Richard Lush

Lennox Island, PE - Mi’kmaq community leader, Richard Pellissier-Lush, or Kitpu Amalkewinu (his traditional name), today announced that he is running as the Green Party candidate for district 25, O’Leary-Inverness.

Richard is a Mi'kmaq man from Lennox Island First Nation, PEI. He graduated and was the Valedictorian of his 2012 Sport & Leisure Management Program at Holland College, and continued his education, studying Kinesiology, at the University of Manitoba.

With this expertise he has created opportunities for youth in his community and helps the First Nation Communities in PEI to thrive, preserve, and educate indigenous and non indigenous people across Mikjikj Mniku (Turtle Island). “I am committed to work that gives youth the skills and opportunities to become successful adults, to supporting Elders in living a healthy and happy lifestyle that incorporates all aspects of life - mind, body and soul, and passing on and preserving the knowledge of our Mi’kmaq traditions and heritage for all Islanders,” says Lush.

Richard played football with Colonel Gray High School, the University of Manitoba and the Holland College Hurricanes. He has applied his love of the sport along with his unwavering commitment to community-building to build programs for engaging youth. In 2020 he received the “National Indigenous Coach of the Year Award” from the Coaching Association of Canada in recognition of this work.

In addition to recognition for his contributions to youth and sport, Richard has received many other honors for his dedication to his community including the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal.

Richard is one of the founders and original members of Mi'kmaq Legends (Mi'kmaq Heritage Actors), an all Indigenous Theatre Group that specializes in telling the stories, traditions, songs, dances, and culture of the Mi'kmaq from the past, and present. He traveled to Dieppe with the Mi’kmaq Heritage Actors and PEI veterans in 2022 to mark the 80th anniversary of the WWII battle of Dieppe. 

“I know that with the Green Party, I can make positive changes in my district, community, and province. I will use my voice and knowledge to offer a new perspective and viewpoint. My life is based on our 7 Grandfather Teachings: honor, respect, love, courage, wisdom, humility, and truth. As an MLA I will continue to be a good role model, community member, and family orientated individual,” says Lush. “The Greens are making a difference and offer plans on housing rights, poverty, worker shortages, skills training, education, and healthcare that I am excited to help make happen. I am so thankful to have the opportunity.”