October is Mi’kmaq History Month, a time to celebrate and learn about Mi’kmaq culture and heritage.
The theme for Mi’kmaq History Month 2026 is Healing and Wellness, and is based on teachings shared by the late Elder Murdena Marshall. From the Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre (MDCC), “This year’s theme invites people across Mi’kma’kik to reflect on healing as a lifelong journey—one rooted in understanding ourselves, our histories, our relationships, and our responsibilities to one another.”
Learn more at mikmaqhistorymonth.ca.
October 1 is Treaty Day, which commemorates the treaties between the Mik’maq people of Nova Scotia—who have occupied the land for thousands of years—and the Crown. Learn more about Treaty Day here.
Saint Mary's University acknowledges that the university is located on the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People. Learn more.
2026 Mi’kmaw History Month poster celebrates lifelong healing journeys. Designed by the Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre (MDCC) in partnership with artist Gerald Gloade and in collaboration with Elders, cultural practitioners, translators, and the Mi’kmaw History Month Committee.
Events
Indigenous Film Series
Every Thursday, October 1-29
6-8:30 p.m.
Patrick Power Library, Room 135
In recognition and celebration of Mi’kmaq History Month this October, join us every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in the Patrick Power Library Classroom for an evening of impactful cinema, honest conversations, and free snacks.
We'll be screening a mix of thought-provoking films that explore challenging realities, celebrate Indigenous resilience, and showcase incredible storytelling. Whether you are looking to expand your worldview, support Indigenous arts, or simply unwind with friends and free snacks after a long day of classes, there is a seat for you.
October 1 - Finding Dawn
October 8 - Singing Back the Buffalo
October 15 - The Secret Path
October 22 - 8:37 Rebirth
October 29 - Rhymes for Young Ghouls
Mi’kmaq Heritage Game Night
Friday, October 23
7 p.m.
Huskies Stadium
Cheer on the Huskies football team as they host the Mount Allison Mounties at Huskies Stadium! The game will open with Mi’kmaq drummers and an honour song, with drumming at halftime and an Indigenous vendor market.
Resources
Indigenous Student Advising and Student Space
The Indigenous Student Advisor at SMU acts as a bridge between Indigenous students, Saint Mary’s University and community organizations, supporting students through academic, personal and cultural guidance. Students can make an appointment with Kylar Johnson, the Indigenous Student Advisor at Indigenous.Advisor@SMU.ca.
Qomuti is an on-campus space designed by and for Indigenous students. Located in Loyola Academic Room 286, Qomuti (pronounced ho-mo-dee) is a Mi’kmaw word meaning “a place of safe haven.” This space was created through community consultation and is intended to be a welcoming home on campus for Indigenous students to gather, study, share, smudge, and feel rooted in culture and connection.
Find out more about the space and how to connect with Kylar at smu.ca/indigenous-community.
Kylar Johnson, Indigenous Student Advisor, holds a smudging ceremony on campus ahead of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Kylar Johnson and members of the SMU community offered drumming and song at Spring Convocation 2026
Patrick Power Library
The Patrick Power Library strives to reflect Mi’kmaw presence, history and knowledge within our spaces and collections. We are proud to be the home of exhibits that support this vision, including a locally crafted dreamcatcher and Ta’n Etl-klo'tasik koqoey (a phrase meaning “where the items are kept or taken care of”), an exhibit celebrating the enduring legacy and culture of the Mi’kmaq people. This exhibit features a collection of Mi’kmaw cultural objects selected by community members and is on loan from the Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History.
The Patrick Power Library has developed a resource collection that includes books and videos related to Mi’kmaq History. Be sure to also look at the Library’s Indigenous Studies Subject & Research Guide. All books can be borrowed with your SMU ID card or accessed online using your SMU email and password.
Red Dress Installation
The Red Dress installation will be on display in the Library from October 2-9 in honour of Sisters in Spirit Day, which is observed annually on October 4 to honour missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and gender-diverse (MMIWG2S+) people. This video on LinkedIn shows last year’s installation of red dresses accompanied by powerful messages.