“Healing is within; it comes from you. But sometimes you need a little bit of help.” Michelle Marshall-Johnson speaks about the healing bond between kekkunit aq klnikn, two important roles in Mi’kmaw culture. When we help others, and let others help us, our healing becomes stronger.

For District Chief Sherry Pictou, healing looks like honouring our responsibilities to msɨt no’kmaq (all my relations) human and non-human alike. When we heal the world around us, we heal too, because we are all connected.

The late Elder Murdena Marshall—matriarch, friend, sister, educator—taught that healing is a journey we live every day. In this video, Murdena’s daughter, Michelle Marshall-Johnson, reflects on the wisdom, love, and legacy that shape this year’s Mi’kmaw History Month theme.  Fun fact: Artist Gerald Gloade included Kiju Muin in the centre of this year’s poster to honour Murdena, a Muin clan matriarch!

We’re excited to share the poster for Mi’kmaw History Month 2026: Nepisulti’k – We are Healing. Healing is a lifelong journey, as the late Elder Murdena Marshall taught—one rooted in understanding ourselves, our histories, our relationships, and our connectedness to one another. This year’s theme honours and explores different types of healing journeys, acknowledging that whatever one’s path looks like, all are sacred. What does healing look like to you?

Stories have always carried the knowledge Mi’kmaw people needed to live, learn, and thrive. Gerald Gloade reminds us that these teachings are timeless, still guiding us today.

At this Mi’kmaw-based program, individuals like Raylene Syliboy are helping youth connect with cultural roots by engaging in sustainable practices. Activities such as maple syrup harvesting and bass fishing teach practical skills while fostering a deeper connection to heritage. How do you connect with your cultural roots?

Growing up connected to the land, Chelsey Purdy learned the powerful role food plays in shaping our lives and communities. Now, as a registered dietitian working with Mi’kmaq communities, she focuses on food sovereignty—empowering communities to define their own food systems and values. Her work is highlighted in events like Kilu’nal na no’knmaq (Our Food Is Our Relations).

Kekka! (Look!) Are you ready for the unveiling of the 2024 Mi’kmaq History Month poster? This year we’re celebrating Mijipjewey Na Mawa’luksi’k (Food Gathers Us Together). Feast your eyes and let us know what you think!

Join Chef Geordy Marshall as he practices Netukulimk (Ned ouu goo limk) through thoughtful, sustainable foraging and shares traditional ways to cook meat, shellfish, and bread.

Sport requires training of the body, mind, heart and spirit. It sharpens skills and builds endurance, speed and strength. It’s been central to Mi’kmaw culture for generations. This Mi’kmaw History Month, we’re sharing knowledge about the rich history and exciting future of sports in Mi’kma’ki. Be a part of it!

Waltes is a sacred traditional game. You can find historical records of Mi’kmaw communities playing waltes while discussing the important issues of their day. It’s also a lot of fun. Join us this Mi’kmaw History Month to learn about traditional Mi’kmaw activities and sports like waltes, archery, lacrosse, wapnaqnk and many more!

Generosity. Kindness. Confidence. These are just a few of the qualities Mi’kmaw culture has in common with the practice of katu wessua’qa’ltimk (martial arts). Take part in Mi’kmaw History Month 2023. This October, we’re sharing knowledge of Mi’kmaw excellence in sports, games and other pastimes throughout our history and our present!

“For me, the flight of the arrow is an extension of who I am and who my ancestors were. It is still who we are today.”

-Clifford Paul, Membertou Mi’kmaw community

Majjoqtelikemk (archery) is one of the many sports, games, and pastimes we’re honouring during Mi’kmaw History Month 2023. Celebrate with us this October and learn how sport and Mi’kmaw culture are deeply connected.

“Sport has just always been a part of life.”
— Sara-Lynne Knockwood, Sipekne’katik First Nation

From archery to lacrosse, from waltes to wapnaqnk, traditional sports and games have connected Mi’kmaw people to each other and to the ancestors who came before. Join us this Mi’kmaw History Month as we celebrate the proud history of sports across Mi’kma’ki and beyond!

For centuries, sports and games have grown Mi’kmaw ways of knowing and being. They are crucial for teaching young ones how to hear, how to see, and how to move. This Mi’kmaw History Month, we’re shining a light on traditional sports and pastimes that are central to Mi’kmaw culture. Join in the fun!

Mi’kmaw Elder and Regalia Maker Mary Hatfield adds beads to her grandson’s regalia every year so when he’s at Pow Wows, he carries the weight of her art as he dances. Take a look.

While everyone beads for different reasons, Melanie Robinson-Purdy’s experience has taught her that beading is more than a hobby: it’s a form of healing. Take a look.

Passing down her knowledge of beading has given Lisa Soucy-Francis the chance to connect with a wide array of people and foster their creativity. Take a look.

For Caitlyn Moore beading is more than a form of creative expression—it’s a way to connect with her culture. Take a look.

Cheryl Gehue believes that the more we wear our Indigenous identity, the more it becomes normalized, which is why you can often see her wearing the stunning crown beaded by her aunt, Meg Nevin.

Learn more about this year’s Mi’kmaq History Month poster, which celebrates Mi’kmaw beadwork and the art of beading.

We can’t wait to hear what you think!

The art of beading goes beyond beauty. Each piece tells a story that connects generations.

Take a look at how Melissa Robinson, a Mi’kmaw crafter, thinks about her beadwork and the art of beading.

When the Mi’kmaw Saqmaq agreed to the Peace and Friendship Treaties with the British in the 1700s they were extending an offer to live in Mi’kma’ki as part of msɨt no’kmaq. Through this invitation to a treaty relationship, they sought to live in peace and friendship. Join Dr. Donald Julien and Chief Paul Prosper as they explore the treaties and the treaty relationships that have existed here in Mi’kma’ki for generations.