Minister’s Statement on Mi’kmaw Language Day
NOTE: The following is a statement from Leah Martin, Minister responsible for L’nu Affairs.
Muiwatmu'k L'nui'suti kiskuk. Today, May 12, is the first Mi’kmaw Language Day in Nova Scotia. It’s an opportunity for all of us to recognize the important linguistic heritage of the Mi’kmaq people.
As a proud Mi’kmaw, I know that language is more than a means of communication – it's the heartbeat of our identity. Indigenous languages carry the essence of our history, culture and world view. They are the threads that weave our communities together and guide our understanding of the land, water and all living beings.
But for too long, Indigenous languages across Canada, including here in Mi’kma’ki, have been under threat. Historical injustices like residential schools and forced assimilation tried to erase these languages. Elders were punished for speaking their language. And many of our parents never had the opportunity to learn it.
Despite all this, the Mi’kmaw language has endured. It survived because of the strength of Mi’kmaw Elders, the resilience of Mi’kmaw communities and the determination of young people to reclaim what was taken.
In 2022, our government passed the Mi’kmaw Language Act, formally recognizing Mi’kmaw as the province’s original language. That recognition came with a commitment: a shared responsibility to protect, promote and revitalize the Mi’kmaw language.
That’s why we partnered with Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey to launch the Mi’kmaw Language ReVITALization Strategy earlier this year. This collaborative plan sets out a vision for a future where the Mi’kmaw language flourishes in homes, schools, workplaces and public spaces.
By providing $1.3 million in annual funding to advance Mi’kmaw language initiatives, our government is proud to support our community partners as they bring this vision to life.
Language revitalization is reconciliation in action. It helps ensure that the stories, knowledge and traditions that shaped this land will be shared for generations to come. It enriches our understanding of Nova Scotia’s history and supports a more inclusive future for everyone who calls this land home.
Today, I invite Nova Scotians to learn more about the Mi’kmaw language and to celebrate the knowledge, culture and resilience it holds. Wela'lioq.