Sport requires training of the body, mind, heart and spirit. It sharpens skills and builds endurance, speed and strength. It’s been central to Mi’kmaw culture for generations. This Mi’kmaw History Month, we’re sharing knowledge about the rich history and exciting future of sports in Mi’kma’ki. Be a part of it!

Waltes is a sacred traditional game. You can find historical records of Mi’kmaw communities playing waltes while discussing the important issues of their day. It’s also a lot of fun. Join us this Mi’kmaw History Month to learn about traditional Mi’kmaw activities and sports like waltes, archery, lacrosse, wapnaqnk and many more!

Generosity. Kindness. Confidence. These are just a few of the qualities Mi’kmaw culture has in common with the practice of katu wessua’qa’ltimk (martial arts). Take part in Mi’kmaw History Month 2023. This October, we’re sharing knowledge of Mi’kmaw excellence in sports, games and other pastimes throughout our history and our present!

“For me, the flight of the arrow is an extension of who I am and who my ancestors were. It is still who we are today.”

-Clifford Paul, Membertou Mi’kmaw community

Majjoqtelikemk (archery) is one of the many sports, games, and pastimes we’re honouring during Mi’kmaw History Month 2023. Celebrate with us this October and learn how sport and Mi’kmaw culture are deeply connected.

“Sport has just always been a part of life.”
— Sara-Lynne Knockwood, Sipekne’katik First Nation

From archery to lacrosse, from waltes to wapnaqnk, traditional sports and games have connected Mi’kmaw people to each other and to the ancestors who came before. Join us this Mi’kmaw History Month as we celebrate the proud history of sports across Mi’kma’ki and beyond!

For centuries, sports and games have grown Mi’kmaw ways of knowing and being. They are crucial for teaching young ones how to hear, how to see, and how to move. This Mi’kmaw History Month, we’re shining a light on traditional sports and pastimes that are central to Mi’kmaw culture. Join in the fun!

Mi’kmaw Elder and Regalia Maker Mary Hatfield adds beads to her grandson’s regalia every year so when he’s at Pow Wows, he carries the weight of her art as he dances. Take a look.

While everyone beads for different reasons, Melanie Robinson-Purdy’s experience has taught her that beading is more than a hobby: it’s a form of healing. Take a look.

Passing down her knowledge of beading has given Lisa Soucy-Francis the chance to connect with a wide array of people and foster their creativity. Take a look.

For Caitlyn Moore beading is more than a form of creative expression—it’s a way to connect with her culture. Take a look.

Cheryl Gehue believes that the more we wear our Indigenous identity, the more it becomes normalized, which is why you can often see her wearing the stunning crown beaded by her aunt, Meg Nevin.

Learn more about this year’s Mi’kmaq History Month poster, which celebrates Mi’kmaw beadwork and the art of beading.

We can’t wait to hear what you think!

The art of beading goes beyond beauty. Each piece tells a story that connects generations.

Take a look at how Melissa Robinson, a Mi’kmaw crafter, thinks about her beadwork and the art of beading.

When the Mi’kmaw Saqmaq agreed to the Peace and Friendship Treaties with the British in the 1700s they were extending an offer to live in Mi’kma’ki as part of msɨt no’kmaq. Through this invitation to a treaty relationship, they sought to live in peace and friendship. Join Dr. Donald Julien and Chief Paul Prosper as they explore the treaties and the treaty relationships that have existed here in Mi’kma’ki for generations.

With an overwhelming response to our video campaign from 2018, the Mi’kmaq History Month committee has once again engaged FPS Productions to create eight new segments promoting Mi’kmaq culture, history and language. With over 22,000 views of the Mi’kmaq History Month Wa’so’q – Heaven video, the committee wanted to focus on this year’s poster theme – Plant Knowledge and Use – to guide the development of these videos.
We are excited and proud to present a glimpse of the amazing Elders, knowledge holders, artisans, storytellers, and youth that makeup Mi’kma’ki, and who continuously share in Wi’kipatmu’k Mi’kmawey – Honouring of the Mi’kmaw Way.

The Committee would like to acknowledge funding from Support4Culture and the Province of Nova Scotia for this project.

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To celebrate the 25th year anniversary, the Mi’kmaq History Month Committee worked with Filet Production Services Inc. over the summer months to develop a series of promotional videos.

The intent of these videos if to raise the awareness of Mi’kmaq History Month, the Mi’kmaw culture, history and heritage.

Videos by Filet Production Services Inc. http://www.fpsproductions.tv/