This is Mi’kmaq History Month and it marks the 33rd annual celebration of the culture, heritage, and contributions of the Mi’kmaq people. Mitch Blanchard is the Director of Health and Wellness with Qalipu First Nation. On Bayfm’s “Qalipu Today” he spoke about this year’s theme “Nepisulti’k,” meaning “we are healing.”
Blanchard says it’s important for people to take a moment to rest, breathe the air and take a walk to connect with Mother Earth. He’s been working with the band for 14 years and says he has seen a lot of change. Blanchard says their educational and cultural outreach officers as well as early childhood educators are finding new ways to approach learning by meeting the school curriculum and tying in tradition. He says older people are also getting more involved in connecting with youth, sharing their experiences and knowledge. Blanchard also spoke about harvesting traditions and traditional foods, and how these connections to the land support health and wellness.
