Reading
Resources to learn about the Mi’kmaq culture.
The Sister Dorothy Moore L’nu Resource Centre, located in the Beaton Institute of Cape Breton University has a wide variety of resources, theses, online news and more regarding the Mi’kmaq.
Selected Works on the Mi’kmaw Grand Council
Acadia University. Elder Joe Micheal Appointed to Mi’kmaq Grand Council. https://www2.acadiau.ca/about-acadia/newsroom/news-reader-page/elder-joe-michael-appointed-to-mi-kmaq-grand-council.html#:~:text=The%20Grand%20Council%20was%20the,has%20seen%20its%20role%20expand.
This article on Acadia’s website talks about the Grand Council, how it was the traditional governing body of Mi’kmaq until the Indian Act of Canada, which was in 1876. It explained the various positions within the Mi’kmaq Grand Council and how the Grand Council served not only as an advisor but also as a voice on cultural issues, socio-economic topics, and environmental concerns, while also playing a religious and spiritual role in communities.
Ayers, T., (2019). Mi’kmaq select Norman Sylliboy of Eskasoni as new grand chief. Sylliboy calls the Mi’kmaq Grand Council the oldest form of government of North America. CBC News. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/norman-sylliboy-of-eskasoni-new-mi-kmaq-grand-chief-1.5233236
This article is about the selected Mi’kmaq Grand Chief, Norman Sylliboy. Discussing how Sylliboy has been a hereditary Keptin of the Grand Council for years before being chosen for the role of Grand Chief, his grandfather, Gabriel Sylliboy, was the first elected Grand Chief 101 years ago.
Battiste, J. Y. (2010). Honouring 400 years – Kepmite’tmnej. Halifax: Gaspereau Press. This collection of essays details leadership and ceremonial practices of the Grand Council, including wampum use, Grand Chief Membertou, and decision-making processes.
Battiste explores the leadership and ceremonial traditions of the Mi’kmaq Grand Council and treaties. The work provides insight into practices such as the use of wampum belts in governance, the leadership of Grand Chief Membertou, and the collective decision-making processes central to Mi’kmaq political life.
Battiste, J. Y. (2008). Understanding the progression of Mi’kmaw law. Dalhousie Law Journal, 31(2), 311–340. https://digitalcommons.schulichlaw.dal.ca/dlj/vol31/iss2/3
This article explores Mi’kmaw legal traditions and governance, particularly the Sante’ Mawio’mi’s role in treaty relations and decision-making. Highlights how Indigenous law informs modern legal frameworks.
Battiste, M. (Ed.). (2018). Living treaties: Narrating Mi’kmaw treaty relations. University of Toronto Press.
Battiste explores historical and contemporary treaty-making by the Mi’kmaq, showing the Grand Council’s central role in diplomacy and nationhood in Chapter 7 & 9
Beaton Institute. (1991, August 26). Thoughts on the death of Grand Chief Donald Marshall Sr. [Audio recording, T-3124]. Beaton Institute, Cape Breton University, Nova Scotia.https://beatoninstitute.com/t-3124
This is an audio interview from August 26, 1991, recorded at the Beaton Institute. It features reflections on the legacy and role of Grand Chief Donald Marshall Sr. Speakers include Alex Denny, Murdena Marshall, among others; they discuss the significance of the Grand Chief’s position, its evolution, his contributions, and the impact of his life
Beaton Institute. (2025, September 9). Mi’kmaq of Cape Breton: Records of early lifestyle of Canadian Indians in Halifax and Ottawa archives [Audio playlist]. SoundCloud. https://soundcloud.com/beatoninstitute/sets/mikmaq-of-cape-breton-records-of-early-life-style-of-canadian-indians-in-halifax-and-ottawa-archives
This audio recording features Stu Killen discussing early Mi’kmaq history in Cape Breton, focusing on archival sources in Halifax and Ottawa.
Bernard, B. (2021, April 17). Late Kji Keptin Alex Denny – Eskasoni 1997 (Mi’kmaq) [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDuh233VTzsYouTube+1
This video features a 1997 interview with the late Kji Keptin Alex Denny of Eskasoni speaking in Mi’kmaw of his personal experiences.
Bernard, B. (2021, April 17). Late Kji Keptin Alex Denny – Province House Treaty Day 1996 [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gKMbra-iac
This video is Kji Keptin Alex Denny speaking to the Government in 1991.
Bernard, B. (2021, April 17). Late Kji Keptin Alex Denny – Province House Treaty Day 1995. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mG5Zqm88Rno.
This video is Kji Keptin Alex Denny speaking to the Government in 1992.
