Truro, Nova Scotia: The Mi’kmaw History Month (MHM) Committee is excited to reveal this year’s History Month poster theme: food and its significance in Mi’kmaw culture. From sharing pɨteway (tea) at kitchen tables to harvesting and safeguarding traditional sources, food is central to Mi’kmaw life.
The poster is produced each year as a resource for teaching about the Mi’kmaq during History Month, emphasizing significant aspects of Mi’kmaw history and culture. The team from the Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre, led by celebrated Mi’kmaw artist and storyteller Gerald Gloade, will be showcasing not only traditional food cycles and calendars, but also highlighting the ongoing efforts by the Mi’kmaw Nation to conserve our food sources and to protect its habitats.
“As stewards of the lands and waters of Mi’kma’ki, we are committed to protecting netukulimk for future generations. Our practitioners and harvesters teach us that climate change significantly impacts our resources and sovereignty, underscoring the need for ongoing stewardship.,” says Tim Bernard, Executive Director for the Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre and chair of the MHM Committee.
Mi’kmaw History Month is a time to educate and celebrate our history and culture, offering a chance to deepen understanding of the Mi’kmaq’s relationship with food and pass on these teachings to the younger generations and beyond.
“We’re excited to invite everyone to our table!” continues Bernard.
The poster is printed in three languages: Mi’kmaw, English and French, and is made available to schools across the province. A PDF version will also be available for download from the MHM website: mikmaqhistorymonth.ca.
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.