SECTION 1

OVERVIEW

Mi’kmawitasik: Mi’kmaw Made (Meeg-maw-wee-duh-sig) is a cultural tourism brand certification trademark registered for the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia by the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs. This brand serves to preserve and promote Mi’kmaw culture and traditions while providing a meaningful and authentic cultural experience to visitors in Nova Scotia. Mi’kmawitasik is guided by the principles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).

Eligibility

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’kmawitasik is currently a pilot project. Presently, Mi’kmawitasik membership is open to:

• Individual Mi’kmaw community members with a verified ancestral connection to one of the 13 Mi’kmaw communities within Nova Scotia.
• Mi’kmaw community-owned cultural tourism entities.

Note: At this time, Mi’kmawitasik eligibility does not include regulated, commercial industries.

Membership Approval

Membership approval is based on the following criteria:

• Weta’pek’sin – Verification of eligibility based on the Mi’kmaw principles of Weta’pek’sin – sharing information about your family roots and ancestral connection to community.
• Cultural Authenticity – Transparency regarding your cultural knowledge and creative expression and a willingness to continue to learn about Mi’kmaw culture and share our teachings.
• Nationhood – As a member of Mi’kmawitasik, you become a Cultural Ambassador for the Mi’kmaw Nation. Attending an orientation session is a requirement for membership.

Note: Applicants will need a copy of their Status Card (Certificate of Indian Status) or Wula Na Kinu Card (Proof of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Identity) in order to submit their application. Mi’kmaq may apply for Wula Na Kinu at https://www.mikmawns.ca

Mi’kmawitasik Application Process

Mi’kmawitasik applications can be completed on paper or electronically. Please visit mikmawitasik.ca for more information.

• Fill out the Mi’kmawitasik application and submit to the Mi’kmawitasik Administration Team.
• Applications will be reviewed, verified, and approved by our Team.

Approved members will:

• Attend a Mi’kmawitasik Rights and Responsibilities Orientation Session.
• Sign the Licensing (Rights and Responsibilities) Agreement.
• Receive personalized Mi’kmawitasik membership materials including a QR Code.
• Work with the Mi’kmawitasik team to create an online marketing profile.
• Participate in ongoing training, funding, and marketing opportunities.
• Renew membership every two years.

What You Will Need Before You Begin:

Before you begin the application, it is highly recommended to have the Mi'kmawitasik Toolkit nearby. The Toolkit provides valuable information, guidelines, and examples that will help you accurately and thoughtfully fill out several portions of the application. It can guide you in describing your cultural knowledge, practices, and services more effectively and ensure you are aligning with the authenticity standards required for membership.

Make sure to review the Toolkit in advance and refer to it while completing your application to provide the most comprehensive and authentic responses.

1. Identity Documentation:
   • A photocopy or phone photo of your Status Card (Certificate of Indian Status) or Wula Na Kinu Card (Proof of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Identity).
2. Supporting Documents (Optional but Helpful):
   • Letters of support from:
     • Elder, Knowledge Holder, Chief, Councilor, or Grand Councilor.
   • Testimonials from clients or customers.
   • Photographs or videos of your products or services.
   • Adoption records (if applicable).
   • Marriage certificates (if applicable).
3. Business Information (if applicable):
   • Business number and business-related documents (if applicable).
4. Vulnerable Sector Check (if applicable):
   • Required for those providing personal services to children. This must be obtained from your local police service.

Estimated Time to Complete the Application:

• Preparation Time: 30-60 minutes to gather all necessary documentation.
• Application Completion Time: 1-2 hours to fill out the application form thoroughly and ensure all sections are complete.

Mandatory Orientation Session

Attending an Orientation Session hosted by the Cultural Tourism department at Kwilmu'kw Maw-klusuaqn (KMK) is a mandatory requirement for becoming a Mi’kmawitasik Member. While you can start filling out this application now, we strongly recommend attending an orientation session first, as it provides valuable insights and a detailed explanation of the application process and membership requirements.

To sign up for an orientation session or inquire about the schedule, please contact KMK through their website or reach out directly to the Cultural Tourism department.

For those who cannot attend in person or if the schedule does not work for you, an Orientation Video will soon be available as an alternative. This video will cover all the essential information provided in the in-person sessions and can be accessed at your convenience.

