Elder Joe Michael is a respected Mi’kmaq Elder and cultural leader, dedicated to sharing traditional teachings through Jiksitui, a Mi’kmaw word meaning “Listen to Me.” His work focuses on helping Indigenous and non-Indigenous people better understand Mi’kmaq culture, values, and ceremonies, with an emphasis on creating balance between traditional and contemporary lifestyles.

He was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal in recognition of his lifelong commitment to cultural preservation and education, and is Acadia University’s Elder in Residence. The university has recognized his significant contributions by awarding him an Honourary Doctorate of Humanities in 2019. In April 2024, he was Knighted by The Order of St. George in Halifax, a chivalric order with an 800-year-old tradition and mission to better the health and well-being of members of the Canadian Armed Forces, Veterans and their families.

Rooted in teachings passed down by generations of Elders, his “Balanced Leadership Approach” aims to help others understand and embrace ancestral roots, ensuring knowledge is shared with future generations.