Tag Archives: mi’kmaq

01/16/25

Mi’kmaq

The Mi’kmaq (or Mi’kmaw, L’nu) are an Indigenous people with roots in the Atlantic provinces of Canada and parts of the northeastern United States that date back to around 10,000 years ago. Their traditional territory, Mi’gma’gi, spans Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and parts of Newfoundland, Quebec, and Maine, with a population of over 70,000 people identifying as Mi’kmaq in the 2021 Canadian census. Central to their culture are their strong ties to the natural world, their language (now recognized as Nova Scotia’s first language), and their vibrant artistic traditions, particularly music.

Mi’kmaq music has long been an integral part of cultural expression. Traditional songs and chants, often performed during ceremonies or powwows, convey deep emotion using syllabic sounds rather than structured lyrics. The term “welta’q”, meaning “it sounds good,” refers broadly to all pleasing sounds, including music, storytelling, and natural soundscapes. Many traditional songs are believed to have been inspired by animals, such as birds, whose calls serve as the basis for musical creativity.

A recent example of Mi’kmaq musical innovation is Emma Stevens’ 2019 viral cover of Blackbird by the Beatles, sung in the Mi’kmaq language. Her rendition brought global attention to endangered Indigenous languages and highlighted the power of music in preserving culture. Stevens’ performance, supported by her Cape Breton community, aligns with broader efforts to revitalize the Mi’kmaq language, which, despite challenges, has grown in use due to immersion programs and legislative support such as the 2022 Mi’kmaw Language Act.

The Mi’kmaq people’s resilience is also evident in their activism. From advocating for fishing and hunting rights under 18th-century Peace and Friendship Treaties to protests against environmental exploitation, they continue to assert their sovereignty and protect their lands. This cultural perseverance, mirrored in their music, exemplifies the deep connection between art, language, and identity in Mi’kmaq traditions.

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