Treaty Day
In 1986, the then Grand Chief Donald Marshall Sr. proclaimed every October 1st as Treaty Day to commemorate the key role of treaties in the relationship between the Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq and the Crown.
The annual ceremony reaffirms the historic presence of the Mi’kmaw who have occupied the land for thousands of years. The Mi’kmaq Nation and the crown also exchange gifts to mark each October 1st. By celebrating Treaty Day, we are giving thanks to the Mi’kmaw and the Crown for signing treaties of peace and friendship.
People continue to gather in Halifax, and their home communities, on October 1st to participate and enjoy various cultural events in celebration of Treaty Day. It is a reunion for many Mi’kmaq and a time for people to learn a part of Nova Scotia’s 12,000-year-old history.
Events
From lectures to workshops to dance lessons, Dal hosts a series of Mi'kmaq History Month events each year.
September 30
Mi'kmawitasik Market
Pier 21 (Kenneth Rowe Room) between 1:00pm-6:30pm
Explore unique Indigenous creations, including traditional art, jewelry, and crafts—all telling the story of Mi;kmaw culture and heritage. After shopping, stay for the Cultural Showcase, featuring live performances that celebrate Indigenous talent and Mi;kmaw culture. Come shop, celebrate and connect with Indigenous culture and craftsmanship!
September 30
Veterans Parade
Barrington Street at 1:15pm
The Veterans Parade will travel along Barrington Street from Government House to Peace and Friendship Park, where councillor Waye Mason will read the city’s Treaty Day proclamation at 1:30pm.
October 1
Mi’kmaw Church Service
Saint Mary's Cathedral Basilica at 10:30am
October 1
Annual Treaty Day Community Feast and Celebration
Sipekne'katik Mawoi'mi Abor and Grounds between 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sipekne'katik will host our Annual Treaty Day Community Feast and Celebrations for all community and outside sister communities with a traditional menu which includes but not limited to salmon, moose meat, lobster and traditional bread Luski. Cultural events hosted by Elders and Knowledge Keepers to teach traditional Mi'kmaq practices.
October 1
Birch Bark Canoe Launch
Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site at 10:00am
Mi’kmaq artisan, Todd Labrador, his family, and the Kejimkujik team launch a 21-foot birch bark canoe built this summer at the birch bark canoe shop
October 1-30
Mi’kmaq History Month Gathering of our Mi’kmaq Honoring Kji Saqmaw Membertou
Ponhook Mi'kmaw Community Memorial Park 10:00am-3:00 pm
Wasoqopa'q First Nation is unique in the fact that the whole First Nation encompasses communities. This event will take place in the Ponhook Mi'kmaw Community, this event will be for all of our community members living on reserve and off reserve the opportunity to come together with other Mi'kmaw of Nova Scotia.
October 5
Wasoqopa’q First Nation Harvest Feast
Rose Purdy Recreation Field between 1:00 pm - 10:00 pm
The Wasoqopa'q First Nation Harvest Feast will be held on October 5th, with festivities starting at 1:00 PM at the Rose Purdy Recreation Field. The event will feature traditional Mi'kmaw dance, crafts, a Big Bounce, and a Bingo Bonanza, along with live music from The Relatives. Food will be served from 2:00 to 3:30 PM, […]
October 11
Family Fun Day at the Mi'kmaw Native Friendship Centre
Mi'kmaw Native Friendship Centre between 12:00pm-3:00pm
Join us for interactive cultural activities for the whole family!
October 16
Annual Mawio'mi
Dalhousie University in the Studley Quad (McInnes Room Rain Location) between 10:00am-3:00pm
The Dalhousie Mawio’mi, now in it's 14th year, was started by a group of Indigenous students wanting to connect and share their culture within the Dalhousie space. Today, the Indigenous Student Centre manages the Mawio'mi with the help of community, students, and staff. Each year the big drum, dancers, vendors, and other performers gather to celebrate and share culture on the Studley Quad (McInnes Room Rain Location). This is the largest Indigenous event on campus, with opportunity to meet Mi’kmaq and other Indigenous attendees, take part in culture, purchase from unique vendors, and enjoy lunch.
October 20
Tuesday Night Talk: Peter J Clair
Maritime Museum of the Atlantic at 6:30pm
Mi’kmaw artists are creating a wide range of imaginative and beautiful work using the skills and traditions of basketry weaving given to them by their elders and ancestors. Peter J Clair is one of nine artists presented in The Art of Mi’kmaw Basketry (FORMAC publishing), which was released in 2023.
Learning resources
If you are aware of additional resources not included here, please contact hres@dal.ca.