Sessions
Fall 2024 Program
September 25 - November 16, 2024
Sessions at Every One Every Day are free and open to everyone! No registration is required for sessions, unless stated otherwise.
Inuit Arctic Games
Jump in on the fun with Atelihai Inuit, as we learn about Inuit
Arctic Games, their purpose and their history. Then join in
on playing Arctic Games, including Inuit yo-yo, high kick,
and nuglutuq!
Sessions at Every One Every Day are free and open to everyone! No registration is required for this session.
Learn about Inukshuks
Have you heard of an Inukshuk? Have you seen symbols of them used in the media, but weren’t sure what they represented? Inukshuks can represent food sources, offer directions to travelers, highlight dangers in a landscape, mark the loss of a loved one, or indicate a sacred area.
Come learn about the history of Inukshuks in Inuit culture and see the one built for the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre as part of the Shape This Space: Wije’winen project. Join Jonathan, the Inuit artist part of the project, alongside Frances and Dora from the Atelihai (Welcome) Inuit Program for an engaging chat over tea and bannock!
Blanket Exercise
An interactive exercise designed to deepen your understanding of the denial of Indigenous People's nationhood in Turtle Island.
Registration is required and can be done by signing up here:
bit.ly/p9-blanket-exercise. The session will be in the Joan Glode Room at the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre. There will be signage and staff onsite to guide people in. We ask that participants arrive on time or slightly before the session to have light refreshments.
Note: The exercise runs for 2 hours but there may be a sharing circle after to allow folks a chance to express their feelings if they wish. This could extend the session to around 9 p.m.
Treaty Education
As treaty people, we’re all called to learn about and understand the treaties of the territories where we live, work, and play. Learn about the Peace and Friendship Treaties that govern Mi’kmaq-Euro-Canadian government relations through discussing:
Who are the Mi'kmaq historically and today?
What are the Treaties and why are they important?
What happened to the Treaty relationship?
What are we doing to reconcile our shared history to ensure justice and equity?
Advisory: Discussion of genocide, intergenerational trauma, and other possibly triggering content. Not suitable for all ages—we ask caretakers to be aware before attending with young children.
Pɨtewey (Tea) Time
Interested in learning more about the medicinal properties of plants? Love tea and want to create your own blend for yourself or as a gift for a loved one? Come join Melanie as she discusses plant properties and wellness benefits! Participants will have the chance to create their own unique tea blend and make honey teaspoons to create personalized take-home tea kits. All plants and herbs will be respectfully harvested, with some coming from the Mi'kmaw Native Friendship Centre Garden.
Melanie is Mi'kmaq from Millbrook First Nation and is a Youth Coordinator at the Mi'kmaw Native Friendship Centre.
Land Acknowledgments
Come learn about the significance of land acknowledgments. All are welcome to attend and reflect on their unique roles as treaty people living on treaty lands. Come learn the who, what, when, where, and why of land acknowledgments. Participants will have a chance to create and share their own land acknowledgments at the end of the session.
Session host Tammy Williams is from Kjipuktuk and is the Education Programs Manager at the Mi’kmaw Friendship Centre. Her co-host Tammy Mudge is from Glooscap First Nation and is the Co-Director of Every One Every Day!
Treaty Day at MNFC
October 1st is Treaty Day in Nova Scotia and marks the beginning of Mi’kmaq History Month. This year’s theme is food and its significance in Mi’kmaw culture.
Elder Deb of the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre will host an event on this day, and more information will be available on our social media and MNFC’s Facebook page.
Want to learn about the Peace and Friendship Treaties that we all live under in Mi’kma’ki? Join the Treaty Talks session with Treaty Education Nova Scotia later this month!
For information about the history of Treaty Day and Mi’kmaq History Month, check out www.mikmaqhistorymonth.ca
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation at MNFC
A dedicated day to learn and reflect on the generational harm done to the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis of Turtle Island. People are encouraged to wear orange T-shirts as part of the Indigenous-led grassroots initiative “Every Child Matters”.
The Youth Group from the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre will host an event on this day, and more information will be available on our social media and MNFC’s Facebook page.
Begin or continue your Reconciliation journey by attending Truth & Reconciliation: Every Day Action sessions throughout Fall Program. Additionally, check out the Reconciliation Resources for more information.
Blanket Exercise
This session is rescheduled from March 21, 2024.
An interactive exercise designed to deepen your understanding of the denial of Indigenous People's nationhood in Turtle Island. This session will take place in the Joan Gloade Gathering Space—follow the signs when you enter the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre. Please show up on time. Registration is required and can be done by signing up here: bit.ly/eoed-blanket-exercise before Monday, May 6.
CANCELLED: Traditional Medicines
CANCELLED: Sorry everyone! We have to cancel this session due to illness.
Join Mel for an immersive exploration of Mi'kmaq plant wisdom. Discover the holistic approach to land stewardship, traditional Indigenous plants, and their modern applications for health and healing. Embrace self-care practices rooted in nature, craft your smudging kit, and honour Mother Earth's gifts.
Bead A Badge for Earth Day
Join Killa in beading your own nature-inspired badge while learning about the importance of plant medicine through a Mi’kmaq lens. No experience necessary! Starting in April, sign up for free climate action challenges and earn other badges designed by local artists.
