Wikewiku’s, October Asd-n Mi’kmaq history Month Wikewiku’s, October Asd-n

Read captions for the map from Teaching About The Mi’kmaq , page 16.

Peace and friendship treaties On the East Coast, Peace and Friendship Treaties were signed between the Mi’kmaq, Wolastuk (Maliseet), Passmaquoddy and the British Crown. These signed before Canada was formed in the 1700s. The British Crown began entering treaties to end hostilities and encourage cooperation. As the British and French competed for control of North America, treaties served as strategic alliances.

What is unique about the Peace and Friendship Treaties?

October 1, 1752 : Treaty Day Chief Candice Paul

The Jay Treaty of 1794 The Jay Treaty signed in 1794 between Great Britain and the United States, provides that American Indians may travel freely across the international border. Under the treaty and corresponding legislation, native Indians born in Canada are entitled to freely enter the United States for the purpose of employment, study, retirement, investing, and/or immigration (dual citizenship). This is an interesting article about Canada’s failure to honour pre-existing trade, commerce, free travel and duty exemptions outlined in Article 111 of the Jay Treaty: http://www.akwesasne.ca/node/119 Canada has not implemented legislation to honour pre-existing treaty and aboriginal rights of American Indians, therefore American Indians do not receive dual citizenship. The U.S issues Social Security Number and Cards to all eligible Canadian First Nations (Indians) honoring their pre-existing right as dual citizens of North America.

Jay Treaty 1794 Article III https://ptla.org/border-crossing-rights-jay-treaty

Mi’kmaq cultural & family values SPIRITUALITY WORLD VIEWS CUSTOMS TRADITIONS Hand out cultural values from Teaching About the Mi’kmaq (TATM) page 21, have students read aloud each value.

Pg 33 & 34 from TATM

Mi’kmaq language Verb oriented Ancient – more than 13,500 years old Regionalized, different dialects/words in each community steady decline in the number of Mi’kmaq speakers due to Residential Schools and forced assimilation. The Mi’kmaq Language is one the 13 languages in Canada that are considered “moderately endangered” Introductory Mi’kmaq Language 110 credit course offered provincially

Mi’kmaq achievements and inventions See poster for Mi’kmaq History Month 2016 and 2017 if possible. Transportation The wide-bottomed Mi'kmaq canoe was raised at both ends and the sides curved upwards in the middle. This shape allowed the Mi'kmaq to canoe far out to sea as well as in shallow streams and even in rapids. Canoes were 3m to 8m long, made of birchbark over a light wooden frame. A small canoe could take a load of several hundred pounds but was light enough for one person to carry. Snowshoes are an native invention. The Mi'kmaq created different shapes and weaves for various snow conditions. They also made sleds to carry heavy loads over snow; they called the sled a toboggan.

Mi’kmaq sports & Games See Mi’kmaq History Month Posters for both 2016 and 2017 if possible https://globalnews.ca/video/1764436/new-doc-claims-the-mikmaq-invented-hockey

Mi’kmaq governance Traditional Government Indian Act Band Council Mi’kmaq Grand Council continues to uphold its political and spiritual authority and responsibility to the Mi’kmaq people. 1869 Federal Govt. Introduced current elected chief and council system to discourage traditional Aboriginal governments. Leadership earned and appointed for life. Membership is drawn from all parts of Mi’kma’ki. No elections. The Band Council operates under the Indian Act. The process is similar to the process followed to elect a mayor and counselors in Rexton. Elections take place every two years though many communities are in the process of changing the elections to every four years instead of two. Cooperation between all seven districts, food and resources shared when needed. Controls most social services programs on reserve: housing, education, etc. Democracy/decision making via consensus ( whole group agreement). Majority vs. minority voting. The Grand Council is the traditional aboriginal government of the Mi’kmaq nation. It draws it membership from all parts of Mi’kmaq territory, Has both political and spiritual authority and continues to be the sovereign government of the Mi’kmaq today. It unites the seven districts of Mi’kma’ki, and entered into treaties with England and the Concordat of 1610 with the Pope.

Wela’lioq, Merci, Thank You