Mi’kmaq Elder Lawrence Joseph Michael is a highly regarded inspirational and spiritual leader within Nova Scotia’s Mi’kmaq community, Indigenous communities across Canada, and on Acadia’s campus, particularly with students interested in learning traditional knowledge. Most notably, “Joe Mike” was the first Mi’kmaq member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police when he was appointed Special Constable on the Indian Brook First Nation and it was during his 25-year RCMP career that he earned the respect he enjoys today from Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities for his unique contribution to Canada’s justice system.

Joe Mike joined the RCMP as restorative justice principles and practices were beginning to take root in Canada. He grew up with Mi� ...