Please ensure you complete the orientation session, either in-person or via the video when available, as part of your membership application process.

Privacy

All information you provide within your application will remain confidential. The information will be shared with the Mi’kmawitasik Administration Team in order to process, verify, and approve applications. Approved Mi’kmawitasik members will work with the Team to identify public facing information they want included on the Mi’kmawitasik website and social media sites.

IMPORTANT

We understand that this form may seem extensive. However, it is part of our commitment to addressing the concerns of our community and leadership. We aim to ensure that this process is thorough and transparent. If you need help, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at info@mikmaqrights.com or 902-843-3880 or at Kwilmu’kw Maw-klusuaqn, 75 Treaty Trail, Millbrook, NS, B6L 1W3.

Identity Documentation

A copy of your Status Card or Wula Na Kinu Card must be submitted as a requirement of this application process to verify identity. If you do not have either, please visit https://www.mikmawns.ca to begin the process of applying through the Wula Na Kinu system. We will hold your application until one of these cards has been submitted.

** Note: Having an Indian Status Card does not guarantee automatic acceptance to Mi’kmawitasik; you must be able to demonstrate ancestral connection to one of the 13 Mi’kmaw communities within Nova Scotia.

SECTION 3

WETA'PEK'SIN (WHERE ARE YOUR ROOTS?)

We respect and follow the principles of Weta’pek’sin (wed-a-bek-sin), as directed by our Grand Council, Elders, Leaders, and Community members. Weta’pek’sin provides an opportunity for applicants to share information about your family roots and ancestral connection to community.

UNDRIP Article 4: Indigenous Peoples, in exercising their right to self-determination, have the right to autonomy or self-government in matters relating to their internal and local affairs.

UNDRIP Article 9: Indigenous Peoples and individuals have the right to belong to an Indigenous community or nation, in accordance with the traditions and customs of the community or Nation concerned. No discrimination of any kind may arise from the exercise of such a right.

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We have the right to make our own decisions about our community and live according to our traditions. We can be part of our Mi’kmaw Nation or community without facing discrimination, meaning we should be treated fairly and respected for who we are.

SECTION 4

CULTURAL AUTHENTICITY

As Mi’kmaq, we have the sovereign right to define and express our culture, a right that empowers us to carry forward the legacy of our ancestors while embracing the possibilities of the present and future. At Mi’kmawitasik, we celebrate this dynamic evolution of our culture, encouraging members to proudly and creatively express their Mi’kmaw identity.

Cultural authenticity is at the heart of Mi’kmawitasik. We acknowledge the historic influences that have impacted Mi’kmaw language and cultural knowledge and practices today. At the same time, the primary focus of Mi’kmawitasik is to emphasize Mi’kmaw cultural authenticity within creative expression, honoring our ancestral heritage and fostering cultural reclamation and continuity.

Within such an authentic framework, it's important to clearly communicate any non-Mi’kmaw elements as part of your products and experiences to consumers. Mi’kmawitasik therefore requires Members to be transparent with their cultural offerings.

The process of self-assessment in artistic ability, cultural confidence, and creative expression, as detailed in our L’nuimk document, is a commitment to maintaining the vibrancy and integrity of our culture. By engaging with Mi’kmawitasik, you affirm your role in preserving and evolving authentic Mi’kmaw culture.

UNDRIP Article 11: Indigenous peoples have the right to practise and revitalize their cultural traditions and customs. This includes the right to maintain, protect and develop the past, present and future manifestations of their cultures, such as archaeological and historical sites, artefacts, designs, ceremonies, technologies and visual and performing arts and literature.

We have the right to keep, celebrate, and grow our culture and traditions, from the stories and art of our ancestors to our ways of life today and for the future. This means we can take care of our important places, things, and ways of doing things, making sure they are respected and passed on.

Membership Authenticity Guidelines

Applicants must meet the following standards, taken from the Authentic Mi’kmaw Cultural Tourism Guidelines for Nova Scotia as developed by the community, to be considered an authentic Mi’kmaw cultural tourism experience, product, or service. We invite you to reflect on these standards as you consider your participation in Mi’kmawitasik. Your commitment to these principles ensures our culture remains a living, thriving force for generations to come.

