Jack Robinson
Elder Jack Robinson
Cultural Coordinator
Ma-Mow-We-Tak Friendship Centre
Elder Jack Robinson has played an important role in Thompson’s entire history. Building the physical foundations for city as Thompson was born, and building support and pride in the Indigenous community today, Elder Jack Robinson defines what it means to be Thompsonite in every way.
Coming to Thompson
I have been living here before Thompson was Thompson, before nickel was discovered.
I came from Norway house looking for working when I was 16 years old, when Thompson was just setting up. At the time there was nothing here except tents and camps at the nickel site.
My life in Thompson
I have had different jobs, I was a driller and did more labour work when I was young. Years later I started working in Child and Family Services as Child Welfare Worker. I have seen the community develop, and seen the supports grow.
Now I have worked for Ma-Mow-We-Tak for over 25 years. I am a Cultural Coordinator and herbalist, I do and teach traditional medicines. I’m also an alcohol and drug counselor.
Belonging to 8 different committees all together, I’m involved with a lot of cultural teaching and traditional medicine. Whatever’s happening, I am there, from graduation to Remembrance Day ceremonies.
The best thing about Thompson
I have never been a city boy, so I like living here because Thomson is the right size. It’s a great place to live, with hiking and show shoeing and everything close by. I have lots of good friends here, and I just loving living in Thompson.
I am most proud of the improvements I have seen for Indigenous people. You see Indigenous people working, nurses at the hospital, working at the mines. There is lots of opportunity for Indigenous people here, I see lots of young people coming for school, and that makes me very proud to be a Thompsonite.
Vision for Thompson
Sometimes you hear scary stories about the future of Thompson, but I don’t believe Thompson is going anywhere. There are so many projects, buildings going up, businesses and new hotels. We are the hub. We need to keep bringing people here.
I also hope to see more opportunities to show that the people here are doing well. I want us to highlight Indigenous people that are making a difference and show that we are all equal Thompsonites.