Culture and Traditions of the Mi'kmaq People
The Mi'kmaq people are an indigenous people of Eastern
Canada. The original name for the Mi'kmaq was L'nu'k, which means "the people".
The word Mi'kmaq comes from a word from the Mi'kmaq language, "nikmaq" meaning
"my kin-friends or allies." The FNI Mi’kmaq people thrive today in Newfoundland,
Atlantic Canada and in parts of Maine.
The Mi'kmaq language comes from the Algonquian family, and
is rich and descriptive. The Mi'kmaq language is still spoken today in parts of
Newfoundland, and the Atlantic territories. In Newfoundland, the Mi'kmaq
language has been lost to a lot of its people through the assimilation of the
Europeans, but is slowly being revived through a renewed interest in its
importance.
The Drum
The drum represents the heartbeat of our nation and is the
center of all life and creation. It is the heartbeat of Mother Earth. In Mi'kmaq
culture, women are given the utmost respect, and are honored as the lifeline for
all creation.
Significance of Tobacco
Tobacco is used to send a message to ask for the help of
the people in your community. It is also used in Mi'kmaq burial ceremonies. By
giving a tobacco offering to the spirits, it helps the deceased to get to the
spirit world. Tobacco is commonly used in Pipe ceremonies.
Smudging
Smudging is similar to blessing oneself with Holy Water in
the Catholic faith. The smoke from burning sweet grass, cedar, or sage, is
brushed toward one's body to cleanse the spirit. The smudging is usually done
before a person involves himself in a traditional ceremony.
Pow-wow
The Mi'kmaq people in Newfoundland are making it a point to
celebrate the culture and traditions of their people by creating an annual
celebration, which is rich in traditional dancing, singing, drumming, and
ceremony, and is sacred to the Mi'kmaq people among other Nations. During the
summer months, usually in July, Newfoundland's only reserve, Conne River hosts a
beautiful gathering which is an alcohol and drug free event for the whole
family. The youth of the Federation of Newfoundland Indians have begun to
celebrate the revival of the Mi'kmaq culture by hosting a celebration day, which
includes traditional singing, dancing, a sunrise ceremony, and a traditional
feast. This celebration was somewhat of a mini pow-wow, and a step toward
hosting their own annual pow-wow.
St. Anne's Day & National Aboriginal Day
Two holidays that are very significant to the Mi'kmaq
people are St. Anne's Day, July 26, and National Aboriginal Day, June 21. St.
Anne's Day is a day to celebrate and gather to remember Saint Anne as the Patron
Saint of the Mi'kmaq people.
National Aboriginal Day is celebrated by all aboriginal
peoples, and is a day to celebrate the traditions and ceremonies of our
ancestors. The Federation of Newfoundland Indians' St. George’s Band as well as
the Exploits Band area traditionally hold an annual celebration day, which
brings people in the area together to celebrate their Mi'kmaq culture and
heritage.
Sweet Grass
Sweet grass is said to be found where salt water and fresh
water combine. However, it may be difficult to identify sweet grass because it
blends with regular grass, but usually can be identified as a result of its
distinct sweet smell. Sweet grass is sacred to the Mi'kmaq people as it is used
in various ceremonies, and is often woven in a braid, which signifies the hair
of mother earth. The smoke from burning sweet grass is used for smudging.
Significance of the Eagle Feather
The eagle feather is significant to all First Nations
tribes across Canada. The eagle feather is a way of delivering a message to the
Creator. It is an honour to receive an eagle feather in recognition of helping
one's people. It is believed by the Mi'kmaq people that the eagle is the only
living creature to have ever touched the face of the Creator. The Eagle
represents the medium through which Native people can identify and appreciate
the significance of the Creator's spirit among them. |
