Maya L.

Ajax, Ontario

Durham Regional Fair

Mi'Kmaq Powwow

In this project I demonstrate my interest for my native heritage, the Mi'kmaq Canadians. In the video I host an interactive Powwow in a grade 4 class room which includes chants, games and some words of the Migmao language.

 

 

What was the most interesting thing you learned about your topic?

The most interesting thing I learned is how early the Mi'kmaq people acknowledged the value of woman and children in the culture. They did this by including them in powwows in the year 1883. With this decision woman and children were included in all parts of the culture.

What important lessons have you learned that you want to share with other Canadians?

I learned that most kids think that native people are a culture of the past and today are only living on reserves. When in fact, native culture is still very active all over Canada. I also learned that the powwow is at the heart of the Mi'kmaq culture. Powwows happen at the beginning of every season and are used to talk to spirits as well as pass down legends and traditions from generation to generation.

How would you compare your life today to the lives of those studied in your project?

My life today is much easier than that of the Mi'kmaq children of the past. I have access to education, electronics and many things that make living easy. Traditions and beliefs were a bigger part of the way the Mi'kmaq people lived as apposed to the European life style lived today.