Provinces and Territories · Drawing 08 of 42
At school in Mi’kmaw
Nova Scotia — today
Mi’kmaw was spoken in Nova Scotia long before French or English. Today, in Eskasoni, some children learn at school in Mi’kmaw.
Look together
How do you say hello in your family?
An idea to try
Ask a family member how to say “hello” in a language they know, then practise it together. For a Mi’kmaw word, choose a resource made by people who speak the language.
For the adult reading along
A little more to discover
The Mi’kmaq have lived in Mi’kma’ki, which includes present-day Nova Scotia, since time immemorial. Nova Scotia’s Mi’kmaw Language Act, in force since Treaty Day, October 1, 2022, recognizes Mi’kmaw as the province’s original language. Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey, the education organization of Nova Scotia’s Mi’kmaw communities, supports programs including a stand-alone immersion school in Eskasoni for students up to Grade 4.
In the past, Mi’kmaw children were punished for speaking their language; today, communities are working to keep it strong. Present this page as one community’s example, not a portrait of all Mi’kmaw life. To learn a word, choose a Mi’kmaw resource rather than guessing the pronunciation.
Sources and illustration notes (3)
An imagined classroom: no real people, Mi’kmaw words or cultural symbols are drawn.
These links lead to other websites. Explore them with an adult. References identify the institution and the related lesson; some linked pages are in French.
- Nova Scotia Legislature — Mi’kmaw Language Act, 2022, c. 5Preamble: the Mi’kmaq have inhabited Mi’kma’ki since time immemorial and Mi’kmaw was the first language used in the land now known as Nova Scotia; the Act recognizes Mi’kmaw as the original language of the Province; 13 Mi’kmaw communities; in force October 1, 2022 (Treaty Day).
- Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey — About UsEducation organization of the Mi’kmaw communities in Nova Scotia; stand-alone immersion school in Eskasoni for students up to Grade 4; mentor-apprentice language programs.
- CBC News — Mi’kmaw officially recognized as Nova Scotia’s original language at Sunday ceremony (July 17, 2022)Act recognizing Mi’kmaw as Nova Scotia’s original language proclaimed; in effect October 1 (Treaty Day); Grand Chief Norman Sylliboy: in the past Mi’kmaw children were punished for speaking it.
Page prepared on September 24, 2026. Illustrations simplify places and scenes; they are not historical documents.
This drawing is from the book My Canada to Colour
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