History and Origins
The film excerpts in this theme look at the creation myth of the Wendat, the life of the Mi’kmaq before European settlement, the origin of the word “Canada,” and the question of territory under the English and French regimes.
Excerpts
Our Nationhood
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Our Nationhood
2003, Director: Obomsawin, Alanis
excerpt 1 2 min 58 s
Description
The ancestral lands of the Mi’kmaq once extended from the Gaspé to Acadia and included the Listuguj hunting ground. The traditional daily activities of the Mi’kmaq reflected how the life cycle of the fishing family was regulated by the seasons. Please consult historian George Sioui’s text for more details of the daily traditions.
Questions
1. What activities did the Mi'kmaq traditionally associate with each season? Why was following the seasons a natural way of organizing their activities?
2. Describe the activities of the Mi'kmaq during their social summer gatherings. Why was summer chosen for these types of activities?
2. Describe the activities of the Mi'kmaq during their social summer gatherings. Why was summer chosen for these types of activities?
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Short Description
This film recounts the difficult battle waged by the Listuguj Mi’kmaqs against the Government of Quebec in 1998 for the right to manage their own natural resources. The film also highlights some of the achievements of this community located in the Gaspe Peninsula.