The Mi’kmaq are Nova Scotia’s first people

Nova Scotians can learn more about the personal challenges and diverse experiences of the Mi’kmaw community through a new exhibit at the Museum of Natural History in Halifax. 

Leo Glavine, Minister of Communities, Culture and Heritage, attended the opening of This Is What I Wish You Knew on Thursday, Oct. 5. 

“The Mi’kmaq are Nova Scotia’s first people. As such, it is important that we all understand, acknowledge and embrace their culture,” said Mr. Glavine. “I welcome all Nova Scotians to visit the beautiful tile exhibit and learn more about the history of our Mi’kmaw community.” 

The exhibit is presented in partnership with the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre in Halifax. It combines 14 hand-made tiles and personal video reflections from 14 Mi’kmaq community members who created the artwork. Each piece expresses the diversity, strength and courage of Nova Scotia’s Mi’kmaw community through the artists own personal experiences. 

“This was about giving individuals within the urban context the opportunity to express how they struggle – to express who they are, and to have a voice and the courage to say what they really need to say,” said Pam Glode-Desrochers, executive director of the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre. “It is important that people understand who and what we are.”

The exhibit reflects actions featured in Nova Scotia’s Culture Action Plan: Creativity and Community, including enabling Mi’kmaq telling Mi’kmaw stories, enhancing opportunities for Mi’kmaw cultural expression and partnering with the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Center. 

This Is What I Wish You Knew opens to the public today, Oct. 6. For more information, visit naturalhistory.novascotia.ca . 

October is Mi’kmaq History Month in Nova Scotia.