Sharing stories: Mi’kmaw culture
Cape Breton Highlands National Park
Sweet Discovery
Come listen to the story of Sismoqnapui Skwe’j, the Sweetwater Maiden.
Based on oral history, Sweetwater Maiden shares the Mi’kmaw story of the discovery of maple syrup, as told to park interpreter Mary Louise Bernard by her mother.
This program recognizes the importance of our natural environment, and explores the human relationship with trees.
Listen as Mary Louise reads aloud from her illustrated book, discuss the Mi’kmaq relationship with nature, and taste delicious maple syrup.
Fridays
June 24 to September 2, 2022
7:00 pm
Approximately one hour
Chéticamp Campground, Chéticamp
There is no age restriction for this program. While the program is intended for campers, non-camping park visitors are also welcome. The program is presented in English with references to Mi’kmaq vocabulary. In addition to English and Mi’kmaq, the book has been translated into French and Gaelic; audience members who speak those languages may be invited to do a multilingual reading.
Meet at the Robert's Brook Interpretive area in the Chéticamp Campground, near the Salmon Pools trailhead.
Smudge
Since time immemorial, many Indigenous cultures have used sacred smoke made from medicinal plants for spiritual cleansing. A ceremonial way to cleanse a person, place or object of negative energies or influences, today elders recommend that smudge should be done in our daily lives, schools, and workplaces to promote healing.
Listen as Indigenous interpreter Mary Louise Bernard discusses the history and beliefs of the Mi’kmaq nation and describes some of the common medicinal plants used in smudge ceremonies, and explains their uses. Watch as she performs a smudge cleansing for herself and offers the opportunity for you to participate, if you wish. Hear traditional Mi’kmaq drumming and singing from Mary Louise, a Mi’kmaq elder. And finally, make your own small medicine bundle to take with you.
Saturdays
June 25 to September 2, 2022
7:00 pm
1 hour
Chéticamp Campground, Chéticamp
This program is offered in English, with references to Mi’kmaq vocabulary. There are no age restrictions, and there is no limit to the number of participants. While this program is primarily offered for visitors staying in the campgrounds, all visitors are welcome.
Meet at the Robert's Brook Interpretive area in the Chéticamp Campground, near the Salmon Pools trailhead.
Grandmother Moon
It is said that Grandmother Moon watches over the waters of the earth.
This Indigenous ceremony celebrates Grandmother Moon and women's teachings.
June 14 to October 8, 2022
June 14, Tuesday at 8 pm
July 13, Wednesday at 8 pm
August 11, Thursday at 8 pm
September 10, Saturday at 7 pm
October 8, Saturday at 6 pm
Approximately one hour
Chéticamp Campground, Chéticamp
Visitors are asked to meet outside the Rigouèche shelter, near the Chéticamp Campground Playground.
There is no age restriction for this program, and no limit to the number of participants. The program is presented in English with references to Mi’kmaq vocabulary. Bring a bottle of water.
Wi’klatmuj’ – The Little Forest People
Travelers from across the Great Water come and meet a Mi’kmaq grandmother at her campfire in the forest as she shares stories of Unamak’i, the Land of Fog (Cape Breton Island), and its connections to the spirit world.
Meet a park interpreter who introduces the program and leads you to Mi’kmaq elder Mary Louise Bernard, who waits at her campsite in the forest. Listen as she journeys to the past and shares Indigenous stories passed down through the generations. Discover how the people of this land became known as The Dreamers as you hear the story of the Wiklatmu’j, the Little Forest People of Unamak’i. Perhaps you, too, may become a Dreamer.
Saturdays
June 29 to September 7
8:00 pm
1.5 hours
Chéticamp Campground, Chéticamp
There is no age restriction for this program, and no limit to the number of participants. The program is presented in English with references to Mi’kmaq vocabulary.
Meet at the Chéticamp Visitor Centre. Dress appropriately for the weather and be prepared to apply insect repellent. Evenings can be cool, so bring an extra layer for warmth.
Smudge
Since time immemorial, many Indigenous cultures have used sacred smoke made from medicinal plants for spiritual cleansing. A ceremonial way to cleanse a person, place or object of negative energies or influences, today elders recommend that smudge should be done in our daily lives, schools, and workplaces to promote healing.
Listen as Indigenous interpreter Mary Louise Bernard discusses the history and beliefs of the Mi’kmaq nation and describes some of the common medicinal plants used in smudge ceremonies, and explains their uses. Watch as she performs a smudge cleansing for herself and offers the opportunity for you to participate, if you wish. Hear traditional Mi’kmaq drumming and singing from Mary Louise, a Mi’kmaq elder. And finally, make your own small medicine bundle to take with you.
Saturdays
June 25 to September 2, 2022
7:00 pm
1 hour
This program is offered in English, with references to Mi’kmaq vocabulary. There are no age restrictions, and there is no limit to the number of participants. While this program is primarily offered for visitors staying in the campgrounds, all visitors are welcome.
Meet at the Robert's Brook Interpretive area in the Chéticamp Campground, near the Salmon Pools trailhead.
Waltes
Waltes is a traditional Mi’kmaq game played with moose bone two-sided “dice” that are “tossed” by banging the wooden plate. Each round has a slightly different scoring system and goal. Learn how to play the game as a Mi’kmaq interpreter also explains some of the game’s history and the meaning behind the names of the pieces.
Fridays
June 28 to September 6
7:00 pm
Approximately one hour
Kitchen Shelter C, Chéticamp Campground, Chéticamp
There is no age restriction for this program, and no limit to the number of participants. While the program is intended for campers, non-camping park visitors are also welcome. The program is presented in English with references to Mi’kmaq vocabulary.
Meet at Kitchen Shelter C, near the playground in the Chéticamp Campground. Dress appropriately for the weather; even though the program will be held inside the shelter, evenings can be cool.
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