Sipekne’katik is one of seven geographic districts in Mi’kma’ki, located in Hants County, Nova Scotia. Officially founded in 1820, the community is home to nearly 3,000 L’nuk (People).

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In 2013, the community, which had been commonly known as Indian Brook and Shubenacadie First Nation, reclaimed its traditional Mi’kmaw name, Sipekne’katik, meaning “where the wild potatoes grow.”

 

According to Mi’kmaw oral history, the area may have been used for centuries prior to its founding as a sacred site to prepare for ceremonies, as well as for hunting, gathering, and fishing trips.

 

In the 1940s and 50s, many Mi’kmaq from other areas were forcibly relocated into the community under the federal government policy of centralization, making it the largest Mi’kmaw community on the mainland.

 

The Shubenacadie Residential School was located near Sipekne’katik and operated from 1930 until 1966. Approximately 1,000 Mi’kmaw children attended the school. Survivors still reside in the community today.

 

A major effort is underway in the community to advance economic growth and reclaim culture and traditions that were lost due to colonial policies.