Mikmaq

Last modified: 2003-04-26 by phil nelson
Keywords: micmaq | canada | first nations | cross | star | crescent |
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• M�kmaq Introduction
• M�kmaq National flag
• M�kmaq State flag
• Sm�knisk flag
• Warriors flag
• Natuaqanek flag
• M�kmaq National flag proposal

See also:

• First Nations (Canada)

The M�kmaq are an Indigenous People of the north-eastern woodlands of North America, including: Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick (eastern, northern, and southern), Qu�bec (Gasp� Peninsula), Newfoundland, (western, southern, and eastern), �les-de-la-Madeleine, Saint-Pierre et Miquelon, and Maine (north-eastern). M�kmaq land is known as M�km�kik.

The M�kmaq were one of the first Indigenous People of North America to make contact with European visitors, the Norse in 1000 A.D., Basque fishermen in 1372 A.D., Prince Henry Sinclair in 1398 A.D., Bristol fishermen in 1490-93 A.D., Giovanni Caboto in 1497 A.D., Gaspar de Corte-Real in 1500 A.D.

The M�kmaq continue to fight for recognition of their sovereignty, which was never surrendered.

Today there are about 25,000 Status M�kmaq living on and off Reserves in Canada and the U.S.A., and about another 25,000+ Non-Status M�kmaq.

Useful Terms:

M�kmaq - [Nationality] (plural) "The Allies" or "My Kin/Friends"

M�kmaw - [Nationality] (singular) "The Allies" or "My Kin/Friends"

Awitkatult�k - [Nation] "Many People Living In One House"

M�kmaq Nation - [Nation] Interchangable with "Awitkatult�k"

Sant� Mawi�mi - [Government] "Holy Gathering" or "Grand Council"

by Maqtew�kpaqtism

The M�kmaq National flag has three colors, white, red, and blue, signifying the three divine persons, The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit.

The cross signifies Christ who was crucified on the Cross.

The letters: N,A,M,T are very significant:

• N - Nin (I or Me)
• A - Alasotmoinoi (being a Catholic)
• M - Mento (gisna gil mentoin (devil))
• T - Tooe ot Tooa (get out - go out)

Nin Alasotmoinoi gil Mento Tooe (I am a Catholic, you are a devil, get out)

• SA - means Saint Anne (Patron Saint of the M�kmaq since 1730).
• MIGMAG - M�kmaq (The Allies)
• LNOG - L'n�k (The People)

The flag was first raised in Listukujk (Listuguj, P.Q.) on October 4, 1900 and in Kjipuktuk (Halifax, N.S.) in 1901.

by Maqtew�kpaqtism

Commonly refered to as the Sant� Mawi�mi flag or the Grand Council flag.

The meaning of the M�kmaq Nation Flag:

• Wap�k (White) - Denotes the purity of Creation
• Mekw�k Klujjewey (Red Cross) - Represents mankind and infinity (four directions)
• N�k�set (Sun) - Forces of the day
• Tepkunaset (Moon) - Forces of the night

by Maqtew�kpaqtism

The Sm�knisk (Soldier, Shield-Bearer, or Warrior) flag uses the ancient Komqwejw�kasikl (hieroglyphic) symbol for a Sm�knis in the center of the flag.

by Maqtew�kpaqtism

This flag was introduced by M�kmaq Sm�knisk (Warriors) returning from the Oka Crisis. It resembles the Kanien'keh�:ka Rotiskenrak�:te (Mohawk Warriors) flag, with the only the mans head in the center being altered.

by Maqtew�kpaqtism

This is the flag of Natuaqanek (Eel Ground, N.B.) community.

Designed by Metepn�kiaq (Red Bank, NB) artist Philip Young, and was adopted by Natuaqanek in the mid-1980's.

The circle represents unity and strength of M�kmaq people. The 4 directions represent the 4 seasons and 4 stages of life. The color red represents strength and power, yellow represents the sun, blue represents the water and the sky, and green represents the natural colors of nature.
Mark Dedam, August 1, 2002

by Maqtew�kpaqtism

This symbol was carved into a rock in Kejimik�jik when Awitkatult�k (M�kmaq Nation) was formed, when the original seven districts became one Nation. It is a symbol of the uniting of the M�kmaq People into one Nation.

• Seven Hills - The original seven Sakamowit (Districts) of M�km�kik
• Lluiknek Klujjewey (Seven Crosses) - The original seven Sakamow (District Leaders)
• Nak�set (Sun) & Tepkunaset (Moon) - Together Represent Kis�lkw (The Creator)