"My name is Doris A. Googoo. I was born on U’namaki’k, also known as Cape Breton Island. I am proud to have three adult children and four grandchildren, who reside in We’koqmaq First Nation on Cape Breton Island. Additionally, I am the owner of three Bengal cats—Pi’kun, Maq, and Wa’pikat—that are lively and affectionate. With over 30 years of experience in teaching and sharing Mi’kmaw knowledge and cultural traditions, I am committed to instructing students at UPEI in the Mi’kmaw language and cultural practices. I am dedicated to the ongoing study and promotion of our cultural heritage and traditions."

What brought you to UPEI and the Faculty of Indigenous Knowledge, Education, Research, and Applied Studies?

My decision to join UPEI was driven by my passion for the Mi’kmaw language and my desire to share and teach students the basics of Mi’kmaw language acquisition, including an understanding of its grammatical structure. 

What courses are you teaching currently?

I am currently instructing the Mi’kmaw Language, specifically the Introduction Course (IKE-2010). In the Fall Semester of this year, I also had the opportunity to teach the Waban Peace/Friend Treaties course (IKE-3340) and the Indigenous Teachings of Turtle Island course (IKE-1040). I have found each of these teaching experiences to be highly rewarding. 
 

Are you involved in any current research, and how would you describe your areas of expertise?

I am currently not involved in any research projects, but I look forward to participating in future initiatives. Presently, we are developing a Pressbook for the Mi’kmaw language, and I am eager to see the final product. This project would not have been possible without the valuable contributions of Donald Moses and Robbie Squires. 

"From a young age, I naturally inquired about my cultural heritage within my family. However, I was encouraged to focus primarily on the education provided through the school system. As a young girl, I developed a strong desire to learn more about our Mi’kmaw people and the culture associated with the Mi’kmaw language."

What do you find unique and interesting about UPEI’s Faculty of Indigenous Knowledge, Education, Research, and Applied Studies?

What I find uniquely compelling about UPEI’s Faculty of Indigenous Knowledge, Education, Research, and Applied Studies is that it is the second Indigenous faculty of its kind in Canada. We have experienced growth and are continually developing courses that are distinctive and essential for the education of UPEI students. Our team collaborates effectively and is dedicated to working diligently to ensure our students receive the highest quality education. Our goal is to provide our students with the essential teaching tools to excel in any endeavour they undertake beyond the campus setting. 
 

Where does your passion for teaching the Mi’kmaw language and cultural ways come from?

My passion for teaching stems from my experiences as a young Mi’kmaw girl. From a young age, I naturally inquired about my cultural heritage within my family. However, I was encouraged to focus primarily on the education provided through the school system. As a young girl, I developed a strong desire to learn more about our Mi’kmaw people and the culture associated with the Mi’kmaw language. I am committed to sharing knowledge about the Mi’kmaw language and culture to foster greater understanding and appreciation. 

What do you hope your students take from your courses, and from your sharing of knowledge?

I aim for UPEI students who participate in my Mi’kmaw Language course to leave with confidence in their understanding of the basic language structure and grammar. I have had students visit my office to share their experiences of introducing the Mi’kmaw Language to friends and their professors.