The Legacy

Like many Indigenous families, ours has been shaped by both strength and hardship. Following the passing of his father in 1991, Damien faced personal struggles with addiction that profoundly affected his life and his relationships. His marriage ended, and although distance became a part of his family life, he remained connected to his daughters, Kristien and Brooke, through visits, phone calls, and the knowledge he shared.

Damien's relationship with his daughters was not always easy. Addiction often creates challenges that are felt by entire families, and ours was no exception. Despite those difficulties, Damien never lost his love for his Mi'kmaq culture or his passion for creating art. Through conversations, stories, and his artwork, he shared pieces of his knowledge, creativity, and cultural teachings with his daughters.

Kristien, Damien's eldest daughter, was inspired by those teachings and continues to honor her Mi'kmaq heritage through her own artistic journey. Today, she creates traditional Mi'kmaq jingle dress regalia, fancy shawl regalia, and ribbon skirts while also drawing and painting. She continues to learn from the Elders and Knowledge Keepers around her, carrying forward both her father's artistic influence and the teachings she has embraced throughout her own life.

Brooke also maintained a connection with her father throughout the years. Although their relationship, like Kristien's, was often separated by distance, she recognized the importance of his artwork and the cultural legacy he hoped to leave behind.

Together, Kristien and Brooke believe that their father's artwork represents far more than a collection of paintings. His work preserves Mi'kmaq stories, legends, wildlife, traditions, and the deep spiritual connection between the Mi'kmaq people and the land. His paintings capture a perspective that deserves to be remembered, appreciated, and shared with future generations.

When Damien was creating his artwork, the digital world we know today did not yet exist. There was little opportunity to preserve or showcase his work online, leaving much of his artistic legacy unseen beyond those who knew him personally. As the executors of Damien's estate, Kristien and Brooke made the decision to create this website to preserve his artwork, celebrate his achievements, and make his collection accessible to people around the world.

This website is not intended to tell only one part of Damien's story. It honors the whole person—his accomplishments, his struggles, his love for his culture, and the incredible talent he expressed through his art. Like many Indigenous people, Damien's life was complex, but his artwork remained one of the things he was most proud of. Through every painting, he shared a part of himself and the culture he loved.

Our hope is that visitors will see beyond the canvas and discover the stories, teachings, and spirit woven into each piece. By preserving and sharing Damien's artwork, we honor not only his legacy but also the resilience of our family, our community, and the enduring strength of Mi'kmaq culture. We hope his work continues to educate, inspire, and create connections for generations to come.