TRENDS
PHOTOS COURTESY OF MEMBERTOU
The Mi’kmaq people Nova Scotia is within Mi’kma’ki, the territory of the vibrant and beautiful Mi’kmaq people. The Mi’kmaq signed Peace and Friendship Treaties with newcomers to Canada beginning in 1752 and have long been known for being friendly and welcoming. In Nova Scotia, October 1st is Treaty Day, and October is Mi’kmaq History Month, mandated to help Nova Scotians build awareness of Mi’kmaq history and heritage. There are 13 Mi’kmaw communities: five in Cape Breton and eight on the mainland. In addition, there is a large population of Indigenous people living in Halifax and in rural areas throughout Nova Scotia. Mi’kmaw people in Nova Scotia provide an untapped market for Halifax Chamber of Commerce members as customers and as business partners. It’s time to work together to build a province that reflects the diversity of its people and ensures that all benefit from a quality standard of living. It is critical that Nova Scotians learn about and from their Mi’kmaw neighbours. It is critical that visitors to Nova Scotia know that Mi’kmaq are the original stewards and caretakers of this land. It is critical that Mi’kmaq are visible throughout Nova Scotia and seen in ways that are positive and reflective of the beauty of the land, the people and the culture. There are many ways to connect, to learn, and to build relationships and partnerships. Here are some suggestions of websites you can check out to start building your cultural confidence. Business entities: • Ulnooweg • Nova Scotia Indigenous Tourism Association • Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business • Mi’kmaq Maliseet Nation News Political entities: • Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq Chiefs • Native Women’s Association of Nova Scotia
• Kwilmu’kw Maw-klusuaqn Negotiation Office - Mi’maq Rights Initiative • Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq • Union of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq • Atlantic Policy Congress • Assembly of First Nations for Nova Scotia and Newfoundland Regional Office • Native Council of Nova Scotia Educational entities: • Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre • Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey • Nova Scotia Treaty Education Cultural entities: • Mi'kmaq Grand Council • Glooscap Heritage Centre • Membertou Heritage Park • Eskasoni Cultural Journeys • Wagmatcook Culture and Heritage Centre • Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre and Interpretive Trail • We’koqma’q Skye River Trail • Bear River Heritage and Cultural Centre In this era of reconciliation, it is important to realize the importance of engaging with the First Peoples of this land in a way that is authentic and meaningful. There are many Mi’kmaw resources and partnership opportunities. Friends United is an example of an entity that works with Mi’kmaw artists as an ally and a supporter. Don’t be afraid. Start reaching out. Recognize building trust takes time. Be patient. Come from a place of service to community. Whatever your interest or area of focus, there is a Mi’kmaw organization that can help build capacity and support the recruitment and retention of Indigenous customers and partners––creating more economic and social opportunities for all. And at the end of the day, what do we want? A better world for our children, all of our children. We do this by working together.
JUNE 2021
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