Culture

The Millbrook Band works hard to promote culture and language.

Seniors and Elders have always played an important role in Aboriginal communities, offering their extensive wisdom, knowledge and advice.

 Community members are encouraged to attend other traditional gatherings and activities such as the Annual Community Feast, Annual Children's Christmas Party, Annual St. Anne De Beaupre Pilgrimage and the Annual St. Anne's Celebrations.

The Millbrook Annual Powwow is a traditional event that runs four days. We welcome all visitors. This is an excellent chance for local people to visit their neighboring Mi'kmaq community and a great venue for tourists. We have dancers and drum groups that come from all over Atlantic Canada, in the evening we offer nightly entertainment, usually local Mi'kmaq talent.

 

Our Pow-wows on the east coast are not the same as those which exist in many parts of North America. This is not a competition. That is why they are known as mawiomi's, or gatherings. They are very family-oriented, so come and enjoy, but please be familiar with the following basic rules:

• Under no circumstances are drugs and/or alcohol allowed on or near the pow-wow grounds.
• The actual dance area is known as the arbor. Please keep your children out of the arbor, unless you are there with them and dancing.
• Stay out of the tipis, unless you first have permission of the owner. For those which belong to the pow-wow committee, first ask permission.
• Never take a dancer's picture without first asking their permission.
• Never touch anyone's regalia without asking permission. These are not costumes and have spiritual significance to most dancers.
• Before taking any type of picture or video, ask the announcer if it is OK. Some dances are not allowed to be photographed, just as some songs are not meant to be taped.
• Dress appropriately. This is not the time or place to show off your shortest skirt or shorts, or skimpiest halter top. The grounds are usually grass, so wear appropriate shoes. Wear comfortable walking shoes or sneakers.
• Don't forget the sunscreen and hats, especially for your kids. A jacket is always good, in case evenings are chilly. In other words, know what the weather forecast is expected to be.
• Finally, do not come with any preconceived ideas as to what "Indians" are supposed look like. We come in all shapes and sizes, all different shades, eye and hair colors. It has been 500 years, after all.

Mi'kmaq language courses have been offered to community members and can now be found, to a limited extent, right here. The Band supports the Annual Pow Wow by providing financial and material resources.