SECTION 1

OVERVIEW

Individual Members

Mi’kmawitasik: Mi’kmaw Made (Meeg-maw-wee-duh-sig) is a cultural tourism brand certification trademark registered for the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia by the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs. This brand serves to preserve and promote Mi’kmaw culture and traditions while providing a meaningful and authentic cultural experience to visitors in Nova Scotia. Mi’kmawitasik is guided by the principles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).

Eligibility

Our members consist of Mi’kmaw artisans, craftspeople, performers, cultural experience providers, and entrepreneurs who want to showcase their products and services to a wider audience. Mi’kmawitasik is currently a pilot project. Presently, Mi’kmawitasik membership is open to:

• Individual Mi’kmaw community members with a verified ancestral connection to one of the 13 Mi’kmaw communities within Nova Scotia.
• Mi’kmaw community-owned cultural tourism entities.

Note: At this time, Mi’kmawitasik eligibility does not include regulated, commercial industries.

Membership Approval

Membership approval is based on the following criteria:

• Weta’pek’sin – Verification of eligibility based on the Mi’kmaw principles of Weta’pek’sin – sharing information about your family roots and ancestral connection to community.
• Cultural Authenticity – Transparency regarding your cultural knowledge and creative expression and a willingness to continue to learn about Mi’kmaw culture and share our teachings.
• Nationhood – As a member of Mi’kmawitasik, you become a Cultural Ambassador for the Mi’kmaw Nation. Attending an orientation session is a requirement for membership.

Note: Applicants will need a copy of their Status Card (Certificate of Indian Status) or Wula Na Kinu Card (Proof of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Identity) in order to submit their application. Mi’kmaq may apply for Wula Na Kinu at https://www.mikmawns.ca

Mi’kmawitasik Application Process

Mi’kmawitasik applications can be completed on paper or electronically. Please visit mikmawitasik.ca for more information.

• Fill out the Mi’kmawitasik application and submit to the Mi’kmawitasik Administration Team.
• Applications will be reviewed, verified, and approved by our Team.

Approved members will:

• Attend a Mi’kmawitasik Rights and Responsibilities Orientation Session.
• Sign the Licensing (Rights and Responsibilities) Agreement.
• Receive personalized Mi’kmawitasik membership materials including a QR Code.
• Work with the Mi’kmawitasik team to create an online marketing profile.
• Participate in ongoing training, funding, and marketing opportunities.
• Renew membership every two years.

What You Will Need Before You Begin:

Before you begin the application, it is highly recommended to have the Mi'kmawitasik Toolkit nearby. The Toolkit provides valuable information, guidelines, and examples that will help you accurately and thoughtfully fill out several portions of the application. It can guide you in describing your cultural knowledge, practices, and services more effectively and ensure you are aligning with the authenticity standards required for membership.

Make sure to review the Toolkit in advance and refer to it while completing your application to provide the most comprehensive and authentic responses.

1. Identity Documentation:
   • A photocopy or phone photo of your Status Card (Certificate of Indian Status) or Wula Na Kinu Card (Proof of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Identity).
2. Supporting Documents (Optional but Helpful):
   • Letters of support from:
     • Elder, Knowledge Holder, Chief, Councilor, or Grand Councilor.
   • Testimonials from clients or customers.
   • Photographs or videos of your products or services.
   • Adoption records (if applicable).
   • Marriage certificates (if applicable).
3. Business Information (if applicable):
   • Business number and business-related documents (if applicable).
4. Vulnerable Sector Check (if applicable):
   • Required for those providing personal services to children. This must be obtained from your local police service.

Estimated Time to Complete the Application:

• Preparation Time: 30-60 minutes to gather all necessary documentation.
• Application Completion Time: 1-2 hours to fill out the application form thoroughly and ensure all sections are complete.

Mandatory Orientation Session

Attending an Orientation Session hosted by the Cultural Tourism department at Kwilmu'kw Maw-klusuaqn (KMK) is a mandatory requirement for becoming a Mi’kmawitasik Member. While you can start filling out this application now, we strongly recommend attending an orientation session first, as it provides valuable insights and a detailed explanation of the application process and membership requirements.

