North Sydney Library Hosts Seminars on Mi’kmaw Culture

Free educational seminars focusing on Mi’kmaw culture and history will take place at the North Sydney Library, starting on October 7, 2023. These sessions are scheduled throughout Mi’kmaw History Month in Nova Scotia and aim to foster understanding and dialogue about the Mi’kmaw people’s significant contributions to Canadian history.

The seminars will be led by retired Mi’kmaw Studies teacher Bryan Sweeney along with local Mi’kmaw Elders. Sweeney highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating, “This will be a reflective time for us to acknowledge the profound impact the Mi’kmaw people have had on Canada as a nation.” He noted their role as one of the original nations to establish contact with European sailors, which was crucial in the early relationship between two distinct worlds.

Seminar Details and Themes

The structure of the seminars is guided by the principle of Etuaptmumk, or Two-Eyed Seeing, developed by Eskasoni Elder Albert Marshall. This approach emphasizes the value of integrating multiple perspectives to achieve better outcomes. Each session will feature Sweeney alongside Mi’kmaw Elders, ensuring a comprehensive representation of viewpoints.

The first session, scheduled for October 7, will focus on “Pre-Contact: Mi’kmaq/L’nu, their Land and Territory.” Following this, the second session on October 14 will delve into “The Creation Story and Mi’kmaw Ceremonies.” On October 21, participants will explore “Post-contact and the Impact of the Doctrine of Discovery, Colonialism and Assimilation.”

The fourth session on October 28 will cover “Post-Contact, Treaties, the Royal Proclamation of 1763, Legislation and the Indian Act.” Finally, the fifth session on November 5 will address the “Role and Progress of Reconciliation and Decolonization.” All sessions will run from 6:30 to 7:45 PM.

Community Engagement and Purpose

Sweeney emphasized that these seminars are open to everyone, stating, “Everyone is welcome to come to learn and process reconciliation and how colonization has affected everyone living in Cape Breton, Indigenous and non-Indigenous.” The initiative is sponsored by the Adventist Reconciliation Ministries of North Sydney, which aims to foster community understanding and healing.

Pre-registration is encouraged via email to [email protected], though all interested individuals are welcome to attend. The seminars provide a unique opportunity for community members to engage with Mi’kmaw history and culture, promoting dialogue and understanding in the context of reconciliation efforts.

This initiative reflects a growing commitment to acknowledge and address the historical and ongoing impacts of colonization, fostering a space for shared learning and reflection within the community.