Treaty Day celebrations take place in Nova Scotia
Many Indigenous communities in Nova Scotia were celebrating Treaty Day on Saturday, marking the first day of Mi’kmaq History Month.
For Crystal Glode, it’s her first time presenting a harvesting demonstration of porcupine quill, an old craft and tradition practiced by the Mi’kmaq community, for Treaty Day.
“I won’t be able to do this forever, but it would be nice to know that I taught as much as I know,” Glode said.
Among many presenters to honour and celebrate Indigenous treaties, organizers planned a day of teaching and fun for youth, starting with lessons on treaty rights.
“They should know who they are, where they come from, why we have these treaties and how hard our ancestors fought to have what we have,” said Eldon Paul.
Paul said it’s not just important for Indigenous youth to learn about treaties, but also non-Indigenous youth as well.
“It’s to have some of that respect and for [non-Indigenous] youth to say, ‘that’s what they are fighting for,’ and to just step out of the way and maybe get behind us and say, ‘I understand,’” said Paul.
History lessons on waterways and cultural practices from pre-European contact are also taught.
“These rivers and waterways are still embossed in the culture, despite the challenged that they may have faced through all the difficult times. The culture is still alive and in the memory,” said Roger Lewis.
With much of the Mi’kmaq language unspoken by the First Nation, Saturday’s teachings also include the language that they want to revive.
“The word for ‘milky way’ translated means to spirit roads and talks about how our ancestors travel the spirit road and gives us insight on our spirituality,” said Curtis Michael.
Normally, Treaty Day festivities include gatherings in Halifax, with various events reflecting the beliefs of the Mi’kmaq people. However, with many in the province still without power, Treaty Day celebrations have been postponed until further notice.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.