Over the past five years, the Elders’ Advisory Council and Mi’kmawey Debert staff have visited various Mi’kmaw collections that are being held nationally and internationally at the Canadian Museum of Civilization (Gatineau, QC), the National Museum of American Indian, Smithsonian Institution (Washington, DC), and the Nova Scotia Museum (Halifax, NS).
When we visit collections, we photograph and discuss the objects and record any historical notes. Ultimately, this process of engaging our Elders and communities is a powerful way to reflect on and explore our history and culture.
Below is a small sample of what we have learned from various collections. This slideshow will grow and expand as staff time allows. Come back soon to see more!
Mi’kmaw Hymnal and Prayerbook (download here!)
The Mi’kmaw hymnal (from Sɨpekne’katik) and prayer book (from Pictou Landing) currently in the collections the National Museum of the American Indian, Smithsonian Institution are available for download below (click on the images).
These two books were collected from Mi’kma’ki by Wilson D. Wallis and Ruth Sawtelle Wallis in 1912. The prayer book is from Pictou Landing First Nation and the hymnal is from Sɨpekne’katik First Nation.
The scans of these books have been provided generously by the National Museum of the American Indian, Smithsonian Institution. They are allowing distribution for personal/private use and for non-profit educational use. When sharing these scans in any form, please credit the National Museum of the American Indian, Smithsonian Institution.
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