Canadian Press. (2017). Mi’kmaq grand chief vindicated 89 years after conviction for hunting “illegally”. Gabriel Sylliboy fought for aboriginal rights after being charged with illegal hunting in the 1920s, but courts dismissed the notion that a 1752 treaty gave him any rights. https://nationalpost.com/news/politics/n-s-pardons-late-mikmaq-leader-he-was-the-first-to-stand-up-for-us
This article is about Gabriel Sylliboy, who served as the Grand Chief from 1918 to 1964. He started a fight for ‘aboriginal’ rights after he was wrongfully charged with illegal hunting in the 1920s. This article is related to traditional governance, discussing Gabriel Sylliboy, a Mi’kmaq Grand Chief and treaty activist, who was wrongfully accused.
Cape Breton University. (n.d). The Mi’kmaq. Sister Dorthy Moore L’nu Resource Centre. https://www.cbu.ca/indigenous-initiatives/lnu-resource-centre/the-mikmaq/
This article explained what the Grand Council is, who is included in the Grand Council and how their jurisdiction is international, unlike how First Nations chief and councils are for a specific community and area. This video explains who is in the Grand Council and who they help.
Cape Breton University. (n.d). Mi’kmaq First Nations. Sister Dorthy Moore L’nu Resource Centre. https://www.cbu.ca/indigenous-initiatives/lnu-resource-centre/mikmaq-first-nation/
This link provides a list of all Grand Council, Sante’ Mawio’mi Members, including their roles, names, and the areas they represent. It also has a list of the Mi’kmaq First Nations, with their English and Mi’kmaw names. This is significant to our research because we can identify all the members of the Grand Council, their roles, and their origins from this article/link.
Cape Breton University. (2019, October 23). CBU student becomes Keptin of the Mi’kmaq Grand Council. https://www.cbu.ca/newsroom/student-stories/cbu-student-becomes-keptin-of-the-mikmaq-grand-council/
This article profiles Phillip Prosper, a Cape Breton University student who was appointed Keptin of the Mi’kmaq Grand Council for the We’koqma’q First Nation in July 2018.
Christmas, K. (February 1980). They don’t listen to the Grand Council. Once a strong political force. Pg 10. Micmac News. http://beaton.cbu.ca/atom/newspapers/micmacnews/MicmacNews-1980-02.pdf
This section of Micmac News talks about the Grand Council application for $35,000 that was accepted for a project aimed to revitalize and strengthen the Mi’kmaw culture. This was written when the Grand Chief was Donald Marshall. This is related to traditional governance because it talks about the grand council, their project to revitalize the culture and how during that time what people thought about them.
Chute, J.E., Julien, D.M. Muiwlanej kikamaqki Honouring Our Ancestors. Mi’kmaq who left a mark on the history of the Northeast, 1680 to 1980. (2023). The University of Toronto Press. https://utppublishing.com/doi/10.3138/9781487546137
This book explains some deeper topics of grand council and of the important people who were involved. Talking about the roles of grand council, who were what in the grand council and how they made a difference.
First Nation Tech Services. (2017). L’nuisultinej: Mi’kmaq Grand Council. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKfOY_QhswA
This video features Kji Keptin, Antle Denny, speaking at Allison Bernard Memorial High School about the Grand Council, language loss, being Mi’kmaq, and how we forget our roles as people and respect. Kji Keptin saying how the Grand Council is all of us and we can’t be afraid of each other, we need to help each other and at the end of the day how will we do it and will we do it, getting connected again as families. “Grand Council is a Nation of families” (Antle, D., 50:57).
Googoo, M. (2018). Great-great-grandson of the last Mi’kmaw hereditary chief, to give a presentation about him in Halifax. The last of the Mi’kmaw hereditary chiefs. https://kukukwes.com/2018/10/25/great-great-grandsons-of-last-mikmaw-hereditary-chief-to-give-presentation-about-him-in-halifax/
This article is about the late John Denny Jr., who was the last hereditary Grand Chief of the Mi’kmaq Grand Council, who was born in 1841 in Eskasoni First Nation, he came from a long line of hereditary chiefs with the Mi’kmaq Grand council which is the traditional government of the Mi’kmaq Peoples, and shares that Grand Chief Denny agreed to pass on the title through the electoral system which then has Gabriel Sylliboy being the first elected Grand Chief in that time. This article shared things about the last hereditary Grand Chief, which relates to the Grand Council.
Googoo, M. (2019). Mi’kmaq Treaty Day 2019 message: More political action needed to protect treaty rights- Kji-Keptin Antle Denny. Kukukwes News. http://kukukwes.com/2019/10/02/mikmaq-treaty-day-2019-message-more-political-action-needed-to-protect-treaty-rights-kji-keptin-antle-denny/
This article included things Keptin Antle Denny said about Treaty Rights. Antle mentioned how there are cases from hunting and fishing rights that bring back the colonial era and prove that the judicial and political status move backwards and go against the constitutional rights for Indigenous Peoples that had finally been acknowledged in 1982. There was a powerful thing Denny said there, “The reason we come together is to unite our nation. That can only be done through your sovereign Mi’kmaq Grand Council, the true Mi’kmaw government of the nation”. This is a connection because Keptin Antle Denny is involved, discussing treaty rights, and this article also features a nice image of Kji-Saqmaw Norman Sylliboy and Keptin Antle Denny during a Treaty Day celebration in Halifax, 2019.
