Authenticity is at the heart of Mi’kmaw cultural tourism. A new certification program, Mi’kmawitasik: Mi’kmaw Made™, invites travellers and Nova Scotians to explore the rich living culture, stories, and creativity of the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia with featured artisans, crafters, guides, hosts, and performers.
Mi’kmawitasik: Mi’kmaw Made™ was developed by Mi’kmaw community members, led by Kwilmu’kw Maw-klusuaqn (KMK) and endorsed by Maw-lukutijik Saqmaq (Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs). This is one of the first cultural authenticity certifications in Canada and is currently being trademarked with support from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
Mi’kmawitasik: Mi’kmaw Made™ identifies authentic Mi’kmaw cultural products and tourism experiences offered by members, from a guided tour at Eskasoni Cultural Journeys to custom artwork by renowned Mi’kmaw artist Alan Syliboy, for instance.
“Building Mi’kmawitasik and having it trademarked was a way to ensure that Mi’kmaw art, craft, and cultural expressions remain in Mi’kmaw hands,” said Chief Carol Potter, Co-lead of Culture, Heritage and Archaeology for the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs. “It is our way of saying: this is who we are, this is our culture, and these are our authentic stories, shared by our people.”
Mi'kmaw Cultural Tourism Project Manager Shannon Monk and her team at KMK shaped the certification program from extensive engagement with Mi’kmaw communities, organizations, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, artists, crafters, performers, cultural tourism operators, and entrepreneurs to bring Mi’kmawitasik: Mi’kmaw Made™ to fruition.
“Every experience, every purchase, every story shared through Mi’kmawitasik carries the weight of generations of knowledge, creativity, and pride,” said Shannon Monk. “For consumers, it provides confidence that when they purchase a Mi’kmaw-made product or book a cultural experience, they are directly supporting the Mi’kmaq and their artistic and cultural traditions.”
In its first pilot year, Mi’kmawitasik: Mi’kmaw Made™ currently features over 30 Mi’kmaw makers and hosts representing the thirteen Mi’kmaw communities across the province. Applications are open to Mi’kmaw artisans, craftspeople, performers, cultural experience providers, and entrepreneurs who want to showcase their products and services to a wider audience, including travellers.
Learn more at: https://www.mikmawitasik.ca/
Tourism Nova Scotia is pleased to support this foundational initiative, led by KMK and Maw-lukutijik Saqmaq, in collaboration with community, provincial and federal partners.