Re-enactment Symbolizes Cultural, Spiritual Renewal

A moving re-enactment of the 1610 baptism of Grand Chief Henri Membertou took place on the shores of the Annapolis Basin today, June 24, marking the 400th anniversary of a rite that set the stage to Canada becoming a multi-cultural nation.

"Four hundred years later, we remember what Grand Chief Membertou stood for – international peace, spiritual acceptance and cultural tolerance," said Grand Chief Ben Sylliboy. "May this re-enactment and Membertou 400 celebrations symbolize the spiritual and cultural renewal for the Mi'kmaq Nation."

The re-enactment at the Port-Royal National Historic Site began at noon after a celebratory mass presided over by Archbishop Martin Currie, with the Pope's representative Apostolic Nuncio, Pedro Quintana, Bishop Brian Dunn of the diocese of Antigonish, and other Catholic bishops. Grand Chief Sylliboy, many other elders, Mi'kmaq leaders and elected officials attended.

The Mi'kmaq shaman and prophet was the first aboriginal person in what would become Canada, to be baptized. His baptism not only established a holy alliance between the Mi'kmaq people and the Catholic Church, it signaled the Mi'kmaq's desire for peaceful relations with the European nations.

Writer/historian Hal Theriault wrote The Baptism of Membertou from the Mi'kmaq point of view, emphasizing the hospitality of the people, which led to the co-operative, mutually beneficial and respectful friendship with French settlers. In the play, actors portrayed Grand Chief Membertou, his wife and children, the French secular priest Jesse Fleche, and settlement leader Poutrincourt.

Many members of the Bear River First Nation and people from surrounding communities helped create the props and costumes.
After the re-enactment, visitors attended a Cultural Village showcasing traditional Mi'kmaq crafts, dancing, story-telling and food.

The Mi'kmaq Grand Council, the Mi'kmaq Association of Cultural Studies, and Parks Canada held the historical day-long tribute to the legendary Grand Chief, part of Membertou 400 celebrations. Events move to the Halifax Common on Friday, June 25 to Sunday, 27, for one of the largest pow-wows – called Mawio'mi in Mi'kmaq — in the country.

For the event schedule, visit www.Membertou400.com .

For more information about Port-Royal National Historic Site of Canada, visit www.parkscanada.gc.ca/portroyal .