Organizers of the Membertou 400 celebrations hope teachers and parents will take advantage of the event to educate their youth about Mi’kmaq culture.
On June 25, Membertou 400 will hold an Education Day on the Halifax Common. The Common will be transformed into a replica of a traditional Mi’kmaq village with about 20 wigwams.
Deborah Ginnish, executive director of the Mi’kmaq Association of Cultural Studies, said the event is an excellent opportunity for schools to educate their students about an oft misunderstood culture.
Activities will include native dance and drum competitions, traditional children’s games, and lessons on healing techniques.
“We invite people of all races and denominations to join the Mi’kmaq community as we celebrate an important milestone in Canadian history,” Ginnish said.
On June 24, 1610, Grand Chief Henri Membertou became the first aboriginal person to be baptized in what would later become Canada. The Membertou 400 celebrations will kick off with a re-enactment of Membertou’s baptism at the Port Royal National Historic Site on June 24.
For more details, visit www.membertou400.com.
