Discover Indigenous Customs and Traditions with Parks Canada

Kouchibouguac National Park celebrates Indigenous culture with Mawiomi event

September 29, 2017                                                            Kouchibouguac National Park                                                              Parks Canada Agency

The Government of Canada invites all Canadians to celebrate Indigenous cultures at Parks Canada places across the country. Parks Canada is committed to a system of national heritage places that commemorates the contributions of Indigenous Peoples and their cultures, as well as how Indigenous Peoples take pride in being stewards of the land. By fostering a culture of cooperation and partnership, we are able to advance efforts to renew nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown, and government-to-government relationships with Indigenous Peoples.

This year, Kouchibouguac National Park is pleased to offer its first Mawiomi event on October 7. The word “Mawiomi” is derived from the Mi’kmaq word for “gathering”. Everyone is welcome to take part in this event and experience the rich heritage presented by the artists, dancers, drummers and storytellers from Indigenous communities from across eastern Canada. Admission is free and the event will be held, rain or shine.

The event will take place at Callanders Beach in Kouchibouguac National Park. The celebration begins with the Grand Entry at 10:00 a.m. and continues until 5:00 p.m. with traditional songs, drumming and dances, storytelling, Indigenous games, food and music. Among the headliners for the event will be dancers Craig Isaac (Listuguj, QC) and Ingrid Brooks (Indian Island, NB), as well as drum groups Eastern Eagle Singers (Indian Brook, NS), Spirit Bear Singers (Listuguj, QC), Moose Crossing (Elsipogtog, NB) and Hey Cuzzins (Lennox Island, PEI).

Parks Canada is committed to ensuring that activities at all national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas are respectful of Indigenous traditions and cultures. The Mawiomi at Kouchibouguac National Park is a great way to discover Indigenous traditions and customs and, in doing so, better understand the cultures and histories of Indigenous Peoples in Canada.