WIKEWIKU’S OCTOBER 2016MI’KMAQHISTORY MONTH 2016

Reconciliation & Resilience

Mi’kmaq History Month Annual Funding Report 2016 Mi’kmaq History Month

Acknowledgments The Mi’kmaq History Month Advisory Committee would like to acknowledge our Culture and Heritage Lead Chief, Chief Wilbert Marshall for his continued support of “Wi’kipatmu’k Mi’kmawey - Honouring the Mi’kmaw Way”. Through his guidance and with the cooperation of all members of the committee, Mi’kmaq History Month aims to celebrate and build understanding of Mi’kmaw culture, history and language so that all can share in the achievements and unique story of our past, present and future.

The Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq recognizes funding from the Support4Culture, a designated lottery program of the Provincial Lotteries and Casino Corporation.

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Reconciliation & Resiliencce Introduction The following narrative report provides an overview of all activities undertaken by the Mi’kmaq History Month CommitteeAnnual Funding project Report grant. All 2016 Mi’kmaq culture and heritage activities were provided funds in order to strategically strengthen Mi’kmaw culture and heritage activities throughout Mi’kmaq History Month as well as throughout the entire year.

Backgrounder In 1993, Premier John Savage, alongside our Grand Chief Ben Sylliboy designated October as Mi’kmaq History Month and declared in the proclamation “that the Government of Nova Scotia and the Mi’kmaq Nation wish to promote public awareness for all citizens of Nova Scotia”.

Over the past 20 years, there have been limited resources available for the development and promotion of Mi’kmaq History Month. Despite this, schools, individuals and organizations have continued to express an interest in educating and promoting Mi’kmaw culture and history. Therefore in 2013, the Mi’kmaq History Month Advisory Committee was formed to focus specifically on providing advisory services and some planning and implementation of activities for Mi’kmaq History Month.

The Mi’kmaq History Month Advisory Committee has spearheaded efforts to re- develop this level of structure and put a process in place that will create a sustainable program and encourage, enable and assist all parties and communities to participate, in order to consistently and uniformly promote Mi’kmaq History Month. At this stage the province has made an annual commitment of $50,000 to promote Mi’kmaq History Month and has supported a centralized body to coordinate activities and to support a core advisory group (Mi’kmaq History Month Advisory Committee).

On June 10th, 2014 the Terms of Reference for the committee was completed and presented to the committee along with the lead Chief of Culture and Heritage, Chief Wilbert Marshall. By formal resolution of the Assembly of NS Mi’kmaq Chiefs dated January 22, 2015 the Assembly accepted the terms of reference, and with the support of the Board of Directors of The Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq (CMM), CMM was appointed the host organization and directed to develop an MOU with the Department of Communities Culture and Heritage for the delivery of administration and core activities for Mi’kmaq History Month.

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Honouring of the Mi’kmaw Way Remarks from the Chair 2016 Mi’kmaq History Month continued to provide an opportunity for our Mi’kmaw communities to showcase and share Mi’kmaw culture. In an effort to assist all Nova Scotians Mi’kmaq History Month in increasing their knowledge and awareness of Mi’kmaq culture, history and heritage the Mi’kmaq History Month Advisory Committee was established to promote and encourage educational and cultural activities during the month of October. This year, through the Mi’kmaq History Months’ Community Activities Support program, we were in a position to support 14 community events from Unama’kik to Kespukwitk. Through the fund, $30,000 was provided through the Support4Culture program and NS Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage to support community initiatives.

This year’s theme for the poster focused on Reconciliation, a big word that means many things to many people, for most, Reconciliation means finding ways of connecting to our past and to expressing who we are. For some people reconciliation is learning how to bead, for others it is speaking everyday in the Mi’kmaw language, and for still others it is recording and sharing the stories of our families. Ceremonies, practices and protocols that were once outlawed are now being shared and embraced.

Various events took place across the province, many of them highlighted past contribution to Mi’kmaw Culture, language, preservation and instilling todays youth with an appreciation for Mi’kmaw culture and heritage.

