Roger Lewis, Mi’kmaq Cultural Heritage Curator
The ethnology collection consists of numerous items that are both functional and decorative. Over hundreds of years the Mi’kmaq has mastered an array of complex yet creative techniques they incorporated into cultural objects.
The objects that make up the provincial ethnology collection are seen as ‘living objects ’in the sense that human hands from the past crafted them. It is important to remember that the maker’s soul breathes within them, making them more than a simple craft.
These objects are derived from the use of an enormous range of raw materials. The ingenious use of those raw materials combined with the impressive quality of their workmanship makes them all the more fascinating and an important component of the cultural heritage of Nova Scotia.
Info Sheets
Infos are leaflets answering some of the questions you most often ask us. The following online Infos can be printed, for use in the classroom by teachers, or for general reading for those who are interested.
NEW - Infosheet on Membertou’s Gourd (PDF 528 KB)
Infosheet on Membertou’s Gourd - French (PDF 526 KB)
Reciprocal Research Network
First Nations items from across Canada!
The RRN lets you research cultural items held at 21 institutions, all from the same convenient interface. Create a project to conduct your research, then invite other people to work with you.
The project is a joint effort, co-developed by Musqueam Indian Band, the Stó:lō Nation/Tribal Council, the U’mista Cultural Society and the Museum of Anthropology at UBC. Many partner institutions from around the world are also involved. Visit the Reciprocal Research Network »
Mi'kmaq Portrait Gallery
The Nova Scotia Museum's Mi'kmaq Portraits Collection is a database of more than 700 portraits and illustrations that provides a glimpse into the history of the Mi'kmaq of Atlantic Canada. The collection results from research by the Museum over many years, often with the participation of Mi'kmaq individuals and other institutions. View the collection »
Mi'kmaq Petroglyphs
Petroglyphs, or rock carvings, were cut with stone tools, probably pre-dating the introduction of European-made metal tools, beginning about 1500.
Mi'kmaq History Month
Treaty Day, (October 1st) marks the beginning of Mi'kmaq History Month in Nova Scotia as proclaimed in 1993 by then Premier John Savage and Mi'kmaq Grand Chief Ben Sylliboy.