Documentary celebrates Mi’kmaq identity in Flat Bay

"Production of the first ever documentary to celebrate the Mi’kmaq identity and way of life in the Flat Bay area is nearly complete."

“L’nug Aganutmaqan” (the native’s story), depicts survival through the hardships of living on the west coast of Newfoundland in communities situated between the Fishells and Flat Bay Rivers.

============

Legends and Mermaids

I was reading about Mi'kmaq legends and came across a reference to the Sabawaelnu ("water dwelling folk") or Halfway People. What a rich and interesting world my people inhabited! This is a story I knew nothing about, but has many resonances with Selkies from the Celtic side of my family.

[link to Sabawaelnu reference in "MicMac Indians of Eastern Canada"]

Election of Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation Band Council

First Election of Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation Band Council Set For October 23, 2012.
[Link here for more information]
(September 17, 2012 Corner Brook, NL) 

Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation will be holding its first election on October 23, 2012 for all positions on its band council – Chief, Central Vice Chief, Western Vice Chief and a Council for each of the nine wards throughout Newfoundland....


===============

Carrying on "Irregardless": Humour in Contemporary Northwest Coast Art

Beau Dick: Laughter Mask, 1973. Collection of Steve Loretta. Photo: William Neville 

Explore humour in FN art

http://www.billreidgallery.ca/Exhibition/CurrentExhibition.php

A new exhibition (on now until March 17) at the Bill Reid Gallery (SFU) explores the topic of humour in contemporary Aboriginal art. Group admission is $7 for adults and $3 for students.

"Works in "Irregardless" use humour, irony, parody and satire to challenge stereotypes and raise unexpected questions.
"The exhibition is co–curated by Peter Morin, in collaboration with the Gallery's Director of Content and Research, Dr. Martine J. Reid. Most of the 60 pieces in the exhibition were produced during the last 15 years and many have not previously been exhibited. They include a rich and provocative range of works—paintings, sculptures, drawings, masks, etchings, photographs, textiles, jewelry and video installations. Works in "Irregardless" were selected for their aesthetic qualities and their sense of fun and playfulness, the two main ingredients of humour. 

==============

Novel: "Mi'kmaq Song"

Fiction can be a great way to learn more about history and culture in an enjoyable format.

 Check out the first chapter of this novel "Mi'kmaq Song" by Pat Cher. (There are a number of glowing reviews about the book on her site.)

  "It began with a dream. "Come follow me." Gheeju, her Mi’kmaq grandmother, urged. Maggie didn't realize that to follow would mean plunging into uncharted wilderness ... Maggie captured by Abtatuk , a Mi’kmaq, finds her life turned upside down as she experiences the Mi’kmaq way of life; their legends, the Little People, the neighbouring Penobscot."

Beautiful Haida Wall hanging

I'm at John Oliver Secondary for a Teacher Librarian workshop, but I just had to attach this picture of a beautiful Haida wall hanging in the entrance to the Learning Commons (library).

First Nations Carving - in the heart of the city.

We went to Granville Island recently for something to do on a sunny summer day, and came across a totem pole carving in progress. It was nice to see such fine craftsmanship. I believe the artist is Haida carver Clarence Mills.

Visiting other FN spaces

My wife and I spent some time up near Whistler this month. Nairn Falls is a beautiful location, spiritually important to the local peoples. It's great to get out and hike the trails.

 

We also visited the Squamish Nation centre in Whistler's Upper village.

"Endangered Languages

Find out more about the "Endangered Languages project, and contribute to the language database if you have any facility with the Mi'kmaq language. 

"Humanity today is facing a massive extinction: languages are disappearing at an unprecedented pace. And when that happens, a unique vision of the world is lost. With every language that dies we lose an enormous cultural heritage; the understanding of how humans relate to the world around us; scientific, medical and botanical knowledge; and most importantly, we lose the expression of communities’ humor, love and life. In short, we lose the testimony of centuries of life." (From the "about" page)

Speaking and Texting Indigenously

Spark: Episode174 – March 4 & 7, 2012 
http://www.cbc.ca/spark/2012/03/spark-174-march-4-7-2012/

I was very interested to hear the segment on "Spark" about Squamish language texting. I wonder if there are folks doing this in Mi'kmaq?

"Indigenous language activist Dustin Rivers blogs and podcasts to teach Squamish to youth whose parents and grandparents can’t speak the language. His big dream is to use the internet to create a new tribe of language speakers. (Runs 8:17)"

More on Dustin:
http://www.nsnews.com/life/story.html?id=5531356

========