Some events included the popular lecture series in Wagmatcook, weekly talks at the Millbrook Cultural Centre, Mini-Mawio’mi to Celebrate Treaty Day in Membertou; a successful book Launch of Theresa Meuse’s new book, L’nuk in Liverpool hosted by ; support for the very successful 4th Annual Bear River Harvesters’ Gathering; as well as support for Sharing circles and Cultural teaching in many of the communities.

The working committee also took on the challenge to update and upgrade our website www. mikmaqhistorymonth.com. The committee refreshed the look and tweaked the functionality and compatibility with social media.

Through our office of the Confederacy of the Mainland Mi’kmaq (CMM), the administration for the Mi’kmaq History Month Advisory Committee is supported by our administrator, Sheila Pierro Tremblay; our terrific staff at the Confederacy and the Mi’kmawey Debert Project as well as the leadership of the History and Culture Department of CMM.

In closing, I want to acknowledge the support of my colleagues on the committee. It’s their commitment to Wi’kipat’ma’k Mikmawey that’s helping to restore lost teachings and meaningful stories in our Mi’kmaw communities.

Tim Bernard Chair, Mi’kmaq History Month Advisory Committee

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Reconciliation & Resiliencce Table of Contents Annual Funding Report 2016 Acknowledgements...... i

Introduction...... ii

Background information...... ii

Remarks from the Chair...... iii

Table of Contents...... iv Mi’kmaq History Month Events

Acadia First Nation...... 1

Annapolis First Nation...... 2

Bear River First Nation...... 3

Eskasoni ...... 5

Glooscap First Nation ...... 6

Membertou...... 7

Millbrook First Nation...... 8

Paq’tnkek First Nation ...... 9

Pictou Landing First Nation ...... 10

Potlotek ...... 11

Sipekne’katik First Nation...... 12

Wagmatcook ...... 13

Waycobah...... 14 Appendices

Appendix A: Redesigned Website...... 15

Appendix B: Mi’kmaq History Month Poster Sample...... 16

Appendix C: Calendar for Website...... 17

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Honouring of the Mi’kmaw Way Acadia First Nation With the support provided by the Community Activities Support Initiative for Mi’kmaq History Month, the Sipuke’l GalleryMi’kmaq held Historya basket Month making workshop. The workshop was led by Mi’kmaw artist Sandra Racine. Participants learned about black ash in association to traditional basket making and were also taught basic basketry skills to aid in the making of a simple Mi’kmaw basket. At the end of the workshop, participants were able to take their baskets home. Lunch and coffee were provided during the workshop.

Several months later, the Sipuke’l Gallery held an additional event to continue honoring Mi’kmaw history. The gallery hosted a book launch in January featuring the book L’nuk (the Mi’kmaq of Atlantic ) written by Mi’kmaw Author Theresa Meuse.

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Reconciliation & Resiliencce First Nation To celebrate Mi’kmaw culture, Annapolis Valley First Nation initiated weekly Traditional Giveaway ceremonies during theAnnual month Funding of October. Report A Giveaway 2016 is often part of a traditional Mi’kmaw gathering. It reinforces the traditional teachings to inform individuals to not allow possessions to become the focal point of one’s life. A Mi’kmaw Elder presented a gift to someone each week.

A Multi-Cultural Event, titled Embracing Diversity, also took place during Mi’kmaq History Month. Five Mi’kmaw youth performed at this event and gave a brief presentation on Mi’kmaw dance and song and performed the honor song. The event was about celebrating multiculturalism and inclusivity. Many different cultures performed songs, dances, and speakers’ challenges at the event.

Following the Traditional Giveaways and Embracing Diversity, a presentation explaining traditional dance and regalia took place in November. During this event, the Mi’kmaw history of arts and crafts were discussed. The event ended in a read aloud where stories of Kluscap were read.

As Mi’kmaq History Month drew to an end, the community held an Aboriginal Arts Showcase. Drumming and dancing took place at the showcase and concluded with a feast which was open to all.

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Honouring of the Mi’kmaw Way Bear River First Nation came together for their Annual Harvester’s Gathering to honour Mi’kmaq History Month.Mi’kmaq In History celebration Month of the Mi’kmaw culture, Bear River First Nation focused on being rooted to the natural ways of life and giving back to the land, emphasising on both traditional, and modern earth-based skills. The 2016 Harvest Gathering was a four-day long gathering which included, a sacred fire, prayers, workshops, storytelling, trading, several guest speakers, the sharing of knowledge and celebrating life.