1. Owned, operated, or led by Mi’kmaw individuals or organizations.
2. Developed by Mi’kmaw individuals or organizations.
3. Approved within the Mi’kmaw community.
4. Delivered by Mi’kmaw individuals or organizations.
5. Excludes sacred or private ceremonies.
6. Reflects Mi’kmaw cultural values, culture, and customs.

Your Cultural Tourism Offerings, Skills, and Knowledge

In our community, we know the value of sharing and learning, while also embracing humility. You might not realize it, but the knowledge and skills you have are special and not everyone knows what you know. This part of the application lets you talk about the experiences you offer and the products you create. Take a moment to think about what you bring to our community and how it connects to our culture.

As you fill out this section, see it as an opportunity to share the depth and breadth of your connection to Mi’kmaw culture. Your contribution, no matter how small it may seem to you, is a vital thread in the fabric of our shared heritage.

Use this space to reflect upon the knowledge you carry. Fill in all that apply. (Note: These are examples to spark thoughts and ideas; they are not a complete list. Please add to this.)

Photo Requirements

You will be asked, before your profile is live, to submit one (1) profile photo and five to ten (5-10) clear, quality photos of your products and/or services. If you have these available, please add below. If not, you will be contacted to submit later in the process.

SECTION 5

NATIONHOOD

Mi’kmawitasik is a representation and exercise of Mi’kmaw Nationhood and cultural integrity. As a member of Mi’kmawitasik, you become a Cultural Ambassador for the Mi’kmaw Nation. Orientation and training are a requirement for membership.

UNDRIP Article 31: Indigenous peoples have the right to maintain, control, protect and develop their cultural heritage, traditional knowledge and traditional cultural expressions, as well as the manifestations of their sciences, technologies and cultures, including human and genetic resources, seeds, medicines, knowledge of the properties of fauna and flora, oral traditions, literatures, designs, sports and traditional games and visual and performing arts. They also have the right to maintain, control, protect and develop their intellectual property over such cultural heritage, traditional knowledge, and traditional cultural expressions.

We have the right to keep and take care of our cultural heritage, knowledge, and ways of expressing ourselves, including our understanding of nature, stories, art, and sports. We also have the right to control how this knowledge and these expressions are used, ensuring they are respected and preserved for future generations.

Your Mi’kmawitasik Member Responsibilities include:

1. Compliance with program guidelines and standards, reflecting the principles of

• Pkijo’tmnej (Bee-gee-joe-dim-n-edge) - Let’s make it last
• Wlo’tmnej (Wool-owe-dim-n-edge) - Let’s treat it well
• Maliaptmnej (Molly-op-dim-n-edge) - Let’s take care of it

1. Respect for and commitment to Mi’kmaw culture and customs, acting as a Cultural Ambassador.
2. Accurate representation of certified products, showcasing undeniably authentic Mi’kmaw culture for a genuine visitor connection.
3. Compliance with local laws and regulations, upholding ethical practices while adhering to L’nuimk (ool-noo-imk) principles.
4. Representing the collective interests of your people, contributing to Mi’kmaw culture, heritage, and economic growth.

Acceptance of Responsibilities
Becoming a member of Mi’kmawitasik is a privilege, and we ask members to bring their best and to represent our Nation with pride, respect, and integrity. The Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs reserves the right to revoke membership at any time if a member contravenes the Mi’kmawitasik Membership Agreement.

SECTION 6

APPLICANT'S BUSINESS INFORMATION

This section is optional. Please complete this section if you own a Mi’kmaw business currently and would like to share information about your business for marketing purposes. The Mi’kmawitasik Admin Team will work with you to develop your online profile.

Note: Individuals and business owners are not obliged as a requirement of this program to register their businesses federally and/or provincially unless they choose to do so. You may not have access to some benefits, but you will not be excluded. The Mi’kmawitasik training program can assist members to understand their business options.

SECTION 7

REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

The documents listed below are required to fulfill application requirements and must be submitted with this application by all applicants.

SECTION 8

OPTIONAL SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION

The following documents may be submitted to strengthen the application and support the Mi’kmawitasik Committee’s assessment, but are not required. Submitting supporting documentation may help shorten assessment timelines in some cases. The Mi’kmawitasik Committee may, at times, request any of the below documentation specifically from an application via written request to support their assessment of the application. Please check the boxes below to indicate which, if any, documents are attached: