Mi'kmaq

Abstract

Mi'kmaq tribal consciousness is an inherent trait of the Mi'kmaq people to adapt and to survive in the twentieth century. The Mi'kmaq have in their tribal makeup an unique ability to face adversity and endure with no drastic changes to their world view. This unique ability stems from the values and norms the Mi'kmaq express and adhere to in everyday existence.

Esteem for elders, sharing and cooperation, respect for man and nature were the inherent qualities of tribal consciousness, and they are still the prevalent characteristics of the Mi'kmaq Nation today.

Because much of the essence of a culture is to be found in its language, this thesis is written in Mi'kmaq. English is an object-oriented language where nouns predominate in speech. On the other hand, Mi'kmaq is verb-oriented and emphasizes relationships, and states of being, rather than things. The sources of authority for the knowledge presented here are the elders of the Mi'kmaq nation who live in the district of Unam'kik (Cape Breton). As a consequence, interviews form the core of resource materials.

The topics discussed in the thesis cover topics of governance, family life, belief systems, economy, medicine, science, and leisure activities. However, these topics are not isolated as they must be in English discourse, but are integrated into a single narrative, as they should be in Mi'kmaq. I urge the non-Mi'kmaq person to learn my language so that I can share this knowledge with you in a meaningful manner. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)