Mi'kmaq Resource Guide Now Online
Nova Scotians interested in Mi'kmaq history and cultural heritage now have a new way of finding out more about First Nations in Atlantic Canada.
The public archives of Nova Scotia has launched the Mi'kmaq Resource Guide, available at www.gov.ns.ca/nsarm/virtual/mikmaq .
Sponsored by the archives' board of trustees, with assistance from the Department of Canadian Heritage, the guide provides online access to archival and library materials relating to Mi'kmaq throughout Atlantic Canada.
"This online guide will contribute to a greater public awareness, understanding and appreciation of Mi'kmaq culture and traditions," said Rodney MacDonald, Minister of Tourism and Culture. "The timing of this event couldn't be better as we celebrate Treaty Day and Mi'kmaq History Month in October."
"Education and awareness affect everyone positively, regardless of what community they come from," said Duncan Gould, Mi'kmaq representative on the board of trustees. "Learning about our collective pasts will enable us to discuss, understand and resolve issues that affect us as neighbours today and in the future."
The online guide incorporates records, published material, sound recordings and film clips in a fully searchable electronic database containing 2,200 descriptions of individual items.
Electronic links lead from the descriptions to scanned images for more than 200 documents. Also featured is a virtual exhibit showcasing 130 additional items central to Mi'kmaq culture and traditions, such as treaties, artifacts, heritage photographs, documentary art and maps.
Most of the online images, especially those of the treaties and artifacts, are of items rarely seen outside the archives. The information and material dates from the early 1700s to the mid- 1900s, with an emphasis on interaction with the Mi'kmaq before 1867.
"This is one in a series of electronic products being developed by the archives," said Brian Speirs, provincial archivist. "The online guide showcases particular areas of the holdings and expands public access to our rich documentary heritage resources."
The online guide has a strong emphasis on visual content and graphic design. In addition to preserving and promoting cultural heritage within the Mi'kmaq community, the guide is designed as a study tool, a resource tool for Mi'kmaq genealogy and an entertaining Internet experience.
To further celebrate Mi'kmaq History Month and the launch of the resource guide, the public archives is sponsoring a special display of its Mi'kmaq treaties, along with a colourful selection of artifacts and significant records relating to First Nations in Nova Scotia. The event marks the first time the treaties have been publicly shown. The display continues until Oct. 11 at the public archives building, 6016 University Ave., Halifax.