Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre (MDCC) is pleased to announce the theme for Mi’kmaw History Month 2026: Healing and Wellness. This year’s theme invites people across Mi’kma’kik to reflect on healing as a lifelong journey—one rooted in understanding ourselves, our histories, our relationships, and our responsibilities to one another.
Inspired by teachings shared by the late Elder Murdena Marshall, the 2026 Mi’kmaw History Month poster explores healing not as a destination, but as an ongoing process. Through stories, language, community, and connections to the natural world, the poster encourages people to consider how understanding the past can help us make sense of the present and move forward in a good way.
“People often think of history as something we learn,” said Tim Bernard, Executive Director of Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre. “This year’s theme reminds us that history can also help us heal. Understanding where hurt comes from—whether in our families, our communities, or our shared experiences—can help us understand ourselves more fully. Looking back isn’t only about knowledge. It’s about finding the understanding we need to move forward.”
The poster is organized around interconnected teachings: understanding the pieces that make up our personal journeys, recognizing that every path to healing is different, strengthening the relationships that carry and support us, and honouring our responsibilities to all our relations.
At the Centre of the poster, characters who represent learning, growth, language and community sit around Kiju (Muin), as she shares her teachings, honouring the Elder’s teaching at the core of this month’s theme. Throughout the poster, illustrations and teachings highlight the many ways healing takes place across Mi’kma’kik—from family and culture to education, storytelling, and caring for the land and waters.
“Health and wellness are about much more than physical health,” Bernard added. “They include our emotional, spiritual, cultural, and community well-being. This theme recognizes that healing happens through relationships—with each other, with our ancestors, with future generations, and with the world around us.”
Mi’kmaw History Month is celebrated annually throughout October and provides an opportunity to learn about and celebrate Mi’kmaw history, culture, language, achievements, and contemporary life. This year’s theme encourages all people to think
about how understanding history can contribute to wellness, resilience, and stronger communities.
Additional educational resources, videos, and programming connected to the 2026 theme will be shared in the lead-up to Mi’kmaw History Month.
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About the Mi’kmaw History Month Committee:
The Mi’kmaw History Month Committee was established to promote awareness of Mi’kmaw culture, history and heritage and encourage educational and cultural activities during the month of October. The Committee, lead in the interim by The Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq, draws on the expertise of representatives from the Mi’kmaw Grand Council, Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw communities and organizations, as well as the Federal and Provincial governments.
About Mi’kmaw History Month:
In 1993, Premier John Savage and Mi’kmaw Grand Chief Ben Sylliboy declared October as the official month to recognize and celebrate Mi’kmaw culture and heritage. Each October, community activities, events, sharing and showcasing of Mi’kmaw history and culture takes place across Nova Scotia. All are encouraged and welcome to participate in Mi’kmaw History Month events.
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For more information, contact:
Tim Bernard, Committee Chair
Mi’kmaw History Month
P: (902) 603-1027
C: (902) 890-5417
tim@cmmns.com