Maggie Paul facts for kids

Maggie Paul is an important Indigenous elder, teacher, and song keeper. She belongs to the Passamaquoddy people. Maggie Paul has traveled all over the world. She shares the culture of the Maliseet and Passamaquoddy people. She is also a sweat lodge keeper. Maggie Paul is well-known for her beautiful singing. She performs and records many traditional songs. She was born in Maine. She raised six children. Most of her adult life, she lived on the Maliseet St. Mary's First Nation in York County, New Brunswick.

Sharing Traditional Songs

Maggie Paul has made two music CDs. These CDs have many traditional songs from the Passamaquoddy and Maliseet people. She uses songs in special Indigenous ceremonies. She also uses music to help young people find their own voice.

In 2018, a musician named Jeremy Dutcher won a big award. It was the Polaris Prize for his album Wolastoqiyik Lintuwakonawa. When he accepted the award, he thanked Maggie Paul. She was there as his special guest. Maggie Paul had encouraged him to study the old songs of his community. Her request led Jeremy Dutcher to work on his album. He listened to old recordings of music and language from the Wolastoq nation. These recordings were over a hundred years old.

Awards and Recognition

In 2014, Maggie Paul received a special honor. She won an Indspire Award. This award was in the category of culture, heritage, and art. The Indspire Awards celebrate Indigenous people each year. They recognize leaders who have done amazing things. These people make big contributions to their communities and to Canada.