Brenda Thompson on the city’s long history of pushing poor people out of sight on the very site of this week’s violent evictions. “The crappy treatment of poor people on this piece of land is historic.”
Michael William McDonald: Despite what we were told, Mi’kmaw people lived in permanent village settlements.
Michael William McDonald looks into the domesticated use of the groundnut (Sipekne’) by Mi’kmaq people. “Elders in Sipekne’katik were still making bread using grounded Sipekne’ roots right up till the 1980’s. In 1984 Rebecca “Noel” Pictou stated that her Grandmother would save the largest rhizome bulbs she found and then replant them closer to their dwellings along the Shubenacadie River where they would allow them to grow and flower.”
Michael William McDonald’s extensive research into the Clans in the District of Sipekne’katik in the early 1700’s reveals the deep connection between the Mi’kmaq people and the landscape of Mi’kma’ki, the place the Mi’kmaq never ceded and have called home since time began.
Wayne Desmond on how the Town of New Glasgow changed the name of a street to commemorate his great-great grandfather. “It’s truly an honour to stand on the shoulders of the elders in my family. To think about the hardships that they had to face while growing up, working and raising their families as Black people. It’s a true blessing to be able to preserve the rich history and legacy that my maternal family had started. It is because of their hard work, sacrifices and resilience that I am who I am. “
There’s a very nice little book out about the coal miners’ (and steel workers’) fight against greedy and heartless corporations in early twentieth century Cape Breton. What’s especially great about it is that author Joanne Schwartz wrote it for kids, not the really young ones I guess, but say the 10 to 15 year olds. Nimbus, the publisher, suggests children as young as 7 may go for it.
Evelyn C. White on Abigail Was Here, a craft beer created by Chelsea Bundy, that pays homage to Abigail Price, a free Black woman who lived in Nova Scotia in the early 19th century. Bundy is the sole known Black woman brewer in Nova Scotia.
Ray Bates: Recognition of historical Mi’kmaq place-name should become a common practice exhibited by governments and communities. History cannot be changed but it can be truthfully recognized with positive outcomes via respectful actions.
Elissa Barnard in conversation with Lindsay Ruck, author of Amazing Atlantic Black Canadians. “The Atlantic provinces are bursting with amazing Black Atlantic Canadians. This could be multiple volumes.”
Wayne Desmond reflects on the long history of Black excellence in his hometown of New Glasgow. “So, when I think about African Heritage month, I don’t just think about the famous Black icons that are celebrated. I think about the trailblazers of my hometown, whose shoulders I stand on.”