To sign up for an orientation session or inquire about the schedule, please contact KMK through their website or reach out directly to the Cultural Tourism department.

For those who cannot attend in person or if the schedule does not work for you, an Orientation Video will soon be available as an alternative. This video will cover all the essential information provided in the in-person sessions and can be accessed at your convenience.

Please ensure you complete the orientation session, either in-person or via the video when available, as part of your membership application process.

Privacy

All information you provide within your application will remain confidential. The information will be shared with the Mi’kmawitasik Administration Team in order to process, verify, and approve applications. Approved Mi’kmawitasik members will work with the Team to identify public facing information they want included on the Mi’kmawitasik website and social media sites.

IMPORTANT

We understand that this form may seem extensive. However, it is part of our commitment to addressing the concerns of our community and leadership. We aim to ensure that this process is thorough and transparent. If you need help, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at info@mikmaqrights.com or 902-843-3880 or at Kwilmu’kw Maw-klusuaqn, 75 Treaty Trail, Millbrook, NS, B6L 1W3.

SECTION 1

OVERVIEW

Organizations - COMING SOON

Mi’kmawitasik: Mi’kmaw Made (Meeg-maw-wee-duh-sig) is a cultural tourism brand certification trademark registered for the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia by the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs. This brand serves to preserve and promote Mi’kmaw culture and traditions while providing a meaningful and authentic cultural experience to visitors in Nova Scotia. Mi’kmawitasik is guided by the principles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).

Eligibility

Our members consist of Mi’kmaw artisans, craftspeople, performers, cultural experience providers, and entrepreneurs who want to showcase their products and services to a wider audience. Mi’kmawitasik is currently a pilot project. Presently, Mi’kmawitasik membership is open to:

• Individual Mi’kmaw community members with a verified ancestral connection to one of the 13 Mi’kmaw communities within Nova Scotia.
• Mi’kmaw community-owned cultural tourism entities.

Note: At this time, Mi’kmawitasik eligibility does not include regulated, commercial industries.

Membership Approval

Membership approval is based on the following criteria:

• Weta’pek’sin – Verification of eligibility based on the Mi’kmaw principles of Weta’pek’sin – sharing information about your family roots and ancestral connection to community.
• Cultural Authenticity – Transparency regarding your cultural knowledge and creative expression and a willingness to continue to learn about Mi’kmaw culture and share our teachings.
• Nationhood – As a member of Mi’kmawitasik, you become a Cultural Ambassador for the Mi’kmaw Nation. Attending an orientation session is a requirement for membership.

Note: Individual applicants will need a copy of their Status Card (Certificate of Indian Status) or Wula Na Kinu Card (Proof of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Identity) in order to submit their application. Mi’kmaq may apply for Wula Na Kinu at https://www.mikmawns.ca Individual applications are available here.

Mi’kmawitasik Application Process

Mi’kmawitasik applications can be completed on paper or electronically. Please visit mikmawitasik.ca for more information.

• Fill out the Mi’kmawitasik application and submit to the Mi’kmawitasik Administration Team.
• Applications will be reviewed, verified, and approved by our Team.

Approved members will:

• Attend a Mi’kmawitasik Rights and Responsibilities Orientation Session.
• Sign the Licensing (Rights and Responsibilities) Agreement.
• Receive personalized Mi’kmawitasik membership materials including a QR Code.
• Work with the Mi’kmawitasik team to create an online marketing profile.
• Participate in ongoing training, funding, and marketing opportunities.
• Renew membership every two years.

What You Will Need Before You Begin:

Before you begin the application, it is highly recommended to have the Mi'kmawitasik Toolkit nearby. The Toolkit provides valuable information, guidelines, and examples that will help you accurately and thoughtfully fill out several portions of the application. It can guide you in describing your oganization's cultural knowledge, practices, and services more effectively and ensure you are aligning with the authenticity standards required for membership.