Day one of the Harvester’s Gathering began with an opening prayer and the lighting of a sacred fire. The sacred fire was lit using the drawstring technique. The Medicine Trail Grand re-opening also took place on the first day. Following the re-opening of the trail, all were welcome to join a Medicinal Trail Walk where knowledge of the medicine plants along the trail was shared. After the Medicine Trail Walk, an event titled “Art from Nature” took place. At this event, discussions about arts, writing, music, crafts, and paintings were shared. Participants were encouraged to create art from the land that afternoon. Day one ended with a talking circle at the scared fire.

Day two of the Harvester’s Gathering opened with a community Cranberry Harvest. All were welcome to harvest cranberries for their own, or communal use. The communal cranberries were used to make the tea and snacks that were served at the community potluck feast. Following lunch, the L’sitkuk Arts Exhibit took place. This was a time where anyone interested could share an art piece. Later in the afternoon, a poetry sharing circle took place around the sacred fire. Day two ended with a Naming Ceremony facilitated by two Mi’kmaw Elders.

Day three of the Harvester’s Gathering began with a Sunrise Ceremony. In the afternoon, a Water Ceremony took place. During the Water Ceremony, participants honored and prayed for the water and the protection of the water. For the remainder of day three, a Medicine Pouch Workshop and a Storytellers Gathering took place followed by a Naming Ceremony.

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Reconciliation & Resiliencce Pictures?

Day 4 consisted of a Harvesters Trading Post, a Berry Ceremony Spirit Dish, a Community Potluck Harvesters Feast, and drumming around the sacred fire. The Harvesters Trading Post is whereAnnual the Funding bartering Report of 2016harvested items took place. The Berry Ceremony was dedicated to honoring the land. A spiritual offering to the land was made in appreciation and thanksgiving for a plentiful harvest.

Each day of the Harvester’s Gathering, a communal meal was provided. The event ended with a giveaway and the closing of the sacred fire. The memories and lessons taken away from the Harvester’s Gathering event will continue on with the participants.

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Honouring of the Mi’kmaw Way Eskasoni Cultural Journeys hosted a multitude of events with the support provided by the Community Activities Mi’kmaqSupport HistoryInitiative Month for Mi’kmaq History Month. The support provided the community with the opportunity to expand their Mi’kmaq History Month events and programs.

A series of school visits took place in order to teach students about the history and culture of the Mi’kmaw people. There were Smudging History pamphlets and a story on a bookmark printed and available for everyone’s learning enjoyment. To mark the end of Mi’kmaq History Month, an event called the Trail of Treats took place. All guests were invited to explore and experience Goat Island walking and talking with heritage interpreters and visiting the interpretive sites. Children were invited to walk the trail in their Halloween costume and trick or treat along the way.

ESKASONICULTURALJOURNEYS.CA

● ESKASONI WELCOMES YOU PJILA’SI

SELF-GUIDED

-GUIDED SELF AUTUMN Come in costume & collect treats along the trail! AUTUMN

TOUR OCTOBER-5 PM 28 TOUR FROM 3 Enjoy a self guided tour and experience Enjoy a self guided tour and experience $5.00 PER PERSON Mi’kmaq singing and dancing, a traditional game $20.00 FAMILY OF 6 Mi’kmaq singing and dancing, a traditional game of Waltes and making bread over an open fire. of Waltes and making bread over an open fire. an iPad! OCTOBER 10, 2016 • STARTING AT 11 AM • $10 PER PERSON Visit each stationWIN and you could OCTOBER 10, 2016 • STARTING AT 11 AM • $10 PER PERSON

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Reconciliation & Resiliencce Glooscap First Nation titled their Mi’kmaq History Month events “Empowering Our Youth”. With funding providedAnnual by theFunding Community Report 2016 Activities Support Initiative for Mi’kmaq History Month, the youth of Glooscap were able to attend a number of cultural events. The youth attended the Millbrook Cultural & Heritage Centre, the Treaty Day celebrations in Halifax, Sisters in Spirit located at Acadia University, Embracing Diversity, the Mi’kmaq History Month celebrations at Horton High, and the Bridgetown Elementary School Drumming and Culture sessions. The youth were also able to enjoy a guest speaker who presented on the History of the Spiritual Bundle and Sacred Medicines.

