AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES

What’s true to Mi’kmaw culture

The Mi'kmaq celebrate their culture in traditional gatherings or "Mawiomi" in many communities. These events are big, colourful celebrations of traditional culture. Mi’kmaq proudly participate in dancing, singing, food, crafts and teachings, presenting in carefully handcrafted regalia and jewelry, especially when competition is part of the occasion.

Some Mi’kmaw communities are changing the name of these annual celebrations from “powwow” to mawiomi in recognition of the Mi’kmaw origins of such gatherings. Today, a mawiomi is a place to celebrate Mi’kmaw spirit, strength, pride, and endurance.

Robert Bernard encourages non-Indigenous visitors in search of authentic Mi’kmaw experiences to be curious and ask questions and seek experiences that connect to the traditional Mi’kmaw way of life, true to customary practices. These immersive experiences are the best way to participate in authentic First Nation’s cultural heritage.

Just as with the term powwow, the word tipi (or teepee) is not Mi’kmaw. “Wi’kuom” is the Mi’kmaw name for a conical, single-family dwelling. It’s important to learn the history and significant differences between such introduced words and their authentic Mi’kmaq counterparts. Understanding these differences helps non-Indigenous people appreciate the true heritage, way of life, and cultural practices of the Mi’kmaq.

Traditionally, wi’kuoms were made of birchbark and poles with a floor of fir boughs, furs, and mats. These were materials readily available in the forests that covered Mi’kmaw ancestral lands, materials that differ from those used to build tipis. Birchbark and pole wi'kuoms were easily assembled, packed up and reassembled as part of their historically seminomadic lifestyle.

Bernard says it can be complicated, determining which Mi’kmaw experiences are truly authentic. Mi’kmaq are even moving away from the use of term “authentic” because it can be difficult to apply accurately. “Even the definition of traditional changes from the 17th century to the 19th century,” says Bernard. “Traditions change over time, but original customary practices stay the same.”

“We brought back the mawiomi,” says Bernard, “while creating awareness in our own communities that mawiomis are the way to go so that we can practise our original customary practices and traditional values. We want to get as close as possible to 100 per cent Mi’kmaw songs, dances, and stories. It’s going to take time, but we’re now reclaiming our original culture.”

Eventually, says Barnard, all parts of the mawiomi will be “kinowey” — “ours.” *