Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia - Where History Meets Opportunity

Phone: 902.532.2043

Beyond Oqwa’titek

Join Us on a Journey of Reconciliation September 10th, 11th, and 12th in Annapolis Royal

What is Beyond Oqwa’titek? Taking its inspiration from the Mi’kmaw word meaning ‘when they arrived’, Beyond Oqwa’titek, is a series of educational and cultural events that will mark Mi’kmaw and early Scottish contact, and the later arrival of the Gaels. As we acknowledge the 400th Anniversary of the Charter of Nova Scotia (New Scotland), we will be exploring our colonial past in the spirit of “A Dialogue of Place and Diversity.” We will reflect upon the impact and the legacy of colonialism particularly on Indigenous communities, as well as other early settler communities, and celebrate the uniqueness and diversity of the cultures of the peoples that have inhabited these lands over time.

Highlights from the Weekend!

The Schedule of Events (click to view)

 

Did we mention the Ceilidh?

 

The September Weekend will feature Pow Wow and Highland Dancing

 

Virtual Roundtable with Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Historians (click link)

https://www.facebook.com/townofannapolisroyal/videos/498044484749339/

 

Who writes the history of a people? outsider and insider perspectives on the Gaels of Cape Breton

 

 

National Indigenous Peoples Day

Panel Discussion with Knowledge Keepers

 

Learn more at:  National Indigenous Peoples Day (rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca)

 

Virtual Roundtable June 26th

 

A video from Mapannapolis helps us understand the context of where the Charter of Nova Scotia was signed

These lands and waters have seen centuries of stories. War and hope. Peace and exile. Colonization and resistance. Stories of souls lost and nations formed. Mi’kmaq and Acadians shared the natural bounties here. French and British fought over them. We celebrate the peoples who have called this land home. Today we tell its stories and learn from its history. For more information visit Mapannapolis

 

Two-Eyed Seeing in Action

Using acoustic telemetry, the project studies the movement and habitat of three species in the Bras d’Or Lake and Bay of Fundy. (Apoqnmatulti’k/Facebook)

Skyler Jeddore is the community liaison for Apoqnmatulti’k. (Submitted by Skyler Jeddore)

Acoustic tracking is usually reserved for animals that are commercially valuable. (Apoqnmatulti’k/Facebook)

From the CBC:

Skyler Jeddore learned everything he knows about the land from his family, friends and community.

He grew up in Eskasoni First Nation, on the shores of the Bras d’Or Lake in Cape Breton. Now he’s helping conserve the species that make their home in the waters his community depends on.

“You have to know how much you’re taking is not too much. You want there to be sustainability,” Jeddore said. “You want your next generation, your children, your children’s children, for the next seven generations to have something in the future.”

Jeddore is the community liaison in a project that aims to protect American eels, American lobster and Atlantic tomcod in the waterways of the ancestral lands of the Mi’kmaq.

MORE

 

Earth Day Provides a good opportunity to learn more about the Mi’kmaq relationship between people, plants, animals, and the Land

Stephen Augustine Collection

Tan-Wet-Abeg-Sol-Teagw – Where We Come From

 

 

April 16th, 2021 was the 275th anniversary of the Battle of Culloden, an event whose repercussions had a significant impact on highland culture and immigration to Nova Scotia. The National Trust for Scotland held a virtual event on April 17th

The 275th Culloden Anniversary Commemoration The Battle of Culloden 275 Years On; Ideology, Optimism and Why We Still Care
 
Charles Edward Stuart Italian Dandy, Selfish Alcoholic or Charismatic Prince?  

 

Resources for Learning the Mi’kmaq Language

Aboriginal Language Institute

Learnmigmaq

Learn Mi’gmaq

Savvy Simon makes learning Mi’kmaq look easy

April 5-9: National Tartan Day

March 28-April 2: Bun is Bàrr – Root & Branch Intergenerational Learning in Gaelic Nova Scotia

Mion-aithriseachd a’ phrógraim, Bun is Bàrr an Albainn Nuaidh a bhios a’ ceangal nan ginealach ri a chéile gus cànan, cultur agus féin-aithne nan Gàidheal ath-aiseag.
________
A short documentary on Nova Scotia’s Bun is Bàrr Mentoring Program that connects the generations to restore Gaelic language culture and identity.

