New Children’s Book Shines Light on Honour Song
The Province and treaty education partners have worked together to develop a new children’s book about the Honour Song and its spiritual importance to Mi’kmaq.
Kepmite’taqney Ktapekiaqn – Le chant d’honneur – The Honour Song was launched today, December 9, at Pictou Landing First Nation with about 90 children from Pictou Landing First Nation School and Scotsburn Elementary School enjoying a reading of the book in Mi’kmaw, English and French.
“It’s a privilege to be in community and celebrate both the release of this book and the unique partnership that allowed this project to succeed,” said Karla MacFarlane, Minister of L’nu Affairs. “This story will help all children learn about the Honour Song, residential schools, and the importance of Mi’kmaw language and culture as we work toward reconciliation.”
The Honour Song is a spiritual anthem of the Mi'kmaq that is performed at gatherings, celebrations and events throughout Mi’kma’ki. Typically performed with a hand drum, the song acknowledges respect for Mi’kmaw culture and spirituality.
In the children’s book, Elder George Paul shares how the Honour Song came to him after a spiritual journey in the late 1980s.
Elder Paul is a singer-songwriter and residential school survivor from Metepenagiag Mi’kmaq Nation in New Brunswick. He worked with Helene Devarennes, the project co-ordinator for Bouton d’or Acadie Publishing in Moncton, to create the children’s story. Loretta Gould, a Mi’kmaw artist from We’koqma’q in Cape Breton, illustrated the book.
Quotes:
“We are very excited about this book release and to see The Honour Song published in three languages. It ensures that all students in our province, no matter where they go to school, will have access to this story. The song and artwork are a beautiful way to share our culture and we absolutely love the outcome of this project.”
– Blaire Gould, Executive Director, Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey
Quick Facts:
- Treaty Education Nova Scotia invested about $25,000 in the project
- Treaty Education Nova Scotia has purchased 1,000 copies that will be shared with educators and partners, and distributed to public libraries across the province
Additional Resources:
News release - Mi’kmaw Language Legislation Proclaimed: https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20220717001
Mandate letter of the Minister of L’nu Affairs: https://novascotia.ca/exec_council/letters-2021/ministerial-mandate-letter-2021-DCS-OLA-SOW.pdf
Treaty Education Nova Scotia website: https://novascotia.ca/treaty-education/