Knowledge

Here you will find information and resources related to Mi'kmaq language, history, and teachings

Mikmaq Petroglyph (Mikmaq Star)

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The Mi’kmaq Star Petroglyph: A Guiding Symbol of Identity and Connection The Mi’kmaq Star petroglyph is a powerful and ancient symbol carved into stone by the Mi’kmaq people, the Indigenous inhabitants of what is now Atlantic Canada and parts of the northeastern United States. Often depicted as an eight-pointed star, this design is more than a beautiful image—it holds deep cultural, spiritual, and historical meaning. It represents balance, unity, and the guiding forces of the natural and spiritual worlds. Traditionally, the eight points of the Mi’kmaq Star are said to reflect the four cardinal directions and the four intermediate ones—north, south, east, west, northeast, northwest, southeast, and southwest—symbolizing harmony with the land and the universe. It is also seen as a visual expression of interconnectedness: between humans and nature, past and present, the physical world and the spiritual one. In Mi’kmaq culture, stars have long served as tools for navigation, seasonal understanding, and storytelling. Petroglyphs like the Mi’kmaq Star, found etched into rock faces across Nova Scotia and beyond, are records of knowledge passed down through generations. They are sacred markings that reflect the worldview and resilience of the Mi’kmaq people. Today, the Mi’kmaq Star remains a symbol of cultural pride, identity, and continuity. It reminds us to walk in balance, to respect the wisdom of the land, and to honor the stories that have shaped the Mi’kmaq Nation for thousands of years.

Mikmaq Culture & The Traditional Uses of "Siku"

Mi’kmaq Culture and the Healing Power of the Land For the Mi’kmaq people, the land is more than a place to live—it is a living, spiritual source of knowledge, healing, and balance. Since time immemorial, the Mi’kmaq have cultivated a deep relationship with the natural world, understanding the sacred uses of plants, waters, and seasons. Medicines come not only from the forest and rivers, but also from ceremony, stories, and the careful knowledge passed down through generations. Among the many natural medicines respected in Mi’kmaq tradition is Siku, which means "grass" in our language. In a modern context, Siku is a word we use to refer to medicinal marijuana. Like other traditional medicines, it is used with intention, respect, and care. It is not merely a product—it is a part of the land’s spirit and the Mi’kmaq way of healing. Siku as Medicine Mi’kmaq Elders and knowledge keepers have long recognized the calming, pain-relieving, and grounding properties of sacred plants. Siku, as a form of medicinal cannabis, continues this tradition of plant-based healing. It may be used to ease physical discomfort, reduce anxiety, and support mental clarity and spiritual connection. In our culture, healing is holistic—it addresses the body, mind, spirit, and community. At the heart of our approach is respect: for the medicine, for the person using it, and for the land it comes from. When we harvest, prepare, or share Siku, we do so in a way that honors its origins and purpose. This respect ensures the medicine remains balanced and powerful.

Mi’kma’ki: Land, People, History

The Mi'kmaq (also spelled Mi'kmaw or Micmac) are the Indigenous people whose traditional territory spans much of Atlantic Canada, including Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, eastern New Brunswick, the Gaspé Peninsula in Quebec, and parts of Newfoundland. Known collectively as Mi’kma’ki, this territory is deeply rooted in Mi'kmaq identity and culture. Prior to European contact, the Mi'kmaq lived in organized communities based on family clans, with seasonal movements that reflected a deep understanding of the land and its resources. The arrival of European settlers in the 16th and 17th centuries, particularly French and later British, brought significant changes. The Mi'kmaq initially established strong alliances with the French, participating in trade and military campaigns during colonial conflicts. These alliances were strategic and reflected the Mi’kmaq’s adaptability and political acumen. However, British colonial expansion led to increasing tension and displacement. Treaties were signed between the Mi'kmaq and the British Crown beginning in the early 18th century, intended to ensure peace and mutual respect. These treaties are still recognized today as “Peace and Friendship Treaties,” and they remain central to legal discussions around Indigenous rights in Canada. Despite centuries of colonial pressure, the Mi'kmaq have preserved their language, cultural practices, and governance systems. In recent decades, there has been a powerful resurgence in Mi'kmaq identity, including language revitalization, land rights activism, and educational initiatives. The Mi’kmaq continue to assert their rights and protect their territory through legal action and political advocacy, often rooted in the recognition of their unceded lands. Their story is not just one of survival but of resilience, sovereignty, and cultural renewal across Atlantic Canada.

Nation to Nation Trade and the Treaty of 1752

Before European colonization, the Mi’kmaq and other Indigenous Nations across Turtle Island (North America) engaged in extensive trade networks that stretched across the continent. These relationships were built on mutual respect, diplomacy, and well-established customs of exchange. Trade was not merely economic—it was cultural, political, and often ceremonial. When Europeans arrived, many Indigenous Nations, including the Mi’kmaq, approached these newcomers in the same Nation-to-Nation spirit, expecting mutual recognition, respect, and the honoring of agreements. This foundational principle still guides Indigenous diplomacy today. One of the most significant historical documents in Mi’kmaq–Crown relations is the Treaty of 1752, signed between Chief Jean-Baptiste Cope of the Mi’kmaq and the British Crown. This treaty was one of several "Peace and Friendship" treaties signed in the 18th century, meant to establish peaceful relations and enable trade without the surrender of Mi’kmaq land or sovereignty. It recognized the rights of the Mi’kmaq to continue their way of life, including hunting, fishing, and trading throughout their territories. Crucially, the Treaty of 1752 established that Mi’kmaq people could trade freely at British-established markets and would not be hindered in their movements. Despite centuries of disregard by colonial and later Canadian governments, these treaties have never been nullified and remain legally binding. In recent years, the Treaty of 1752 has played a key role in court decisions affirming Indigenous rights, particularly in relation to traditional fishing and trade. Today, Mi’kmaq leaders and knowledge keepers continue to emphasize the Nation-to-Nation nature of their relationship with the Crown, reminding Canadians that these treaties were not acts of surrender, but of partnership, peace, and mutual benefit.

What Nation-to-Nation Means Today

Nation-to-Nation relationships are rooted in treaties, diplomacy, and mutual respect. Today, when we speak of Nation-to-Nation trade, we are reviving this principle by building networks of Indigenous collaboration—economically, socially, and culturally. Mniku Trading Post acts as a bridge between communities, providing a platform for Indigenous entrepreneurs, elders, and educators to share their work while keeping control over how their cultures are represented and shared.