Overview
In this introductory and immersive experience, learners encounter Mi’kma’kik through a series of images, quotes and other graphics. The experience of “walking the gallery” allows them to become seld-aware about what they know and might not know about the Mi’kmaw worldview, as well as the animals, plants, landscapes and seascapes of Mi’kma’kik. They will record their reactions to the gallery using the phrases: Nemitekey (I see), Ankita’si (I think), We’tuo’tikey (I feel), and Pemite’tm koqwey? (I wonder)
Learners will...
- Activate their curiosity about Mi’kma’kik.
- Understand that the Mi’kmaq are the Indigenous people of Nova Scotia and much of Atlantic Canada.
- Associate the Mi’kmaw people with the geographic extent of Mi’kma’kik.
- Become familiar with the geographic extent of Mi’kma’kik.
- Be introduced to some aspects of Mi’kmaw worldviews as they relate to place and land.
- Encounter the following cultural concepts i) Mi’kma’kik; ii) netukulimk; iii) ms+t no’kmaq; iv) seven Mi’kmaw districts.
- Become self-aware about what they know and don’t known (activate prior learning) about Mi’kma’kik.
Focus
The provided graphics are to be printed and hung around the classroom (or other appropriate space) where learners can walk by them as in a museum gallery experience. Using the worksheet provided, learners will record their reactions. Learners respond to each prompt thinking about what the image or gallery element made them think, feel, wonder or see. Learners are encouraged to link the gallery content to their own experiences and existing knowledge as well as to ask new questions.
All graphic files fit on 11 x 17 inch paper. There is an optional exit ticket activity in Mi’kmaw and English to help learners consolidate their knowledge about Mi’kma’kik.
PE!
This is an introductory unit– it should be appropriate for all learners regardless of prior knowledge.
- Worksheets are in Mi’kmaw, which gives learners the opportunity to learn the Mi’kmaw language.
- Mi’kmaw is the first language of Nova Scotia.
LE Materials
The materials below support this LE’s activities and knowledge growth. They are designed to be printed on both 8.5″x” and 11″x17″ paper.
Additional Resources
See the introduction to this section for a description of Mi’kma’kik.
Website: MDCC Ancestors Live Here
Website: Sister Dorothy Moore L’nu Resource Centre (SDMLRC), “Historical Overview”
Website: Sister Dorothy Moore L’nu Resource Centre (SDMLRC), “Mi’kmaw Timeline”
Website: Mi’kmaw Place Names Digital Atlas
Website: Unama’ki Institute. of Natural Resources (UINR) Guiding Principles
Resource: Mi’kmawe’l Tan Teli-kina’muemk: “Map of Mi’kmaw First Nations in Nova Scotia”, page 28
Resource: Mi’kmawe’l Tan Teli-kina’muemk, “Map of First Nations in Mi’kma’ki”, page 29


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