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Every October, we recognize Mi'kmaq History Month. The Mi'kmaq are the First Nations people and earliest inhabitants of Nova Scotia and much of the Atlantic provinces.

To encourage greater knowledge and understanding about our local Indigenous communities and their experiences, three online learning modules are available to our entire Acadia community. These were developed by Acadia鈥檚 Indigenous Auntie Darlene Peters Copeland, our Elder-in-Residence Dr. Joe Michael, politics professor Dr. Cynthia Alexander, and students across campus:

The first module, called (鈥渓isten to me鈥� in Mi'kmaw), provides information about the impacts of colonialism that persist in Canada.

The second module, (鈥渄o you understand鈥� in Mi鈥檏maw), explores Indigenous Peoples鈥� teaching and experiences more deeply. With the discovery of more unmarked graves on the sites of residential schools, Elder-in-Residence Dr. Joe Michael says the campus community is asked to explore Survivor stories and information for reflection and learning.

The third unit in the series, (鈥渘ow鈥� in Mi鈥檏maw), is focused on Indigenous worldviews, values and ways of being. Darlene Peters Copeland serves as a guide throughout the Nike learning journey.

A chain of covenant treaties were signed between the British and the maritime Indigenous nations (the Mi鈥檏maq, the Wolastoqiyik and Passamaquoddy) in the 1700s. These treaties are called the Peace and Friendship Treaties. These treaties recognized that the Mi鈥檏maq were not going to leave their homeland but also that the newcomers to here would not leave. They recognized that settlers and Indigenous nations would have to learn to co-exist together. The treaties affirmed nation-to-nation relationships. Treaty Day occurs every year on October 1^st. It launches Mi鈥檏maw History Month and is created to celebrate this beautiful relationship of living in peace and harmony with one another. It first was created in 1993 by Premier John Savage and Grand Chief Ben Sylliboy of the Mi鈥檏maw Grand Council (otherwise known in Mi鈥檏maw as the Sant茅 Mawiomi). Mi鈥檏maq from across the province and beyond typically come together in Halifax on this day to celebrate our treaties.

Why does this day matter to you?

Just like the Constitution Act, the Criminal Code and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the Treaties were created by leaders and individuals but apply to everyone. We are all treaty people. We all have a responsibility to respect one another and to respect each other鈥檚 differences. Specific to the relationship between settlers and Mi鈥檏maq, it is recognition that the Mi鈥檏maw are a governing nation with different ways of thinking from western ideologies. This does not mean western Eurocentric ways or Indigenous epistemologies are wrong or right. Merely it says that we need to create space to respect differences and coexist together in harmony.

For more information, visit:

National Day for Truth & Reconciliation: Monday, September 30, 2024

While Truth & Reconciliation is an ongoing effort, September 30th gives us a dedicated opportunity to pause, listen, reflect, support, and act. This day, which coincides with the Indigenous-led Orange T-Shirt Day or Every Child Matters Day, specifically honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools.

This year, 外流影片 and the Town of Wolfville have come together 鈥� for a 惭补飞颈辞鈥檓颈 (a Mi鈥檏maw word for 鈥済athering鈥�) 鈥� to provide our community with several opportunities to learn and participate. We鈥檙e especially proud that these 惭补飞颈辞鈥檓颈 events were programmed and delivered largely by 外流影片 students in partnership with a unified team of chiefs, staff, parents and educators who advocate for and represent the educational interests of our Mi'kmaq communities in Nova Scotia.

National Indigenous Peoples Day: Saturday, June 21, 2025

On June 21, people from coast to coast to coast celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day. It is a day to recognize, learn about and enjoy the richness and diversity of Canada鈥檚 First Nations, Inuit and M茅tis Peoples.

Wherever you are, we encourage you to take some time to learn about the local Indigenous nation in whose territory you make your home. The three online learning modules developed by Darlene Peters Copeland, Dr. Joe Michael and Dr. Cynthia Alexander are a great place to start! For information and links visit the Mi鈥檏maq History Month tab above.

To learn about the history of National Indigenous Peoples Day and to find out how you can get involved, visit the . Wherever you are, whether it鈥檚 here in Mi'kma'ki or elsewhere, check the to find out how you can celebrate.

Did you know?
June 21st was selected as National Indigenous Peoples Day because it is the start of the Summer Solstice. The Summer Solstice is significant to many Indigenous nations. It holds deep spiritual and cultural significance, marking a time of renewal, connection, and celebration.