captain and priests making speeches. Procession video features the carrying of the St. Anne Statue.
Membertou and Paqtnkek St. Anne’s Footage - 13:41
Video Clip features the St.Anne’s celebrations that occurred in Membertou. Clip shows the procession of community members going to the Church and as well, the elders sitting outside during the mass. Many elders and community members, who have long since passed on, are seen. The video also shows the St. Anne’s celebrations in the community of Paqtnkek. The ceremonies shown are at Walnek,(Summerside), where the church is located. Grand Council members and the Grand chief Donald Marshall Sr. are featured, as well as elders and community members
Merigomish St. Anne's Footage - 4:28
Video clip shows the late Chief Raymond Francis and the late Chief Peter Pierro of Paqtnkek. Also shows Frank Doucette and wife Mary Jane ( Mackenzie). Video footage also includes St. Anne’s procession, the carrying of the St. Anne’s statue and mass inside of the church.
Still Photos of Chapel Island and
Membertou Footage -
7:54
Various photos of people during the St. Anne’s ceremonies in Membertou and Chapel Island.