Growing up in Gesgapegiag, which translates to “where the river widens,” a Mi’kmaw community on the south shore of Quebec’s Gaspé Peninsula, deeply shaped who I am as both an artist and a person. Located at the mouth of the Cascapédia River along the Chaleur Bay, it is an incredibly beautiful place, framed by the Appalachian Mountains on one side and the open ocean on the other.
Along the shoreline of my community, where saltwater meets freshwater, the air carries the scent of sweetgrass and the ocean. This landscape has been the greatest influence on my artwork. My colour palettes are inspired by the changing seasons—the rich tones of autumn, the trees and sunsets stretching across the mountains just beyond my bedroom window. The deep greens and blues of the rivers and oceans have become my favourite colours, reflecting both the land and waters that surround me.
Being raised Mi’kmaw instilled in me a deep respect for nature. I was taught to always give thanks to the Creator for the beauty and gifts around us, and to care for the land, the waters, and all living beings within them. These teachings are rooted in Indigenous stewardship, understanding that we are not separate from nature, but a part of it, with a responsibility to protect and sustain it for future generations.
Now living in Nova Scotia, my connection to the ocean has grown even stronger. The Atlantic coastline here feels vast and powerful, with its constant movement, shifting tides, and endless horizon. There is a grounding presence in the Nova Scotia ocean. The rhythm of the waves, the salt air, and the sense of standing at the edge of something ancient and alive. It reminds me of home while also deepening my connection to the wider world.
I feel a strong internal pull to remain close to the water. The ocean has always been a place of healing for me. In times of grief, especially after the recent loss of family members, I return to the shore, offering my tears to the water and allowing the tide to carry that pain away.
As I reflect on this work within the context of a 30th anniversary, I am reminded of the enduring importance of our oceans and the role they play in our collective future. For Indigenous peoples, the ocean is not only a resource but a relative, something to be respected, protected, and honoured. My work speaks to this relationship, bringing attention to the urgency of ocean care and the strength of Indigenous knowledge systems that have long guided sustainable living.
Walking these shores has taught me so much about myself. It has deepened my understanding of responsibility, resilience, and connection, reinforcing the importance of protecting what we have, and honouring the relationship between land, water, and spirit for generations to come.
By: Jessica Jerome, Two-Spirited Mi’kmaq artist from Gesgapegiag, Quebec, now Nova Scotia-based. She is a fine artist/freelance graphic designer and illustrator. She creates multidisciplinary works blending contemporary and traditional Mi’kmaw imagery, inspired by dreams, nature, culture, and exhibited widely regionally.