Thomas Johnson, founder of Kji-Wikuom Studios and Executive Director at the Eskasoni Fish & Wildlife Commission, is a passionate advocate for Mi’kmaw language preservation.
As Chair for the Canadian Commission of United Nations Education Science Culture Organization, he actively engages in language advocacy, contributing to the Nova Scotia Language Legislation Committee and National Weather Network Indigenous Advisory Circle.
A co-founder of the Eskasoni Mi’kmaw Language Initiative, Thomas is a first language speaker actively involved in film productions as an advisor, voice actor and musician. As President of Universal Connections and Multimedia Enterprises, he specializes in audio/video production. With three decades of experience, Thomas collaborates with knowledge keepers and elders of Mi'kma'ki, tirelessly researching and preserving traditional knowledge, medicines, and traditional activities.
His career reflects a commitment to sustaining language, culture, and natural resources, bringing the Mi'kmaq people and their language to the world.
Tristan Johnson is an audio/video editor at Kji-Wikuom Studios. With a passion for the preservation of the Mi’kmaw language and a deep understanding of the importance of this endeavor, he plays a key role in documenting and ensuring the quality of our community's most precious resource.
In his role at Kji-Wikuom Studios, Tristan is responsible for filming and recording video projects, cataloging and storing footage into our database, editing video projects and audio recordings, and writing relevant material pertaining to ongoing projects. These roles and the work involved help Tristan contribute to Kji-Wikuom’s goal of the preservation and revitalization of the Mi'kmaw language.
Outside of work, Tristan enjoys watching movies & TV, and enjoys socializing with friends through a variety of video/card/board games. He's always looking for inspiration to frame the many projects that make their way to the studio.
Janaya Paul is the studio coordinator at Kji-Wikuom Studios. Since Mi’kmaw is her first language, she brings the skills necessary to read, write and converse in her first language. These skills are essential to the studio's prime focus of language preservation/revitalization.
In her role at Kji-Wikuom Studios, Janaya oversees the day-to-day coordination of the studio. A typical day may involve setting up interviews with elders and first language speakers, developing programs and programming for the studio, assigning time slots for various shoots and recording sessions, networking with other media organizations, and providing the resources for continuous development. Everything Janaya does helps the studio further enhance its capacity produce the best content possible to help achieve its objectives.
Outside of work, Janaya enjoys going for hikes around Unama’kik (Cape Breton Island), going to the gym, and building friendships and connections with other first language speakers around Mi’kma’ki.
(Mi’kma’ki encompasses Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, the island of Newfoundland, and parts of New Brunswick and Quebec.)
Jaiden Johnson is an audio/video editor at Kji-Wikuom Studios. With a deep love for the Mi’kmaw language, she ensures that everything we do is authentic and meets the highest quality standards. In her role at Kji-Wikuom Studios, Jaiden typically operates our studio cameras and edits video footage.
Jaiden is committed to sharing her expertise to teach others the importance of the Mi'kmaw language. She puts that into practice every day through the many videos and audio recordings produced by Kji-Wikuom Studios.
Outside of work, Jaiden enjoys playing video games, watching movies, and making traditional art. A little-known fact, she has a cat named Wybie!
Isaac Jeddore-Gould is Eskasoni's language coordinator. Mi’kmaw is Isaac's first language, and their passion for Mi’kmaq is present in all of the work that they do.
In their role at Kji-Wikuom Studios, Isaac primarily works with the Kji-Wikuom team to create and publish content. On any given day, they can be seen setting up a shoot, filming, and editing videos for Mi’kmaw speakers of all different levels.
Outside of work, Isaac enjoys watching movies, reading, creating art, and going to ceremony, which enriches their understanding of Mi’kmaq and its cultural significance.
Lenita Denny (aka Nita), is the engagement and outreach coordinator for the Eskasoni Fish and Wildlife Commission.
She is responsible for providing effective communication on activities, projects, programs and partnerships to the Eskasoni Chief and Council, Band staff, the community, partners and media. She is instrumental in the preparation of informational content, pictures, graphics and video, news articles, annual reports, social media and website content.
Nita is definitely an asset when she comes in to assist with special projects in and outside the studio.
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