Ramona Nicholas, a respected Elder from Nekutkuk First Nation, is a guiding force behind Workforce Warriors, ensuring that our journey forward is rooted in wisdom, respect, and tradition.
Her passion for traditional craftsmanship runs deep—having learned the art of basket making over two decades ago from Victor Bear, she carries forward the legacy of her grandparents, Connie Bernard and William “Nick” Nicholas, both skilled basket makers. While this ancestral craft remains close to her heart, her life’s work extends far beyond it.
A dedicated scholar, Ramona earned her BA in Native Studies and Anthropology from St. Thomas University before pursuing her MA in Archaeology at the University of New Brunswick (UNB). Her deep commitment to preserving and sharing Wolastoqey culture led her to recreate the Wabanaki Way exhibit at the Fredericton Region Museum, a powerful expression of both stewardship and storytelling.
Today, as the Heritage Lead and Research Assistant at UNB’s Department of Heritage, she continues to bridge the past and future, ensuring that Wolastoqey material culture is honored, protected, and shared with the world. Guided by creativity and spirituality, Ramona Nicholas embodies a lifelong commitment to education, cultural preservation, and the empowerment of future generations.
