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
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
B.C. man used Bobcat as 'weapon' while chasing away homeless people, judge says
A B.C. man has been convicted of assault with a weapon after using a skid-steer Bobcat to chase two homeless people from his lawn, injuring one of them in the process.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.
'Nobody should be getting away with murder': Grieving mother speaks out after son killed in North Preston, N.S.
A grieving mother is speaking out after her 36-year-old son was shot and killed in North Preston, N.S., Wednesday night.
Toronto-area dessert shop featured by Keith Lee forced to move after zoning complaint
A small Ajax dessert shop that recently received a glowing review from celebrity food critic Keith Lee is being forced to move after a zoning complaint was made following the social media influencer’s visit last month.