Make sure to review the Toolkit in advance and refer to it while completing your application to provide the most comprehensive and authentic responses.

1. Business Verification Documentation:
   • Copy of your organization’s Registry of Joints Stocks document with business number
   • If you do not have a registered business, please provide a letter from your Chief and Council confirming your status as a cultural tourism organization within the Mi’kmaw nation of Nova Scotia.
2. Supporting Documents (Optional to submit now, but will be required for website profile):
   • Testimonials from clients or customers.
   • Photographs or videos of your products or services.

Estimated Time to Complete the Application:

• Preparation Time: 30-60 minutes to gather all necessary documentation.
• Application Completion Time: 1-2 hours to fill out the application form thoroughly and ensure all sections are complete.

Mandatory Orientation Session

Attending an Orientation Session hosted by the Cultural Tourism department at Kwilmu'kw Maw-klusuaqn (KMK) is a mandatory requirement for becoming a Mi’kmawitasik Member. While you can start filling out this application now, we strongly recommend attending an orientation session first, as it provides valuable insights and a detailed explanation of the application process and membership requirements.

To sign up for an orientation session or inquire about the schedule, please contact KMK through their website or reach out directly to the Cultural Tourism department.

For those who cannot attend in person or if the schedule does not work for you, an Orientation Video will soon be available as an alternative. This video will cover all the essential information provided in the in-person sessions and can be accessed at your convenience.

Please ensure you complete the orientation session, either in-person or via the video when available, as part of your membership application process.

Privacy

All information you provide within your application will remain confidential. The information will be shared with the Mi’kmawitasik Administration Team in order to process, verify, and approve applications. Approved Mi’kmawitasik members will work with the Team to identify public facing information they want included on the Mi’kmawitasik website and social media sites.

IMPORTANT

We understand that this form may seem extensive. However, it is part of our commitment to addressing the concerns of our community and leadership. We aim to ensure that this process is thorough and transparent. If you need help, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at info@mikmaqrights.com or 902-843-3880 or at Kwilmu’kw Maw-klusuaqn, 75 Treaty Trail, Millbrook, NS, B6L 1W3.

Identity Documentation

A copy of your Status Card or Wula Na Kinu Card must be submitted as a requirement of this application process to verify identity. If you do not have either, please visit https://www.mikmawns.ca to begin the process of applying through the Wula Na Kinu system. We will hold your application until one of these cards has been submitted.

** Note: Having an Indian Status Card does not guarantee automatic acceptance to Mi’kmawitasik; you must be able to demonstrate ancestral connection to one of the 13 Mi’kmaw communities within Nova Scotia.

Your Cultural Tourism Offerings, Skills, and Knowledge

In our community, we know the value of sharing and learning, while also embracing humility. You might not realize it, but the knowledge and skills you have are special and not everyone knows what you know. This part of the application lets you talk about the experiences you offer and the products you create. Take a moment to think about what you bring to our community and how it connects to our culture.

As you fill out this section, see it as an opportunity to share the depth and breadth of your connection to Mi’kmaw culture. Your contribution, no matter how small it may seem to you, is a vital thread in the fabric of our shared heritage.

Use this space to reflect upon the knowledge you carry. Fill in all that apply. (Note: These are examples to spark thoughts and ideas; they are not a complete list. Please add to this.)

Your Cultural Tourism Offerings, Skills, and Knowledge

In our community, we know the value of sharing and learning, while also embracing humility. You might not realize it, but the knowledge and skills you have are special and not everyone knows what you know. This part of the application lets you talk about the experiences you offer and the products you create. Take a moment to think about what you bring to our community and how it connects to our culture.

As you fill out this section, see it as an opportunity to share the depth and breadth of your connection to Mi’kmaw culture. Your contribution, no matter how small it may seem to you, is a vital thread in the fabric of our shared heritage.

Use this space to reflect upon the knowledge you carry. Fill in all that apply. (Note: These are examples to spark thoughts and ideas; they are not a complete list. Please add to this.)