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Mi'kmaq Native Drums

Nova Scotia's first people, the Mi'kmaq, celebrate their heritage, traditions and living culture through drumming, dance, storytelling, and feasting at pow-wows. Combining sacred and social elements, Millbrook's annual pow-wow in August welcomes visitors. Dancers and drum groups come from across Atlantic Canada. Annual Pow Wow in, four days of festivities for the whole family

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Home > Discover Nova Scotia > Our Culture > Founding Cultures > Mi'kmaq > Glooscap Heritage Centre

Glooscap Heritage Centre

Glooscap, the first human and mythic hero of the Mi’kmaq people, was created out of the earth and was given soul and spirit by the sun. His brothers and sisters of the woods and waters gave him the necessities of life. Respect for family and the natural world gave him the tools for survival. And Glooscap came to understand that his purpose in the Mi’kmaq world was to pass on his knowledge to his people.
 
The Creation myths of Glooscap explain spectacular natural phenomena found in and around Nova Scotia. The world’s highest tides in the Bay of Fundy were formed when Glooscap and a whale came into conflict. The unique geographical formations of Five Islands were formed when Glooscap threw handfuls of mud at a disrespectful beaver.
 
A giant statue of Glooscap can be seen for miles as you approach the Glooscap Interpretive Centre outside of the town of Truro. Stand alongside this towering monument for a one-of-a-kind photo op, and explore some of Centre’s other offerings:

  • Use the audio exhibit to learn Mi’kmaq words and phrases. Words like Malqutg or malqomatl (eat) and emittugwalatl (keep company, visit) can come in handy. 
  • Explore the Centre's collection of the oldest Aboriginal tools found in Canada along with stunning traditional clothing and craftwork.
  • Join in workshops and demonstrations on the Mi’kmaq traditions like the ancient art of quill embroidery and drumming and dancing.

Glooscap himself is your guide on a multimedia journey at the Interpretive Centre. You can use the resources of the Centre to plan your own journey around the Sunrise Trail and Glooscap Trail using the legends of Glooscap and Mi’kmaq heritage as the theme of your excursion.

Visit the Glooscap Heritage Centre »

2010-08-11
A unique and lovely place. What a find. A gorgeous post-and-beam cottage in a private spot on the ...

(Source: Favourite Places in Nova Scotia)
2010-08-06
Hello, My wife and I are from Ohio . We took a vacation to your lovely province in 2006. We spent ...

(Source: Favourite Places in Nova Scotia)
2010-07-16
Getting close to 30 years ago I had the opportunity to spend 2 summers working at the Keltic Lodge ...

(Source: Favourite Places in Nova Scotia)
2010-07-06
I recently returned to Nova Scotia for a delayed honeymoon and meet the family for my new husband. ...

(Source: Favourite Places in Nova Scotia)
2010-05-09
My father took my older brother and I on the train from Oshawa to Halifax. We arrived in Halifax at ...

(Source: Favourite Places in Nova Scotia)
2010-09-01
If you love to be at one with nature, Kejimkujik Seaside offers a beautiful place to explore for a day.  With beautiful trails, a white beach awaits you and if you are lucky the seals might be waving from the...

(Source: Nova Scotia, my Oyster)
2010-09-01
White Point Beach..it's rustic, it's charming, it's wonderful!

(Source: Nova Scotia, my Oyster)
2010-08-31
Regardless of how you spend your days it's hard not to be envious of our whale watch tour operators around the Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Sample these recent posts & see if you feel the same way!!

(Source: The Bay of Fundy)
2010-08-31
An afternoon drive along the Mini Cabot Trail to Cape George gives breathtaking views and a "must visit" to the lighthouse.

(Source: The Right Coast, Nova Scotia)
2010-08-10
Well known to fossil hunters, this small village was founded by Scottish immigrants in the 1700's.

(Source: The Right Coast, Nova Scotia)