News release

Investments to Promote and Preserve Mi’kmaw Culture

Communities, Culture and Heritage (Jan. 2011 - Aug. 2021)

The province is committed to encouraging activities that celebrate Mi’kmaw culture. Towards that end, the province is investing $50,800 in four projects designed to explore, revitalize, share and experience both traditional and emerging Mi’kmaw culture.

One of the recipients, Potlotek First Nation, is receiving $10,000 to complete a research project into the Mi’kmaw legend of Kluskap and the Beaver. The funding supports an animated short film for use in classrooms.

“The Mi’kmaq are the longest-standing stewards of the language and culture of this land,” said Suzanne Lohnes-Croft, Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage. “Our celebration of Mi’kmaw culture is fundamental to our shared understanding of where we live, and who we are. I want to offer my gratitude to these organizations for helping build a more vibrant and sustainable future for Nova Scotia and Mi’kma’ki.”

The investment comes from the Mi’kmaw Cultural Activities Program Fund. Interested applicants still have time to apply before the Jan. 29, 2021 deadline.

Quotes:

"This project will continue to keep the Kluskap legends alive – legends that live in the rock and landscape formations around us. It deepens our relationship with our neighbours in St. Peters and Battery Park as we work to together to share Mi’kmaw history with visitors from near and far. Working together to research and share stories from this land strengthens our collective community pride in Unama’ki.”

– Noelle Doucette, cultural coordinator, Potlotek First Nation

Quick Facts:

  • additional projects include: Confederacy of Mainland Mi'kmaq – Mi'kmaw History Month video series, Niktuipukwek/Truro, $15,000 (online here: https://mikmaqhistorymonth.ca/video/ Potlotek First Nation, “Keeping it Tradish” weekly evening for youth, $5,800; Mi'kmaw Kinamatnewey – Red Road Winter Mawio'mi, Niktuipukwek/Truro, $20,000
  • the Mi’kmaw Cultural Activities Program Fund is open to Mi’kmaw communities, groups or organizations for projects that encourage and develop Mi’kmaw culture
  • the program, funded by support4culture, is intended to assist special or one-time projects

Additional Resources:

To apply for the Jan. 29 deadline, or for more information, visit:
https://cch.novascotia.ca/investing-in-our-future/mikmaw-cultural-activities-program

Nova Scotia Culture Action Plan: https://novascotia.ca/culture/