Introduction to Mi’kmaw spirituality (Mi'kmaw culture & heritage series)

This session on December 9, 2022, was part of a special lunch & learn event series about Mi’kmaw culture & heritage organized for members of the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers (NSCSW), as part of our College’s commitment to decolonization and helping our members understand and honour the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's calls to action.
Spirituality was, and still is, a big part of Mi’kmaw culture. This session looks at traditional spirituality as it is connected to our environment, Mi’kmaw communities and families. The Mi’kmaw saw similarities between these traditional beliefs and those brought here by the early French settlers. Chief Membertou and 21 members of his family adopted Christianity and were baptised back in 1610. Watch to learn more about Mi’kmaw spiritual knowledge and practice, and the roots of these beliefs.
This session was presented by Gerald Gloade, who works with the Nova Scotia Department of Education's Mi'kmaw Liaison Office and the Confederacy of Mainland Mi'kmaq to provide training.
The NSCSW joins our members and our communities in the labour of reconciliation, and we are grateful to live and work together as treaty people in Mi’kma’ki.
Mi’kma’ki is the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi'kmaq, whose inherent rights were recognized in the Peace and Friendship Treaties that were signed from 1725 to 1779. This series of treaties did not surrender Indigenous land, resources or sovereignty to the British Empire, but instead established rules for an ongoing relationship between nations. The treaties were later reaffirmed by Canada in Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982, and remain active to this day.
For members of NSCSW, viewing and reflecting on this recording may fulfil their annual requirement for professional development related to the ongoing process of truth and reconciliation. NSCSW members are also encouraged to follow up afterwards with advocacy related to this learning. Visit nscsw.org/pd for more information about the professional development requirements for Nova Scotia social workers.

[@joegrande4848]

I wish there was more on the Mi'kmaq people. I do watch videos on the Iroquois people because I also have Iroquois ancestry. Hopefully, there will be more videos that the Mi'kmaq people will put out for us to learn. I do wish more native American people were in the area amazing beautiful people. Years ago, I talked to many different native American people, all amazing and intelligent and insightful and warm. I deeply enjoy talking to all native American people regaurdless of tribe. All truly amazing beautiful people 😊❤❤❤❤

[@sandygibson4584]

I am joining from Ohio.

[@vandamartin9392]

Learned a lot …. Awesome teachings !! Wela’lin Elder🪶 Wela’lioq 😊

[@joegrande4848]

I do miss my grandfather and great grand father both wise and strong and loving. They had Iroquois and Mi'kmaq ancestry. The reason I didn't learn about my Native American ancestors was because they lived in a time where it wasn't allowed to speak of the culture. I would love to go to powwows in my town and speak to the Native people about our Native American culture. It's been hard to go because sometimes they schedule the event on the days I work lately 😢