MILLBROOK, NS — The Millbrook cultural and heritage centre hosted celebrations to mark National Day of Indigenous Peoples on Wednesday, unveiling traditional regalia brought to Mi’mka’ki from Australia and now on display at the centre.
The day recognizes and celebrates the cultures and contributions of the First Nations, Inuit and Métis indigenous peoples of Canada.
Mi’kmaw Elder Al Oakley of Eskasoni, soon to be 91, dances at the Millbrook Mawiomi during National Indigenous Peoples Day festivities at the Millbrook Cultural and Heritage Center in Millbrook on Wednesday, June 21, 2023.- Tim KrochakMi’kmaw Elder Al Oakley of Eskasoni raises his eagle feather for the newly unveiled ceremonial regalia for men at the Millbrook Mawiomi, or gathering, during National Indigenous People’s Day festivities at the Millbrook Cultural and Heritage Center in Millbrook on Wednesday. Made in Mi’kma’ki in 1842, 37 years later the regalia was donated to an Australian museum. It was repatriated earlier this year and is now on display at the heritage centre. – Tim KrochakA plaque explains the history of the men’s regalia. – Tim KrochkJingle dancer Jennifer Maloney of Sipekne’katik looks at the men’s ceremonial regalia in the display case. – Tim KrochakWhile holding his 6-month-old daughter Leah Rose, Buck Sylliboy looks at the beaded moccasins that are part of the men’s ceremonial regalia. – Tim KrochakMillbrook traditional dancer Brady Googoo shields herself from the sun ahead of the grand entry at a National Indigenous Peoples Day event in Millbrook on Wednesday. – Tim KrochakYoung dancers await the start of the Millbrook Mawiomi grand entry to mark National Day of Indigenous Peoples at the Millbrook Cultural and Heritage Center in Millbrook on Wednesday. – Tim Krochak
