Strait Regional Centre for Education Celebrates Mi'kmaw History Month 2023: Mi’kmaw Sports, Traditional Games and Pastimes
October 1 is Treaty Day and marks the beginning of Mi’kmaw History Month in Nova Scotia. Throughout the year, and especially in October, teachers incorporate a variety of educational activities in their classroom instruction to highlight the connection of our past to today and how this information shapes our understanding of our shared history. In addition, schools organize activities to enhance Treaty Education.
Treaty Day and Mi’kmaw History Month is an opportunity for each of us to reflect on our own understanding of the important history, culture, contributions, achievements and traditions of the Mi’kmaw community.
The theme of Mi’kmaw History Month 2023 is Mi’kmaw Sports, Traditional Games and Pastimes. As the poster shares, for generations, participation in sports and games have grown Mi'kmaw ways of knowing and being, teaching young ones how to hear, how to see, and how to move. Competition sharpens skills and builds endurance, speed and strength. Sports demand young ones predict what will happen before it has actually occurred. Using this kind of pattern recognition together with all of our senses makes great hunters and skilled warriors. These teachings carry us into ways of thinking, moving and being as adults.
Sports are not only about training and growth, but also about spirit and ceremony. Many athletes show gratitude to the Creator by continually striving for perfection. Traditional activities like archery, waltes, lacrosse, and wapnaqn connect people to each other and to ancestors who have come before them. Sports and games allow generations of spectators, coaches and participants to grow up together through annual events and gatherings. Food, entertainment and socializing involve everyone. Many games have elements of chance that allow spectators to join in the fun. Our value of inclusion encourages all to participate.
In the spirit of peace, friendship, truth and reconciliation, the Strait Regional Centre for Education encourages students, staff, parents/guardians, families and community partners to share in the celebration of Mi’kmaw History Month 2023.
We Are All Treaty People. Every Child Matters / E’tasiw mijuaj’jij sespete’tasit.
There are a number of valuable educational on-line resources included below that will provide information and insight into the contributions of people of Mi'kmaq heritage in Nova Scotia, Canada and the world.
Treaty Relationship and Education Nova Scotia
Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada
Mi'gmaq/Mi’kmaq Online Talking Dictionary Project
Mi’kmaw History Month
Mi’kmaq Rights Initiative-Kwilmu’kw Maw-Klusuaqn
Mi’kmaq Services: Nova Scotia Department of Education and Early Childhood Development
Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre
New Journeys
Office of L’nu Affairs - Province of Nova Scotia
Peace and Friendship Treaties
Tepi’ketuek Mi’kmaw Archives
The Confederacy of Mainland Mi'kmaq
Union of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq