Mary Jane a Mi'kmag native is one of 15 chil-dren and was born and raised on the Big Cove Indian Reserve in New Brunswick. She attended school on the Reserve until she was 16 years old, then left school to work. In March of 1964, Mary Jane married her husband, Donald and had 5 children. When her youngest son was 4 years old, she decided to go back to school and resume her education. She began by enrolling in Community College and continued thereon until she eventually received her Bachelor of Education degree in 1995.

Mart Jane feels it is impor-tant for children to learn life skills in their daily learning as well as intellectual growth. Children need to expand on their previous experiences in order to feel comfortable and enjoy learning Mary Jane's community of Red Bank consists of 500 community members.

Just recently they opened Mother Earth Lodge, a healing place. At Mother Earth Lodge, there is drum-ming, talking circles as well as various support groups. This place will also serve as an outreach for individuals who have just come out of treatment and need the necessary support to continue their healing. There are no skating rinks or arena's in Red Banks, so everyone skates on the river. Every year in Red Bank is the Winter Carni-val during which time they have many activities including a Sled Parade for the youth. There will also be presenters to teach the youth basket making, quillwork and beading. Elders will be present to tell stories and legends.

As summer approaches, Red Banks holds their annual Pow Wow during the last days of June. They have quite a large turnout from surrounding com-munities in Scotia and Maine. There is salmon and trout fishing in Red Bank. Prior to the annual Pow Wow, the annual Trout Fishing Tournament is held every spring on Victoria Day Weekend.

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