Legends of the Mi'kmaq

Recitations of four Mi'kmaw stories

http://www.cbc.ca/ideas/episodes/2013/03/15/legends-of-the-mikmaq/

"The rich oral tradition of the Mi'kmaq is highlighted in four fascinating stories - stories of power and magic that provide insight into the culture of this First Nation from Canada's east coast. CBC Radio's Legends Project compiles traditional oral stories, legends and histories of Canada's Inuit and First Nations, gathered in communities across the country."

You can listen to these stories from the website via streaming, or download as a podcast to listen "on the go." (Just search "Ideas" podcast in iTunes and browse for the Mi'kmaw legends or download here.)

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Pow-wow at the Surrey Fusion Festival

First Nations come together to celebrate

I had the pleasure of visiting the Klahoweya Pow-Wow space that was set up at the Surrey Fusion Festival in Holland Park this past weekend. Even though I can't get back to "K'taqmkuk" for a Mi'kmaw pow-wow, I can join in with FN folks on the far West coast!

Lots of dancing and drumming and displays of arts and crafts for visitors to admire and purchase.

      

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On top of the world

From the top of Whistler

We spent the last week at Whistler and I was delighted to see a pole with a Salish Welcome figure at the top, carved by Rick Henry. The pole sits by the entrance to the Peak2Peak ride, on the Whistler side.

(Close-up of the plaque.)

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Beautiful Artwork at Tulalip

Cabela's features local FN artists

The entrance of this store features a beautiful piece that represents the Snohomish people. The installation was designed by James Madison - very impressive.

Link to more info about the art.

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Survival a testament to unimaginable strength

There is no quick fix

http://www.vancouversun.com/business/Professional+help/8574438/story.html

An important perspective on the many issues facing First Nations communities.

"Friday, June 21, was National Aboriginal Day, a day to honour our First Nations citizens. But too often instead of honour, they get disrespect. [...] That First Nations people have survived at all is testament to an unimaginable strength. First Nations are getting their act together, mostly due to their own initiative, but there is no quick fix.

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Honouring Mi'kmaq heritage with handmade a canoe

A traditional art — building birchbark canoes

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/story/2013/06/24/ns-birch-bark-canoe-mikmaq.html

"A seventh-generation Mi'kmaq man from Nova Scotia's Kejimkujik region is honouring the heritage and culture of his people by practising a traditional art — building birchbark canoes. Todd Labrador, whose great-grandfather was a master canoe maker, taught himself how to build the craft after his own father passed away."

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Kisiku'k Wklusuwaqnmuow

Murdena Marshall speaks

http://dearelders.ca/videos/21

"I like the Mi'kmaq language, I love it dearly, it's my first love. I like my Mi'kmaq thought influenced by my language, without my language I wouldn't have a Mi'kmaq thought. ... I'll never break my teachings. This is who I am and this is how I'll die. I can never escape my Mi'kmaq thoughts, it can never be taken away from me and it could never be squashed in my self-conscience. So those things are very important to me. To me the word Mi'kmaq is just a word, but all that it encompasses that word is dear to me".

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Celebrating National Aboriginal Day in Richmond BC

A time of celebration - "amalgaltieg" - we all dance

Even though we were not able to celebrate with the rest of the Mi'kmaw community in Corner Brook, my mom and I did attend an event here in Richmond, BC.

We heard a story teller from the Musqueam Nation and clapped along as we watched the Urban Heiltsuk Dance Group perform traditional songs and dances. Mom had her picture taken with Colleen, one of the dancers.

Engaging youth with indigenous materials in libraries & classrooms

Incorporating materials that represent Indigenous peoples and cultures

http://www.ikebarberlearningcentre.ubc.ca/2012/11/engaging-youth-with-indigenous-materials-in-libraries-and-classrooms/

How do we select First Nations resources?

"Assessing and incorporating teaching and learning resources by and about First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples is critical for librarians, educators and parents. This panel will address challenges facing Indigenous and non-Indigenous librarians, educators and parents when drawing upon materials representing Indigenous peoples and cultures."

WNCP Assessing and Validating Materials

http://www.wncp.ca/english/subjectarea/fnmi.aspx

BC Aboriginal Education Resources

http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/abed/documents.htm

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Descendants of Matthew Mitchell

All my relations...

http://www.vcn.bc.ca/~fgp/mattie'sd/index2.htm

So, what does an "Indian" name look like anyway? With all the furor about O'Briens and McLennans claiming First Nations ancestry in Newfoundland, I thought I'd take a look at a list of Mattie Mitchell's descendants. I feel a strong sense of pride to see all these names (from Ackerman to Zampi) who are my Mi'kmaq cousins.

"Kwe'. Ni'n-teluisi Gordon Powell, and I am Mi'kmaw"