(Published with permission from The Community Foundation)
First fundraising goal of $5,000 for Kehkimin and Wolastoqey language revitalization efforts has been reached!
For Tyler Patterson, what began as a nerve-wracking moment behind a microphone has become a growing movement to support Wolastoqey language revitalization in our community.
At the 36th Annual Red Triangle Awards, Tyler stood proudly beside their sister Victoria to present the land acknowledgement, a moment made even more meaningful because it marked the milestone of reaching a $5,000 fundraising goal for Kehkimin Wolastoqey Immersion School.
But the journey started one year earlier.
At the 35th Annual Red Triangle Awards, Tyler delivered a land acknowledgement publicly for the very first time as a member of the Youth Council. Unsure and incredibly nervous, Tyler almost chose not to do it but instead stepped forward, and that single act of courage changed everything.
Following the ceremony, community members approached Tyler to express their appreciation, including Kelly Evans, our own President & CEO at the Greater Saint John Community Foundation. Kelly invited Tyler to continue offering land acknowledgements at events, and with support, Tyler developed a donation-based model that would directly support Kehkimin and Wolastoqey language revitalization efforts.
Soon after, the Greater Saint John Community Foundation partnered with Tyler to match donations, helping every contribution go even further.
The fundraiser began slowly, but encouragement from mentors and supporters helped Tyler find new ways to share the mission.
As Tyler began sharing the story online, new opportunities, connections, and requests started pouring in. With every event and every conversation, more people became part of the effort to preserve and celebrate Wolastoqey language and culture.
Today, Tyler’s impact continues to ripple across the community, not only through fundraising, but through leadership, visibility, and advocacy.
Tyler’s employer, Avenue B Harm Reduction recently celebrated the milestone, sharing: “We’re so proud to see Tyler’s leadership, courage, and commitment recognized in the community. Congratulations, Tyler. We are lucky to have your heart, voice, and leadership on our team.”
Now, after successfully reaching the original $5,000 goal, Tyler has doubled the challenge and set a new goal of raising $10,000 for Kehkimin.
Tyler’s story reminds us that meaningful change often begins with one brave decision, to speak up, to show up, and to believe that your voice can make a difference.
And thanks to partnerships, mentorship, and community support, that voice is helping ensure Wolastoqey language and culture continue to thrive for generations to come.
