Brandon Mitchell
Brandon Mitchell, BIS, MEd. Mi’gmaw from Listuguj Quebec.
Send e-mail- Received diploma in Animation and Design from NBCC Miramichi in 2000
- Received Bachelor of Integrated Studies from UNB in 2016
- Received Master’s Degree in Adult Education from UNB in 2018
Graphic Novels/Comic Books
The idea for an indigenous led story began in 2001 when I was teaching at Alaqsite’w Gitpu School in my community of Listuguj, Quebec. I noticed a lack of indigenous stories for kids to get excited about. Using a simple story exercise with my students, they challenged me to create a story.
Birch Bark Comics was launched in the spring of 2003 with the Sacred Circles issue 1 and 2 that told a story of a malevolent creature, long thought of to be a myth, is awoken in present time. The only hope of stopping this force was thrusted upon a brother and sister who unknowingly share a bond that could prevent the creature from destroying their community. The story was written and created by Brandon Mitchell, illustrated by Nick Bradshaw, colors by Jean-Francois Beaulieu.
In 2005, I was approached by Sean Muir, the owner/operator of Indigenous Story Studio, istorystudio.com (formally The Healthy Aboriginal Network), to be a contributing author to an anthology comic, “Standing Together”, with a story dealing with addiction. From there I was awarded a contract to write “River Run”, a story on smoking prevention and traditional tobacco use. This was also the beginning of a long-term collaboration with illustrator/animator Tara Audibert.
This collaboration led to a long-lasting working relationship with the being awarded additional writing contracts with ISS on Lost Innocence (2013), Drawing Hope (2014), Making it Right (2015), Emily’s Choice (2016) and Tomorrow’s Hope (2019).
In 2014, I was approached by Barbara Filion, from the University of Mobile and a script writer, illustrator and color artist for the historical graphic novel “Jean-Paul’s Daring Adventure: Stories from Old Mobile”.
2019 saw the release of the national best selling indigenous created graphic novel anthology “This Place: 150 years retold” by Highwater Press. I was a contributing author with “Migwite’tmeg: We Remember It”, a retelling of the salmon raids that took place in Listuguj on June 11, 1981. Illustrations done by Tara Audibert with colors by Donovan Yaciuk
2022 sees the release of the Adventures of the Pugulatmu’j: Giju’s Gift, a creator owned story of Mali, a Mi’kmaw girl battling an ancient giant. She forms an unexpected friendship in the first volume of this series of graphic novels inspired by traditional Mi’kmaq stories.
Picture Books
Expanding beyond graphic novels, I have lent my creative talents to various organizations. I was the illustrator for learning resources of the Salmon Cycle for Gespe’gewaq Mi’gmaq Resource Council. This collaboration led to the creation of a game where I was also the creative director of the project. https://www.gmrc.ca/2019/12/11/gmrc-launches-interactive-salmon-cycle-game-internationally/slamon-overlay/
I was the illustrator and color artist for various educational resources for the Listuguj Immersion program at the Listuguj Education Directorate. ‘Lpa’tu’ji’j Ta’n Se’sgwep Paqtesm!, a retelling of the boy who cried wolf as well as a story dealing with covid restrictions. During this time, I also co-authored story with my wife, Natasha Martin-Mitchell, on the seven values of Listuguj.
Additionally, I was the illustrator for “Nukumi’s Words”, written by Marcus Gosse for Rubicon Publishing.
Animation
In August 2021, I released my first directed animated short “Jujij” through the Ni’gweg Collective. This story is told in our language and was passed down from my grandfather.
Art Installation
In 2020, I was awarded an art commission from the Province of New Brunswick to create an art piece that reflects the indigenous history of Mount Carleton. This art piece was a collaboration with Wolastoqiyik visual artist Charles Gaffney.
For more information on past projects or to place an order: