Skɨte'kmujuawti Mikjikj: The Spirit Road Turtle — A Dark-Sky Experience

Skɨte'kmujuawti Mikjikj: The Spirit Road Turtle—A Dark-Sky Experience is a guided, immersive "theatre in the round" presentation offered at Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site in July and August.

Description

Skɨte'kmujuawti Mikjikj: The Spirit Road Turtle is an important Mi’kmaw oral narrative which describes how Kluskap helped the animals find their colours and bring harmony back to the land. Learn how Blanding’s Turtle becomes Skɨte'kmujuawti Mikjikj / The Spirit Road Turtle and came to wear the stars of the night sky on its shell and sunlight on its belly. 

• Participate in this interactive and fun Mi'kmaw storytelling experience
• Join a cast of birds, animals and other audience members in this lively celebration of creation, culture and connection
• Learn about species, constellations and cultural teachings passed down through generations

Dates, times, location and details

Dates and times

• Friday nights at dusk in July and August
• 10 pm to 11 pm
• Please come early to find a seat on the Sky Circle – seats are limited
• Go to the guided experiences schedule

Duration

• 1 hour

Location

• Sky Circle in Jeremy’s Bay Campground, near parking lot P1
• This experience is outdoors
• Sit in the Sky Circle (40 spots on a circular bench) or on the grassy field around the Sky Circle
• Be prepared, weather can change at any time

Group sizes

• 40 seats in the Sky Circle
• Lots of space on the grassy field around the Sky Circle

Languages

• English
• Some Mi'kmaw words

Age requirements

• All ages

What to bring:

• Lights that emit red light only
• A blanket or camp chair to sit in the grassy field – as space is limited on the Sky Circle
• Bug spray or bug jacket
• Eye glasses if you need them to see distance
• Binoculars are welcome but not necessary
• Please bring a flashlight to walk back to your vehicle or campsite after the program ends
• Please do not bring alcohol into the Sky Circle

Other important information

• This program is cancelled if it is raining
• Pets are only allowed outside the Sky Circle
• Bicycles must be left at the bike racks at the entrance, please bring a lock if you need one

Reservations and payment

Prices

• Free with admission to Kejimkujik

How to book

• No registration is required

Facilities and services

Washrooms

• Outhouse at the Sky Circle entrance
• Closest accessible washrooms are located in Jeremy’s Bay Campground on the Slapfoot Loop
• Refer to facilities and services for more information

Parking lot P1 at Jeremy's Bay Campground

• Parking P1 (Sky Circle parking lot)
• Large parking lot
• Gravel surface, gently sloped at one end
• More accessible parking area located near the path – please come early to find a spot

Accessibility considerations

Please come early if you would like to: 

• park near the path
• sit on the bench in Sky Circle

Distance from parking lot and description of route

• 60 metres from the parking lot to the Sky Circle along a gravel path that is gently sloping and lit by red lights
• Ramp to the Sky Circle is 1.5 metres wide, with railings and a gentle slope 

Program location and seating

• The program takes place in the Sky Circle, a round wooden platform with space for up to 40 people
• Inside the Sky Circle everyone is seated together around a circular bench with a reclined back and no arm rests
• The circular bench makes it easier to lean back and look up
• Kids can sit on the wooden floor if they want to
• Most visitors sit in the grassy field – bring a blanket and/or camp chairs
• Accessible area for wheelchairs: located outside the Sky Circle, on the right side of the ramp, on the grass next to the gravel

Equipment

• A hearing loop (or induction loop) transmits sound electromagnetically directly to hearing aids or cochlear implants, significantly reducing background noise
• An all-terrain wheelchair is available to borrow from the Visitor Centre at Kejimkujik: 902-682-2772
• More information about adaptive equipment available at Kejimkujik

Sound and sensory considerations

• The program takes place in the dark – only lights that emit red light are permitted during the program
• Interpreters stand inside the Sky Circle using a laser pointer to point at the sky and a sound system to project to everyone in the field
• The program is presented as “theatre in the round” with the audience surrounding the acting area
• Expect lights, loud noises, running, stomping and chasing inside the Sky Circle
• Visitors sit very close together on a shared bench inside the Sky Circle and there is only one entry/exit
• For a calmer experience, visitors are welcome to sit on the grassy field
• Dogs are permitted in the grassy field but will be asked to leave if they become loud or aggressive

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