MARCH 17-21: MUSIC: Where Traditional meets Modern
COIG Emma Stevens
Kalolin Johnson Rodney MacDonald, Mac Morin, and Patrick Gillis

 

March 15-19: Moving from functional clothing to regalia

Photo courtesy: Nova Scotia Archives

Mi’kmaw Daily Life : Dress and Ornamentation

Mi’kmaq ‘jingle sisters’ reflect on regalia and why they dance

March 8-12: Is the Belted Plaid the Perfect Piece of Clothing?

March 1-5: Preserving Language is Preserving Culture

A Mi’kmaw lesson from language teacher Curtis Michael

Oh Kanata – Prince Edward Islanders bring Mi’kmaq language alive

Visit the only Mi’kmaq immersion school in the world

Singing against the Silence: The Gaels of Nova Scotia

February 22-26

Beginning slowly in 1621 and peaking from 1760 to 1860, many Scots immigrated to Nova Scotia- why?

This video from the Wagmacook Culture and Heritage Centre helps us understand the culture of the Mi’kmaq when the Scots arrived and some of the lasting impacts of colonisation

February 15-19

Decolonization Learning Journey – 4 webinars themed around the topic of Pre-Contact and Early History

In response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, the Community Sector Council of Nova Scotia (CSCNS) in partnership with Unama’ki College of Cape Breton University, embarked on an organizational learning journey. At the completion of that program and through various initiatives since, the  CSCNS is steadfast in its commitment to deepening a better understanding of the truth of Canada’s shared history with Indigenous peoples, and to taking a leadership role to co-create shared learning spaces across the province to create dialogue, education spaces, and meaningful movement toward reconciliation.

DLJ 3 – Contact and Historical Conflicts, Treaties, and Significance of Indigenous People’s Day

WITH STEPHEN AUGUSTINE Indigenous people have lived in North America since time immemorial. There is significant diversity between Indigenous nations. Before European arrival, neighbouring Indigenous nations engaged in treaty-making, formalizing and defining relationships. Political, military, or trade endeavours established alliances between nations; however, conflicts were not absent between these nations. During early exploration, Europeans claimed the rights of sovereignty, property, and trade in the regions that they seemingly “discovered.”

Associate Vice President, Indigenous Affairs and Unama’ki College

 

 

DLJ 4 – Indian Reserves, the Indian Act, and Confederation

WITH CHERYL KNOCKWOOD  Treaties are agreements made between two, or possibly even several nations or governments, and are meant to govern the relationship between parties. Between 1725 and 1762, the British Crown, the Mi’kmaq, and Wolastoqiyik (Maliseet) people signed a series of Treaties of Peace and Friendship. Within these treaties, L’nu and Wolastoqiyik did not give up the title and rights to their land, nor did they give up their status as sovereign nations.

Governance Coordinator, Membertou Heritage Centre

February 8-12

Language Schools

Dòchas means ‘Hope’ in Scottish Gaelic

Gaels in Nova Scotia, Canada, struggle to maintain and pass on their Gaelic language, culture, and identity in the 21st century as they have been under threat for hundreds of years.

 

Do You Speak My Language

Mi’kmaw at First Nations School in Nova Scotia.  A video by the Mi’kmaq Liaison Office at the Nova Scotia Department of Education. Students at We’koqma’q Mi’kmaq School in Nova Scotia realize the need to keep their language alive.

Culture

Traditionally SCOTS officers and soldiers would gather this weekend for a Burns supper to celebrate the life and poetry of the National Bard, Robert Burns. In honor of International Tartan Day we talk about the history and design of the Scottish Tartan. What is it and what is Plaid? Plus different Tartan Clans.

The Mi’kmaw Creation Story and Pre Contact Way of Life

WITH STEPHEN AUGUSTINE The L’nu or Mi’kmaw Creation Story describes the creation of the world. The Creation Story establishes the morals, principles, and values between the Mi’kmaq and their environment. L’nu people have always negotiated their survival through ceremonies and developed significant relationships with plants, animals, water, fire, and air.

Netukulimk, Harvesting, Sustainable Ways of Living, and Seven Generations

WITH CLIFFORD PAUL All activities between L’nu and the natural world are governed by netukulimk. Netukulimk is based in respect for the land, waters, plants, animals, and fish. There are laws of nature within netukulimk that dictate when it is appropriate to hunt, fish, or harvest.  Netukulimk and Mi’kmaw natural law play a significant role in how L’nu approach sustainability.

 

 

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