Membership

Cultural Tourism for the Mi'kmaw in Nova Scotia

Are you a Mi’kmaq in Nova Scotia who is creating experiences or products?

Cultural Authenticity & Tourism

The Mi’kmaq are the original ambassadors of this sacred land. We welcomed the first newcomers to Mi’kma’ki – our traditional territory – and established Peace and Friendship Treaties. We have a reputation for friendliness and hospitality. And since time immemorial, Mi’kmaw people have been artists, crafters, and cultural innovators.

We honour this legacy by providing a platform for Mi’kmaw artists and entrepreneurs to share their unique perspectives and stories with the world.

The essence of authenticity in Mi’kmaw Cultural Tourism is rooted in the lived experiences of the Mi’kmaq, ensuring that every aspect, from information to products, originates authentically and directly from the Mi’kmaw people.

What is Meant by Mi'kmaw Cultural Authenticity?

Being Mi'kmaq

Respecting, Not Exploiting

Expressing our language, cultural beliefs, history, and stories

Celebrating Our Diversity

Authentic Mi’kmaw Cultural Tourism Guidelines are required to support the growth and evolution of the Mi’kmaw tourism industry, while safely creating and sharing Mi’kmaw culture and heritage as part of a tourism offering. Kwilmu’kw Maw-klusuaqn Negotiation Office (KMKNO) and its partners supported Mi’kmaw leadership in developing authentic Mi’kmaw Cultural Tourism Guidelines for Nova Scotia. These guidelines have been based on conversations with Mi’kmaw Elders, Knowledge Keepers, tourism operators and artisans following a study commissioned by the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs. The guidelines inform our program as much as our Mi’kmaw values of L’nuimk.

L’nuimk

“Living the Mi’kmaw way”

This term represents the essence of being Mi’kmaq. It encompasses the core principles and values that define the Mi’kmaw identity and way of life.
(L’nuimk: ool-noo-imk)

PKIJO'TMNEJ

(Bee-gee-joe-dim-n-edge)

Let’s make it last

MALIAP’TMNEJ

(Mall-lee-up-dim-n-edge)

Let’s take care of it

WLO’TMNEJ

(Wool-owe-dim-n-edge)

Let’s treat it well

PKIJO'TMNEJ

(Bee-gee-joe-dim-n-edge)

Let’s make it last

Who Can Join?

Our members consist of Mi’kmaw artisans, craftspeople, performers, cultural experience providers, and entrepreneurs who want to showcase their products and services to a wider audience.

Mi'kmaw Makers

are individuals who are accepted members of the Mi’kmaw community, and who create authentic – although not necessarily traditional – Mi’kmaw products such as crafts, art, and clothing.

Makers bring our culture to life by offering many different products to tourists. It’s about showcasing the beauty and depth of Mi’kmaw culture to visitors through your creations, personal stories and connection to community.

Mi'kmaw Hosts

are individuals or organizations that offer experiences rooted in Mi’kmaw culture and traditions such as guided tours, cultural workshops, storytelling sessions, traditional ceremonies, and other experiences that showcase Mi’kmaw heritage and way of life.

Hosts offer authentic experiences that immerse people in our traditions and way of life. From guided cultural tours to traditional ceremonies, your experiences offer a window into the soul of our community.

Why be a Member?

Joining Mi’kmawitasik opens up a world of opportunities. By becoming a member, you not only share your skills and creations but also become a steward of Mi’kmaw culture. As a Member of the Mi’kmawitasik program, you, your business, and your organization receive a number of powerful benefits and rights that will help you take your authentic Mi’kmaw tourism operation to the next level. In exchange, you will be expected to uphold several responsibilities as a designated representative of Mi’kmaw culture.

Member Benefits

Joining Mi’kmawitasik opens up a world of opportunities. You’ll gain increased visibility, support for preserving our culture, and access to a community of like-minded individuals. Use the Mi’kmawitasik logo, enjoy promotional support, and connect with audiences eager to learn about our culture.

Your Member Benefits Include:

Use of the Mi’kmawitasik trademarked logo on marketing materials such as business cards, stickers, and product labels
Listing and veriﬁcation on the Mi’kmawitasik website with a personalized QR code
Increased visibility and marketability through Mi’kmawitasik marketing channels
Respect and validation of your cultural knowledge and expertise
Protection against cultural appropriation
Access to support for preserving & promoting Mi’kmaw culture
Collaboration opportunities with other members

Member Rights & Responsibilities

As a member, you have rights to recognition, support, and fair compensation. You also carry the responsibility to represent our culture accurately and with respect, complying with guidelines that ensure our traditions are shared authentically and responsibly.

Your Member Rights Include:

Recognition and respect as authentically Mi’kmaq – Mi’kmaw Maker or Mi’kmaw Host
A Certificate of Authenticity
Access to Mi’kmawitasik resources & support to access fair compensation for your offerings
Legal protection of your intellectual property

Your Member Responsibilities Include:

Respect for Mi’kmaw culture and traditions
Accurate representation of products and services
Compliance with program guidelines and local laws and regulations

Become a Member

If you are Mi’kmaq, you have the right to apply to use this brand. As a member, you play a crucial role in sharing and preserving our rich Mi’kmaw culture. Whether you’re creating Mi’kmaw products, sharing stories, or offering immersive cultural experiences, your contributions are invaluable.

Your journey is more than a path—it’s a passage through time, a carrying forward of the torch of our ancestors, illuminating the way for future generations.

Join our vibrant community of Mi’kmaw artisans, craftspeople, and cultural experience providers dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich heritage of the Mi’kmaw Nation in our Mi’kmaw Cultural Authenticity Tourism project, Mi’kmawitasik.

As a Mi’kmawitasik member, you step into a story thousands of years in the making, embodying the spirit of the Mi’kmaq as original ambassadors of our sacred land, Mi’kma’ki.

Become a Cultural Ambassador for the Mi’kmaw Nation and share the beauty of Mi’kma’ki with the world.

Review the toolkit below; then you may apply online, download the application, or connect with us to become a member: info@mikmaqrights.com or 902-843-3880.

Member Tools

Mi’kmawitasik: Mi’kmaw Made (Meeg-maw-wee-duh-sick) is a cultural brand trademark, put forward by KMK along with the Assembly, that exists to preserve and promote Mi’kmaw culture and traditions while providing a meaningful and authentic experience to visitors.

If you are a Mi’kmaw artisan, craftsperson, experience provider, or entrepreneur who wants to showcase your cultural heritage and traditions to a wider audience, you’re in the right place!