Maggie Paul

Dr. Maggie Paul is an elder, knowledge keeper, teacher and song carrier who has
traveled around the world to share Wolastoqey and Passamaquoddy culture. Known for
her voice, Dr. Maggie has recorded two famous albums — capturing the traditional
songs of the people.
Dr. Maggie has raised six children and lived most of her adult life in the Wolastoqey
community of Sitansk (St. Mary’s First Nation) in Fredericton. Her contribution and
dedication to song has inspired countless singers to maintain their culture.
A leader in the community, Dr. Maggie has mentored Polaris Prize winner Jeremy
Dutcher, who’s work on the multi-award-winning album began when Maggie suggested
he listen to century-old wax cylinders of Wolastoq songs, housed in the archives of the
Canadian Museum of History. In 2018, when Dutcher accepted the Polaris Prize for his
album Wolastoqiyik Lintuwakonawa, he thanked Dr. Maggie for encouraging him to
study the songs of his community.
As Dr. Maggie once said, “When you bring the songs back, you’re going to bring the
dances back. You’re going to bring the people back. You’re going to bring everything
back.” She has dedicated her life to unearthing and reviving the culture.