Home / Environment / Mi'kmaw language echoes in Nova Scotia wetlands
Mi'kmaw language echoes in Nova Scotia wetlands
11 Oct
Summary
- Wetland species names in Mi'kmaw language are now accessible.
- QR codes on signs link to pronunciations and Indigenous history.
- Project inspired by elementary students and partners with local community.
Shubenacadie Wildlife Park in Nova Scotia is bringing Mi'kmaw language and culture to the forefront with its 'Whispers from the Wetlands' project. Installed sign posts now feature 15 wetland species with their Mi'kmaw names, allowing visitors to connect with Indigenous heritage.
Through QR codes on these signs, visitors can access audio of the Mi'kmaw pronunciations and explore the Indigenous history and Western scientific understanding of each species. This project embodies the principle of 'two-eyed seeing,' integrating Indigenous and Western knowledge.
Inspired by a proposal from local elementary school students, the initiative is a collaboration between Ducks Unlimited Atlantic and the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources. Knowledge holders from the Mi'kmaw community were instrumental in developing the signage and narratives, ensuring the stories reflect the deep cultural importance of these species.
The project aims to ensure the continuation of Mi'kmaw language and cultural traditions, drawing inspiration from the oral storytelling methods inherent in the Mi'kmaw culture. The name 'Whispers from the Wetlands' itself signifies the project's goal of capturing and preserving these important cultural narratives before they are lost.