Eco-Talks: Netukulimk with Tammy
Join speaker Tammy Williams sharing concepts of Mi'kmaw culture. Netukulimk embodies a profound sustainable connection to the land for seven generations, through stewardship. A reminder that our well-being is intricately tied to the health of our environment. M’sit no’kmaq—all my relations!
Learn To Bead: Swimming Salmon/Plamu
Kwe’! Join Sipu from the Mi’kmaw community of Listuguj, QC to learn about beading, explore new techniques, and share community history through stories. Sipu grew up on reserve with many teachings passed down and is excited to share their knowledge!
Creating Land Acknowledgments
Let’s explore the significance of land acknowledgments and reflect on our unique role as treaty people living on treaty lands. Come learn the who, what, when, where and why of land acknowledgments. Everyone welcome!
There’s Something In The Water
Join in for this screening of a Canadian documentary exploring environmental racism. Based on Ingrid Waldron's book and directed by Halifax born Elliot Page, this film examines disproportionate effects of the environmental damage within Mi'kmaw and African Nova Scotian communities.
Learn To Bead: Mi’kmaw Water Hieroglyphic
Kwe’! Join Sipu from the Mi’kmaw community of Listuguj, QC to learn about beading, explore new techniques, and share community history through stories. Sipu grew up on reserve with many teachings passed down and is excited to share their knowledge!
Learn To Bead: Braided Sweetgrass
Kwe’! Join Sipu from the Mi’kmaw community of Listuguj, QC to learn about beading, explore new techniques, and share community history through stories. Sipu grew up on reserve with many teachings passed down and is excited to share their knowledge!
Powwow Etiquette
Jesse, a mother of 4, Personal Trainer, Fancy Shawl dancer, Mi’kmaq artisan, Indigenous Wellness advocate, and Active Living Community Coordinator at the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre. Join her in this session to explore what to expect at a powwow and cover common powwow etiquette.
POSTPONED: Blanket Exercise
Please note that the Blanket Exercise session scheduled for 6pm tonight is postponed due to unforeseen circumstances! It will be rescheduled ASAP. Thank you for your understanding.
An interactive exercise designed to deepen your understanding of the denial of Indigenous People's nationhood in Turtle Island. This session will take place in the Joan Gloade Gathering Space—follow the signs when you enter the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre. Please show up on time. Registration is required and can be done by signing up here: bit.ly/eoed-blanket-exercise before Monday, March 18.
Eco-Talks: Ecology of Music with Julie
Between 2003 and 2011, community singers from Atlantic Canada/Mi’kma’ki (and across Turtle Island) gathered to create three deep ecology choral recordings. Come hear the story—and learn a simple, beautiful Earth Charter chant to carry you into spring!
Spring Program Launch Celebration
Join us as we celebrate the opening of Spring Program! Drop in to the Shop at any time between 3 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. to get a taste of what sessions are to come between March 13 and May 8. There will be food, a drum circle, a smudge circle, and session samples including carving with Jackie Toner and screen printing with Wonder’neath. What to expect:
3:30 p.m. Drum Circle and Smudge Circle hosted by the Sircle of Sisters
4 p.m. Session samples including carving with Jackie Toner and silkscreen printing with Wonder’neath. The clothing we'll be screen printing on is from local second-hand stores!
5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Community Dinner provided by Frances and Dora with Throat Singing Ceremony
Bead & Stitch: Medicine Wheel
Learn to make a beaded medicine wheel pin with the four traditional colours: black, red, yellow, and white. Information about the Mi’kmaw medicine wheel will be provided.
Bead & Stitch: Medicine Wheel
Learn to make a beaded medicine wheel pin with the four traditional colours: black, red, yellow, and white. Information about the Mi’kmaw medicine wheel will be provided.
Sharing Circle
Come along for tea and snacks as we share our hopes and learnings for Mi’kmaw History Month and any realizations and new practices that have come to light. A traditional smudge will be offered at the beginning of each session.
Bead & Stitch: Medicine Wheel
Learn to make a beaded medicine wheel pin with the four traditional colours: black, red, yellow, and white. Information about the Mi’kmaw medicine wheel will be provided.
CANCELLED: Sports and Reconciliation
Sorry folks, this session is cancelled due to illness. Come and learn about the many Mi’kmaw athletes who have been inducted into the Mi’kmaq Sports Hall of Fame and their contributions to the world of sports. Sport plays a role in the celebration of Indigenous culture and our nation-wide effort to reconcile. Did you know that Calls to Action 87 to 91 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report relate to sport and reconciliation?
Bead & Stitch: Medicine Wheel
Learn to make a beaded medicine wheel pin with the four traditional colours: black, red, yellow, and white. Information about the Mi’kmaw medicine wheel will be provided.
Bead & Stitch: Medicine Wheel
Learn to make a beaded medicine wheel pin with the four traditional colours: black, red, yellow, and white. Information about the Mi’kmaw medicine wheel will be provided.
CURATED SESSION: Treaty Education
As treaty people, we are all called to learn about and understand the treaties of the territories where we live, work, and play. Come and learn about the Peace and Friendship Treaties that govern Mi’kmaq-Euro-Canadian government relations and why they are so important.
Medicine Wheel Teaching
Have a cup of tea and engage in teachings about the Mi’kmaw Medicine Wheel, a powerful Indigenous symbol. Bring your questions as we learn together!