October is Mi’kmaw History Month, a time to commemorate the rich history, proud culture and important contributions of the Mi’kmaq people. The month-long celebrations kick-off with Treaty Day on October 1, which recognizes the key role of treaties in the relationship between the Mi’kmaq people and the Crown. The theme for this year’s Mi’kmaw History Month is A’tukwemk aq A’tukowinu’k Storytelling and Storytellers. The theme honours the distinctive and descriptive stories of Mi’kmaw people stories shaped by the land and waters, rooted in Mi’kma’kik and passed down through generations. They are not only ways of remembering, but of connecting to each other, to our ancestors, and to Mi’kmaw knowledge systems that continue to grow and guide us.
This year marks the 32nd anniversary of Mi’kmaw History Month. In 1993, Premier John Savage and Mi’kmaw Grand Chief Ben Sylliboy declared October as the official month to recognize and celebrate Mi’kmaw culture and heritage.
The Halifax Regional Municipality is located in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and traditional lands of the Mi’kmaq people. The municipality acknowledges the Peace and Friendship Treaties signed in this Territory and recognizes that we are all Treaty People.
Events and celebrations throughout the month of October
- On October 1st City Hall will be lit up orange to commemorate Treaty Day and the start of Mi’kmaw History Month.
- On October 1st there will be a proclamation reading at 1:30 p.m. at City Hall with Mayor Andy Fillmore.
On October 1st join the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre for a traditional salmon dinner from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
This year’s History Month theme is Storytelling and Storytellers at the Heart of Mi’kmaw History Month 2025. You can download this year’s Mi’kmaw History Month Poster here
Mi’kmaw History Month 2025 poster
Learn how to say Mi’kmaw History Month in Mi’kmaw