A cultural reclamation is underway in the Mi’kmaw community of Sipekne’katik.

The First Nation is situated just eight kilometres from the site of the former Shubenacadie Indian Residential School. Indian day schools operated in the reserve from 1894 to1996.  During centralization in the 1940s, the federal government forcibly relocated many Mi’kmaq from around Nova Scotia to two reserves, one of which was Sipekne’katik.

Together, these colonial policies tried to strip Mi’kmaq of connection to land, language, culture and identity. 

But the Mi’kmaq are still here, still strong. 

From ribbon skirts to medicines to culture and language in the classroom, Sipekne’katik community members share their time and expertise to pass on teachings.