So gently I offer my hand and ask,
Let me find my talk
So I can teach you about me. 

Excerpt from I Lost My Talk, by Rita Joe 

View A Gentle Warrior, a musical tribute to Rita Joe by students at the Allison Bernard Memorial High School in Eskasoni, Unama’ki 

These powerful words from Mi’kmaw poet, Rita Joe, resonate deeply as we enter Mi'kmaq History Month.

Embracing and Celebrating Mi’kmaq Wisdom at Acadia 

This year's Mi'kmaq History Month themes of Msit No'kmaq, Netukulimk, and Tpi'tnewey align with Acadia's essence and values. 

• Msit No'kmaq: Our teaching and research celebrate the deep interconnectedness with the lands, waters, and all beings. 

• Netukulimk: Our commitment to sustainability and seven generations thinking is evident in our academic programs and campus initiatives. 

• Tpi'tnewey: The spirit of coming together, sharing food, and the spirit of generosity shines through in our community, especially during this bountiful harvest season in the Annapolis Valley. 

Honouring Treaty Relationships

Today (October 1), on Treaty Day, we recognize the profound importance of the Peace and Friendship Treaties, and our Nation-to-Nation relationships. As treaty people living and learning on the unceded territory of the Mi'kmaq, we all share responsibilities to each other and to the lands and waters of Mi'kma'ki.

To mark this occasion, you're invited to listen to "Honour Song" by George Paul.

Moving Forward: We are All Treaty People 

Throughout Mi’kmaq History Month, and beyond, we're committed to working alongside Mi’kmaq and Indigenous Elders, Knowledge Keepers, students, staff, faculty, communities, and organizations and build strong and long-lasting Nation-to-institution relationships. Together with Zabrina Whitman, Executive Advisor on L’nu Affairs and Indigenization, and the fabulous team at the Indigenous Student Resource Centre, we will continue to ensure that First Voices, cultures, languages, and histories shape our programming, policies, processes, and futures.  

Everyone is encouraged to participate in events across campus this month, and explore the rich learning resources, below.   

Wela’lioq for being part of this learning journey, and Msit no'kmaq. 

RESOURCES 

• Visit the Indigenous Student Resource Centre for more information about resources for Indigenous students and to learn more about and support their great work.  
  
  
• Explore the information, resources, and events on Acadia's Truth and Reconciliation web page. 
  
  
• Learn through a three-part Mi'kmaq History Month online learning series, which was developed by Acadia’s Indigenous Auntie Darlene Peters Copeland, our Elder-in-Residence, Elder Dr. Joe Michael, politics professor Dr. Cynthia Alexander, and students across campus: 
  • The first module, called Juksutui (“listen to me” in Mi'kmaw), provides information about the impacts of colonialism that persist in Canada. 
  • The second module, Nesutmalsewu’ti (“do you understand” in Mi’kmaw), explores Indigenous Peoples’ teaching and experiences more deeply.  
  • The third unit in the series, Nike (“now” in Mi’kmaw), is focused on Indigenous worldviews, values, and ways of being. 

• Understand more about Mi’kmaq and Indigenous history at the Vaughn Memorial Library through three beautiful displays in the Library for Truth and Reconciliation Day, Mi’kmaq History Month, and Treaty Day, and find resources for further learning through the Truth and Reconciliation 2024 LibGuide.
  
  
• Connect with Mi’kmaq History videos and events through the Mi’kmaq History Month resource site.  
  
  
• Learn more from the Treaty Education website of Nova Scotia, to learn more about the Peace and Friendship Treaties, and how they are living documents for us all. 
  
  
• Visit the Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre to learn more about Mi’kmaq culture, history, stories, and the development of a beautiful cultural centre.