Events Announced for Membertou 400 Celebrations

A traditional Mi'kmaw village, native dance and drum competitions, demonstrations by First Nation artisans, a free concert by Buffy Sainte Marie and an open-air mass highlight celebrations for the 400th anniversary of the baptism of Grand Chief Henri Membertou.

Premier Darrell Dexter and David Burton, Canadian Heritage provincial director, joined MLAs, HRM representatives and members of the Mi'kmaq Grand Council at Province House today, April 21, as the Grand Chief Membertou 400 organizing committee outlined an exciting five-day program. It will be held at Port Royal and Halifax from June 24 to 28.

The celebrations will begin with a historic re-enactment of the baptism at the Port Royal National Historic Site on June 24 before moving to Halifax Common for the largest gathering of First Nation people in Atlantic Canada.

"The province is pleased to recognize this unique and deeply significant event," said Premier Dexter. "It is a wonderful opportunity for people of all races and religions to join the Mi'kmaq Nation as it celebrates its proud history and rich culture."

The free, family event, which is expected to draw thousands of First Nation people from across Canada and beyond, will be one of the country's largest powwows, known as Mawio'mi in Mi'kmaq.

"This marks a significant moment in the history of First Nations people and our province," HRM Mayor Peter Kelly said. "Faith brought us together four centuries ago. That same faith flourishes still, nurtured by a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect."

Grand Keptin Andrew Denny thanked the federal, provincial and municipal governments for their support.

"The Mi'kmaq people are grateful for the support we have received from all levels of government as we prepare to honour the life and legacy of a great Mi'kmaq leader and to celebrate our culture," said Mr. Denny. "The investment from Canadian Heritage will allow us to develop teaching tools that will be a lasting legacy of the Membertou 400 celebrations and to reach out to the broader community with a wonderful program of educational and entertaining events.

"We thank Canadian Heritage Minister James Moore, Premier Darrell Dexter and the Halifax Regional Municipality for enabling us to shine the spotlight on Grand Chief Membertou and our Mi'kmaq culture."

Grand Chief Henri Membertou was a Mi'kmaq shaman and prophet. On June 24, 1610, he became the first person in the Dominion of Canada to be baptized, an act that signaled the Mi'kmaq ’s desire for peaceful relations with the European nations.

For more information on the Grand Chief Membertou 400 celebrations, visit www.membertou400.com .