Saint Mary’s kicked off Mi’kmaq History Month with a Mawio’mi on Sunday, October 2nd.
Mawio'mi is a Mi’kmaw word that refers to a gathering of people. The term is used to describe what is sometimes referred to as a powwow; a gathering that celebrates life and includes ceremony, storytelling, dance, drumming, and gathering with the community. Since 2018 Saint Mary's has hosted a Mawio'mi on-campus but given COVID-19 health and safety protocols, recent celebrations took place digitally until last year.
"We were excited to invite people to campus and participate in an important celebration of Mi'kmaw culture and heritage," says Rachel Creaser, the Indigenous Student Initiatives Coordinator and President of the Saint Mary's Indigenous Student Society.
The event was a success with over 200 attendees including students, faculty, staff and members of the community.