Mi'Kmaq History Month - Week 1

Yesterday was the first day of Mi’Kmaq History Month. 

Throughout the month of October, we will be sending out a memo with videos, resources, and tools for all of us to use as a starting point for our students to learn more about Mi’Kmaq History.  As these resources will be sent out and used in all our classrooms, we would like our families to feel free to explore along with our school.  By all of us learning together, our students will be getting consistent messages, which hopefully will promote much needed discussion at school, home and our community.

As we know, Mi’Kmaq history is Canadian History as well, so some of these resources also combine the history, teachings, messages, and points of view of other indigenous people in Canada  

Please know that these are just a few of the MANY resources available, and we are aware that these are being compiled by Administrators at our school who are not of indigenous descent.  We are not looking to speak for, be the voice of, or be experts in the Mi’Kmaq culture.   So, if anyone has any links to, resources for, or recommended additions for our weekly learning newsletter, please share them with us so that we all continue to share and grow together. 

Week 1 Learning Target – What is Mi’Kmaq History Month?

By the end of the week, all our Sackville Heights Elementary students should have an understanding that October is recognized as Mi’Kmaq History Month, and what that means. Please use the resources below to support this understanding.

Week 1 Videos/Sites/Resources about Mi’Kmaq History Month

Take the time in your day over the next week to watch each of these videos, or visit these sites with your class. These may serve as discussion starters, used for writing prompts, may inspire art work, and may lead students to want to do further research. Let them take you where they may.

Mi’Kmaq History Poster

This year’s Mi’Kmaq History Month poster explores and highlights the importance of storytelling and Storytellers

Mi’kmaw stories are distinctive and descriptive—rich with detail, shaped by the land and waters, and born from Mi’kma’kik. They could not come from anywhere else.  Storytellers bring laughter and life to the narratives and teachings. They hold generations of knowledge that strengthen and grow Mi’kmaw ways of knowing and being. When they share, something bigger than the story comes to life.  Stories and storytelling are not just about remembering, but about forming deep connections to each other, to our ancestors, and to the knowledge passed down over time  

Please feel free to explore and use this, and past, years posters as well for very valuable themes, images, and information.

Why we acknowledge that we live in Mi’kma’ki 

This short video explains the reasoning behind the importance of recognizing and acknowledging we live in Mi’Kma’ki

This video shows HRCE students understanding of this acknowledgement

Mi’Kmaq History

Since 1993, October 1st has marked the beginning of Mi’Kmaq History Month. The Mi'kmaq are the founding people of Nova Scotia and remain the predominant Aboriginal group within the province. The Mi'kmaw nation has existed in what is now Nova Scotia for thousands of years, and is made up of thirteen Bands/First Nations, each of which is governed by a Chief and Council. All thirteen Chiefs in Nova Scotia come together on a regular basis as the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq Chiefs. The Assembly plays a significant role in the collective decision making for the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia, particularly on issues pertaining to Mi’kmaq rights and governance.

Past Mi’Kmaq History Month Promotional Videos

MiKmaq History Information Site

​​​​​​​Treaty Day – Celebrated on Oct 1st

Treaty Day is celebrated annually on October 1 in recognition of the Treaties signed between the British Empire and the Mi'kmaq people; the first treaty was signed in 1725.   The purpose of Treaty Day is also to promote public awareness about the Mi’kmaw culture and heritage for all citizens of Nova Scotia. Treaty Day marks the beginning of Mi’Kmaq History Month.  Please visit the following site for more information on this important day in our shared history.

Week 1 Discussion Topic

“We are all Treaty People”

  • What does it mean all of you? Why is this statement so important?

Week 1 Spotlight – Artist, Alan Syliboy

Alan Syliboy is a Mi’kmaw artist from Millbrook Mi’kmaw community. Elements of Mi’kmaw petroglyph records found throughout Nova Scotia provided some inspiration for the development of his general theme, which is his pride and understanding attached to his cultural heritage.

Alan began studying privately with well-known Maliseet artist Shirley Bear, which led him to study at the Nova Scotia college of Art & Design. In 1989 he established Red Crane Enterprises to produce and distribute Native art. He has sold his work throughout North America, Europe, and Asia.

Alan’s most recent accomplishment has been the 1999 commissioning of a 22 karat coin for the Canadian Museum of Civilization and the Royal Canadian Mint. “The Butterfly” was the third in a series of four coin sets called “Native Cultures and Traditions”, designed to promote awareness of contemporary First Nations art.

To view some of Mr. Syliboy’s work, please visit his website:  https://www.alansyliboy.ca/