Treaty Day 2012 - Nova Scotia

"Treaty Day, held annually on October 1st, marks the beginning of Mi'kmaq History Month in Nova Scotia as proclaimed in 1993 by then Premier John Savage and Mi’kmaq Grand Chief Ben Sylliboy. The purpose of Treaty Day is to promote public awareness about the Mi’kmaw culture and heritage for all citizens of Nova Scotia." (Find out more.)

Proclamation Video Documentary

"On Treaty Day, the 1st day of October, 2008, the Chiefs and Councils of the 13 Mi'kmaw communities of Nova Scotia came together at Province House, the seat of the Nova Scotia Legislature in Halifax, to proclaim and assert the Nationhood of the Mi'kmaq of Nova Scotia over their traditional lands and waters. Through this Proclamation the Mi'kmaq Chiefs and Councils of Nova Scotia agreed to work together to develop a Mi'kmaw governance structure that unites and empowers our Nation to enhance the quality of life and well-being of our People. This documentary captures the feelings of the Assembly of Nova Scotia Chiefs after the Proclamation of Mi'kmaq Nationhood."

Some Basic info about the Qalipu Band

Looking for some basic information about  the Creation of the Qalipu Mi'kmaq First Nation Ban? This page from Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada gives some of the background, and answers the frequently asked questions.

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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.

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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....


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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. 

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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.