Kespukwitk Celebrated: ANCIENT MI’KMAW Culture ReEmerges

Immerse yourself in a deeply enriching past and present Mi’kmaw culture . White Point Lodge in Hunts Point, Nova Scotia is celebrating Kespukwitk.  You can find all the details here on www.whitepoint.com. A wide  range of impressive artistry work, artifacts and presentations will be showcasing over the the two day period.

Innovative will be broadcasting live at innovativetv.ca all the while exploring the deeply set culture of our land and history. Check us out over the next 48 hours.

Discover a truly captivating and enlightening event that will leave you feeling a deeper appreciation and broader set knowledge of the aboriginal culture.Mingle with the devoted artists such as: jeweler, Sheila Porter and traditional leather work artist and beader, Cherry Whynot. Indulge your inner child, learning from Canadian Museum of Civilization’s archaeologist Dr. Mathew Betts; you’ll be glad you did. That’s just a taste of what’s to come, check our website for further updates as the event comes closer into view.

Discover and explore the Shell Middens, Petroglyphs, and 10,000 artifacts of the Mersey – it’s a journey back more than 10,000 years with our guides, the Mi’Kmaq of Acadia First Nation and their ancestors. Explore the shell middens of Port Joli with Dr. Matthew Betts of the Museum of Civilization, re-discover the largest collection of Petroglyphs (history/stories in stone) in Eastern North America and a collection of artifacts that reveal a way of life and use of an ancient travelway 10,000 years in use. Participate in and admire the Circle Dance and on Summer Solstice (June 21) welcome the sun at the Traditional Sunrise Ceremony (5:30am), experience the Mi’Kmaw Village and explore traditions and practices more than 10,000 years rich This will be a 2 day experience like no other, and a chance of a lifetime as we gather to celebrate, acknowledge, share and experience the Mi’Kmaw heritage of our region with all who gather.
Explore the entire 2 day program in depth now and don’t miss this unique experience!

LIVE Webstream: Can’t make it to the event but interested in the presentations? Drop in to www.innovativetv.ca to see the live steaming of the event!

10,000 years of Mi’Kmaw Culture Re-Emerges in Nova Scotia

Liverpool, June 5, 2013 – For over 10,000 years, the drum has been the heartbeat of Southwest Nova Scotia and in honour of National Aboriginal Day and the Summer Solstice, Acadia First Nation is hosting a groundbreaking event at White Point Beach Resort on June 20 and 21, Ancient Mi’Kmaw Culture Re-Emerges.

Offering unique insights into this ancient culture, guests of the two-day event will embark on a journey through more than 10,000 years of Mi’Kmaq presence in “Kespukwitk”, the area encompassed by today’s UNESCO Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve.  Dr. Matthew Betts, the lead archaeologist in Atlantic Canada for the Canadian Museum of Civilization, will reveal the fascinating 3,000-year-old story uncovered on the shores of Port Joli; Nova Scotia experts will interpret and present the thousands of artifacts found on the riverbed of the oldest travelway in the province – the Mersey River; and the largest collection of petroglyphs found in Eastern North America at Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site will be retraced during this event.

Master of Ceremonies and Acadia First Nation Community Enhancement Development Officer Melanie Purdy is thrilled about the program created for this event.  “We are so pleased to share and highlight the depth, wealth and beauty of our culture through these historical elements against a backdrop of a cultural experiences program presented by our community.”  A Circle Dance, a Summer Solstice Sunrise Ceremony on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, a Mi’Kmaw Artists Showcase, a traditional Wigwam Village and Lunch featuring a Medicine Plant walk, traditional craft and tool demonstrations and drumming and dance will be among the experiences that will round out this gathering.  “We are proud to showcase and honour our heritage in such a dynamic way, inviting our guests to explore, discover and fully appreciate our presence in Kespukwitk, dating back more than 10,000 years.”

Respected and celebrated traditional Mi’Kmaq birchbark canoe builder Todd Labrador is intimately involved as he showcases his canoes and conducts various ceremonies including the Summer Solstice Sunrise Ceremony on National Aboriginal Day. Labrador, a member of the planning committee, says this event is one of which he is particularly proud to be part of. “This gathering enables us to honour our ancestors and more importantly share insights into our teachings, learnings and culture with the greater community, it is an honour” says Labrador.

Eric LeBel, Superintendent at Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site says they are excited to be a partner and presenter at the event. “This gathering is groundbreaking. The Acadia First Nation community is truly inspiring and is surrounded by a very passionate team working to share the story of the Mi’Kmaq in this region.”

Organizers say they are pleased with the response. Judy Boutilier, Cultural Officer with Acadia First Nation, says the 2 day program presented along the shores of the Atlantic at White Point Beach Resort is perfect settling.  Boutilier says, “While guests are welcome to join us for one or both days, many are opting for the overnight package ensuring they don’t miss the 5:30am Sunrise Ceremony on Summer Solstice.” For those unable to attend in person, organizers have made arrangements to have the event live streamed over the Internet atwww.whitepointbeach.ca.

“The enthusiasm and excitement surrounding ‘Ancient Mi’Kmaw Culture Re-Emerges’ has been astounding. It is such a privilege to be hosting this gathering here at White Point” says White Point’s Marketing Manager, Donna Hatt, “being part of the planning team has been a privilege and the support has been overwhelming.”

‘Ancient Mi’Kmaw Culture Re-Emerges’ program is available online at http://goo.gl/w48Ng. For registration information, visit http://www.whitepoint.com/specials-and-packages/specials/  or call 1-800-565-5068.

A month has passed since the last Development Committee Meeting, held on Dec 20th, 2012. Inviting the new year, the town council’s  decision is drawing near.  You’re input, to put it mildly, is crucial to the town’s final decision. The proposition remains to be dominated by strong conflicting emotions; some see it as  progress, others see it as a less desirable opportunity,  believing the infrastructure will taint the whimsical personality of the town.
The proposal includes a three storey, commercial/residential complex with 500 square metres of commercial space, and 71 residential units.

Information on  the last development meeting visit:http://new.livestream.com/innovative/events/1691691

Innovative will be broadcasting live tonight. Begin time 6:30 pm.   Visit:http://new.livestream.com/innovative/events/1691691

Express your concerns and questions by emailing us at info@ih.ca