by Gerald Toney Sr., MMNN Contributor
Sam Brown participates in Mi’kmaw language classes held at the Annapolis First Nations learning centre during Mi’kmaq History Month. Photo by Gerald Toney
The Annapolis Valley First Nation provided three craft workshops every Sunday during October’s Mi’kmaq History Month. Over 20 participants of the weekly event crafted talking sticks, beadwork, dream catchers, miniature birchbark canoes as well as bracelets, necklaces and rattles.
With a grant provided by the Mi’kmaq History Month Committee and in partnership with the Annapolis Valley Band Council, the Elders were able to generate language instruction through craft production which generated a lot of community interest. The funding also allowed for Mi’kmaw language instruction on a weekly basis to the youth who participated in the afterschool program.
The Annapolis Valley First Nation’s Elder’s Chairman Gerald Toney was enthusied by the interest and is looking forward to planning a two-day basket making course to be held in the upcoming winter months. Several community Elders have been and will continue to provide weekly language instruction at the community Learning Centre.
Many thanks to the Annapolis Valley Band Council and the Mi’kmaq History Month Committee for providing funding to carry out a successful community event in celebration of Mi’kmaq History Month.
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