At the Millbrook Cultural & Heritage Centre, the youth spent half the day learning about the Mi’kmaw culture with tour guide Garret Gloade. The Halifax Treaty Day Celebrations included a flag raising ceremony, and a feast featuring awards. A member from the Glooscap community proudly received the Donald Marshall Sr. Award. The youth were also provided with the opportunity to attend a three-day Drumming and Culture event where they learned traditional songs and the importance of drumming with respect.

Mi’kmaq History Month events came to an end in Glooscap with a visit to Blomidon where participants enjoyed the Darkening of the Moon. Here they learned about the Darkening of the Moon Celebration. The youth were empowered during Mi’kmaq History Month through the enhancement and promotion of the Mi’kmaw culture and will now have these experiences as valuable life teachings.

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Honouring of the Mi’kmaw Way With the support provided by the Community Activities Support Initiative for Mi’kmaq History Month, MembertouMi’kmaq First History Nation Month hosted a Treaty Day Celebration at the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre.

Membertou’s Treaty Day Celebration was a project designed to increase the public’s knowledge of Treaty Day. On October 1st , 2016, Membertou held their own Treaty Day Celebration which took the form of a Micro-Mawio’mi. The Mawio’mi was a time for gathering, storytelling, drumming, singing, and sharing. The event attracted individuals of different ages and nationalities. Mi’kmaw dancers, drummers, crafters, and vendors were all in attendance. The event featured the film Justice Denied, the story on Donald Marshall Jr. The film played continuously throughout the day. Food and beverages were available to all attendees.

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Reconciliation & Resiliencce In honor of Mi’kmaq History Month, Millbrook Cultural and Heritage Centre invited a series of guest speakers who focusedAnnual on Funding various Report topics 2016pertaining to the Mi’kmaw people.

Millbrook welcomed Gerald Gloade, Mi’kmawey Debert Cross Cultural Facilitator, as their first guest speaker. Gerald spoke to the audience about historical Mi’kmaw facts, including how long the Mi’kmaw people have inhabited the area, the number of artifacts that were excavated from the historical Debert site, types of rocks used for tools, indicators for harvesting birch bark, the meaning of the 13 moons in regards to understanding the Mi’kmaw ways of harvesting, hunting and gathering, swimming, and sharing food. Gerald also focused on Mi’kmaw legends and their importance to the Mi’kmaw people.

The second welcomed guest speaker was Elder Kerry Prosper from Paqtnkek First Nation. Kerry spoke about his thesis paper, Returning to Netukulimk: Mi’kmaq cultural and spiritual connections with resource stewardship and self-governance. Kerry focused on Mi’kmaw relations with moose in the past and present. Kerry uses the moose to illustrate cultural and spiritual connections to the land and its resources and the shift of these connections to monetary value.

The third guest welcomed was motivational speaker Brad Firth, also known as “Caribou Legs”. Brad discussed his 7,000-kilometer run from the Western part of Canada to the eastern shore in order to generate awareness for the missing and murdered aboriginal women in Canada. Brad also spoke about his life challenges and how he transformed those challenges into something positive. After the presentation, guests shared a meal of moose stew and luski with their honored guest.

The final guest speaker presented in honor of Mi’kmaq History Month, was the Dean of Unama’ki College, Stephen Augustine. Stephen, an inspirational speaker, spoke about his life experiences. He shared beautiful memories and concluded his speech with his knowledge on the Mi’kmaw Treaties.

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Honouring of the Mi’kmaw Way Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation To celebrate Mi’kmaq History Month, Paqtnkek First Nation completed four cultural activities in connection to theirMi’kmaq ongoing History cultural Month project the Sharing Circle. The four activities were chosen and based on the interest of community members.

The first event hosted in celebration of the Mi’kmaw culture was a series of beading sessions. During the first session, participants learned how to make beaded earrings. The following two sessions, led by youth from the community, involved beading, sharing ideas, and the sharing of individual beading pieces. The event was such a success that Paqtnkek First Nation decided to continue the beading sessions throughout the year.

The second activity to take place was the construction of a teepee in honor of the traditional Mi’kmaw dwelling the wikuom. The set-up of the community teepee, facilitated by an Elder, took place in three sessions with the Paqtnkek youth. Upon completion of construction, sharing circles took place inside the teepee. As an extension to this activity, the community organized a moose hunt at the Cape Breton Highlands.

Paqtnkek’s third cultural activity was a Basket Making session. Participants were provided with materials, tools, and guidance to assist with the crafting of a traditional handmade basket. A few of the community members continued developing their basket making skills and began producing baskets to sell at the local Farmer’s Market.

The final activity hosted in honor of Mi’kmaq History Month was titled “Mi’kmaw Canvas Night”. This activity took place during the final weekend of Mi’kmaw History Month. Participants gathered to enjoy a night of painting. The event included women and youth.

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Reconciliation & Resiliencce Pictou Landing First Nation With the funding provided by the Community Activities Support Initiative for Mi’kmaq History Month, PictouAnnual Landing Funding First Report Nation 2016 organized and hosted several events throughout the month of October. Mi’kmaq Immersion Socials took place throughout the month that provided attendees the opportunity to speak freely without any type of structured format in order to strengthen the Mi’kmaw language. The Mi’kmaq Immersion Social is something that Pictou Landing First Nation will continue to host in the future.

Other events that took place during Mi’kmaq History Month included an artifact Display and Presentation on Historical Documents and Archaeological Excavations done in the Pictou County area, a Mawio’mi and a School Trip. Preceding the Mawio’mi, students attended Traditional Dance workshops organized in hopes to increase the amount of traditional dance participants at the Mawio’mi. The Mawio’mi took place at the local elementary school where many students had no hesitation to participate and show off their newly acquired traditional dance skills. Pictou Landing students traveled to the Mi’kmawey Debert Interpretative Trail for their Mi’kmaq History Month school trip. Students were able to experience community links, storytelling, hands-on activities, and connections to language and culture.

The final activity hosted for Mi’kmaq History Month in Pictou Landing First Nation was a Mawita’nej (Get-together) to celebrate Mi’kmaw culture. This was done in partnership with various organizations including the Health Department and the Fisheries Department. During the gathering, attendees were able to view historical documents, artifacts, and attend a presentation by Mi’kmawey Debert. Craft displays

Report on PLFNand School trip vendors to Debert Interpretive Trailwere also available during this time. Attendees enjoyed drumming, November 9, 2016

Land links, communitydancing, links, story telling, and hands on,a experiential potluck learning, and at links the Mawita’nej. The Mi’kmawey Debert presentation was to language and culture are five of the Mi’kmaw ways of knowing, learning, and teaching thatthe help us athighlight Pictou Landing First Nation of School the to integrate event Mi’kmaw because viewers were able to reminisce as it featured culture into our curriculum. Our Mi’kmawey Debert Interpretive Trail walk provided all these links for our students. Funding fromcommunity Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaw members provided us the opportunity who to have passed on. All events held in honor of Mi’kmaq bring our children to this site. Just as the Elders on this site’s advisory council have said “ when we visit, we feel the spiritHistory of our ancestors and Month our pride in ourselves, were and history well is renewed received.and strengthened”, our students have the same experience each time they visit this important site. It was made even more relevant to our students with Gerald Gloade’s presentation at the trail head, and Trevor and Sharon’s guided tour of the trail for our Grade P-2 and 3-6 groupings.

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Honouring of the Mi’kmaw Way Potlotek First Nation hosted a Mini-Powwow and Feast in recognition of Mi’kmaq History Month. The events tookMi’kmaq place at HistoryMi’kmawey Month School. Honored guests included Chief, Council, students and staff from East Richmond Education Centre. In honour of the Friendship Treaties, anyone interested in attending were welcomed.

The event began with the lighting of a sacred fire and a grand entry to the mini- powwow. Following the grand entry, a flag ceremony took place. At noon, all attendees enjoyed a feast that was prepared by the cooking students from ALHS. Both traditional and contemporary foods were served. The mini-powwow came to a close with a gift giving ceremony where honored guests were presented with keepsakes dedicated to the special day.

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Reconciliation & Resiliencce Sipekne’katik First Nation In honor of Mi’kmaq History Month, Sipekne’katik First Nation, in partnership with the Community Activities SupportAnnual Initiative Funding Reportfor Mi’kmaq 2016 History Month, hosted their Annual Community Feast along with three workshops for community members. All three workshops were completed in smaller assemblies and were a success.

Sipekne’katik began their Mi’kmaq History Month celebrations with their Annual Treaty Day Feast. Each year, the feast consists of traditional Mi’kmaw food including moose meat and lusknikn. The feast is an opportunity for the people of Sipekne’katik to discuss Treaties while enjoying their traditional meal. Following the feast, several workshops were hosted throughout the month of October.

The first noted workshop was a Basket Making Workshop led by Mi’kmaw Artist Sandra Racine. Participants learned basic basketry skills and also learned about black ash in association to traditional basket making. At the end of the workshop participants were able to take their creations home. The second noted workshop was a Lusknikn Workshop. During this workshop, participants were able to learn and discuss how to make traditional lusknikn with an elder. They were then able to enjoy their luskinikn with friends and family. The third workshop hosted in Sipekne’katik was a Medicine Wheel Workshop. Participants were provided with a lesson on the teachings of the Medicine Wheel.

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Honouring of the Mi’kmaw Way small text, maybe add page?

Wagmatcook First Nation With the support of funding provided by the Community Activities Support Initiative for Mi’kmaq History Month, Mi’kmaqWagmatcook History First Month Nation hosted their 6th Annual Aboriginal Arts & Culture Festival in celebration of Mi’kmaq History Month. The festival took place over the span of three days and featured an art exhibit, cultural workshops, a music project, a comedy show, and a Mi’kmaw Theatre Group. The Mi’kmaw theatre performance presented Mi’kmaw traditional stories such as the Legends of Kluscap. During the festival, attendees were also able to enjoy drumming, traditional dancing, and played the traditional Mi’kmaw game, Waltes.

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Reconciliation & Resiliencce In honor of Mi’kmaq History Month, students from Wekoqmaq First Nation School and community members were invitedAnnual to Funding visit the Report Sky River 2016 Trail to learn about Mi’kmaw culture, to learn how to make 4 cents over an open fire, and to enjoy traditional song and dance. The event consisted of presenters and crafters, Elder storytelling, Elders speaking about fishing, trapping, and hunting, traditional dancing, and traditional foods. The night came to an end with the telling of ghost stories around a campfire.

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Honouring of the Mi’kmaw Way Appendices Appendix A: Redesigned Website The Mi’kmaq History Month committeeMi’kmaq History is working Month with Mi’kmaw Filmmaker and Producer April Maloney and her company grassfireproductions.com to provide a small contribution toward her documentary, Mi’kmaq and the Evolution of Hockey. Through the Mi’kmaw Activities Support program we are proud to share this video.

Her research areas to date focus on the claim of Mi’kmaq being the originators of hockey, including linguistic, archival and oral testimony as well as the contributions of the Micmac Hockey Stick. Reclaiming our history and rewriting the contributions Mi’kmaq have made to Canada and to Canada’s game is what co-producers Cheryl and April Maloney hope the documentary will achieve and hope to launch later this year.

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Reconciliation & Resiliencce Appendix B: Poster Sample

Annual Funding Report 2016

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Honouring of the Mi’kmaw Way Appendix D: Calendar for Website (month of October)

Mi’kmaq History Month

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Reconciliation & Resiliencce Gregorian Mi’kmaq English Calendar Name Translation January Punamujuikus Spawn of Tom-Cod February Apunknajit Sun is Very Strong Kjikus Great Moon March Siwkewikus Maple Sugar April Penamuikus Birds Lay Eggs May Etquljuikus Frogs Croaking June Nipnikus Leaves Full Blossom July Peskewikus Birds Shed Feathers August Kisikwekewikus Ripening Time September Wikumkewikus Moose Calling Time October Wikewikus Fat Tame Animals November Keptekewikus Rivers About To Freeze December Kiskewikus Chief Moon

Produced by:

Truro, Nova Scotia, 902.895.2038 1.877.895.2038 [email protected]