We would like to acknowledge that we are on the unceded and traditional homeland of the Mi’kmaq People. We do land acknowledgement as a part of the reconciliation process. In order for the area that we now know to exist such as the HRM, and for Canadians to enjoy the lives that they have, Indigenous people were removed, displaced and killed.
This truth is an uncomfortable one but one that is necessary to face if we, as fellow Canadians, are to understand our whole history. This land acknowledgement will not give back the land to its original caretakers. It is symbolic in nature.
It is up to you to do the real and actioned work of reconciliation. We honour the Mi’kmaq, whose stories have been shaped by Mi’kma’ki.
Note that Mi’kmaq territory, along with many other Nations and Tribes extend beyond today’s “borders.” Borders, as we understand them, are arbitrary.
In the early 1500’s, Europeans made contact with the Mi’kmaq who occupied Mi’kma’ki. This region includes what is known today as Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland, most of New Brunswick and parts of the Gaspé Peninsula.
Mi’kma’ki was divided into seven districts, all named based on the geographical characteristics of the areas.
Today in Nova Scotia, Mi’kmaq are divided into 13 bands. Each band is led by an elected Chief and Council.
Learn more about Mi’kma’ki history.