Henderson, J. Y. (Sákéj). (2021). The Elikewake Compact, 1725-1779 Indigenous Law Centre, 2 vols.. https://indigenouslaw.usask.ca/publications/elikewake-compact.php
Henderson provides an in-depth analysis of the Mi’kmaw treaties, focusing on their legal, historical, and cultural foundations. He emphasizes the authority of the Grand Council in negotiating and maintaining treaty relationships, situating these agreements within both Mi’kmaw governance structures and broader colonial legal frameworks.
Heritage Newfoundland and Labrador. Traditional Mi’kmaq (Micmac) Culture. Mi’kmaq Language and Family Structure. https://www.heritage.nf.ca/articles/indigenous/mikmaq-culture.php
This article discussed the Traditional Mi’kmaq culture, but in one paragraph, it touched on the Mi’kmaq Language and Family structure, which include discussions on leadership, the process of choosing a leader, and the roles and decisions made during meetings among multiple leaders. This explained how Traditional governance and leadership worked, and how it was important for resolving conflicts within a group, forming alliances, making decisions about war, and determining where to hunt and fish, as well as when to do so.
Honour 100. Social structure; Governance system. https://honour100.ca/nl/the-rich-heritage-and-resilience-of-the-mikmaq-people-in-atlantic-canada/ Two sections stuck out in this article, which mentioned traditional governance. The first one mentioned what the Mi’kmaq Governance system traditionally included and what the system reflected. Another section focuses on the Mi’kmaw governance system, highlighting its deep roots in cultural values and practices, and the significant influence of the connection to the land and its natural resources. These two sections in this article provide a good example and reasoning for what the Mi’kmaq Governance symbolized, what affected it, and what it is culturally referred to.
Indigenous PEI. Our History. Leadership and Governance. https://indigenouspei.ca/our-history/#:~:text=Leadership%20and%20Governance,in%20order%20to%20achieve%20it.
This document shares, in three paragraphs, what the government for the Mi’kmaq People followed, what it consisted of, and how they would deal with issues, as well as the issues that the Grand Council sealed. This is illustrated by discussing Mi’kmaq governance and how the Mi’kmaq have followed certain rules, customs, and roles throughout generations.
John, T. (March 1980). Support Micmac Government. Micmac News. Pg 15. http://beaton.cbu.ca/atom/newspapers/micmacnews/MicmacNews-1980-03.pdf
In this section of the article it mentions the February issue of Micmac news about the Grand Council returning to be a political representative for the Micmac Nation. This relates to the topic of traditional governance because the person writing this was speaking for majority of Mi’kmaq Peoples by saying we would certainly support the revival of traditional Micmac Government, which is the Grand Council and that since that news in February of 1980, that was the beginning of a desire to have and see the Grand Council return to be the representatives of the Micmac nation.
Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia. (2024, October 1). Treaty Day flag raising ceremony on 1 October 2024 [Flickr album]. https://www.flickr.com/photos/lieutenantgovernor/albums/72177720320768205/
This photo album documents the Treaty Day flag-raising ceremony held at Government House in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on October 1, 2024.
Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia. (2023, October 1). Treaty Day Flag Raising & Award Ceremony on 1 October 2023 [Flickr album]. https://www.flickr.com/photos/lieutenantgovernor/albums/72177720312580239/
This photo album documents the Treaty Day flag-raising and award ceremony held at Government House in Halifax on October 1, 2023.
Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia. (2022, October 24). 2022 Treaty Day celebration on 24 October 2022 [Flickr album]. https://www.flickr.com/photos/lieutenantgovernor/albums/72177720303170737/
This photo album documents the 2022 Treaty Day celebration held at Pier 21 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on October 24, 2022. The event recognized eleven Mi’kmaw Elders, youth, and community members for their achievements, highlighting their contributions to Mi’kmaq culture and community.
Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia. (2019, October 1). Treaty Day Flag Raising and Reception on 1 October 2019 [Flickr album]. https://www.flickr.com/photos/lieutenantgovernor/albums/72157712035038596/
This photo album documents the Treaty Day flag-raising and reception held at Government House in Halifax on October 1, 2019.
Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia. (2018, October 2). Meeting of the Mi’kmaq Grand Council at Government House on 2 October 2018 [Flickr album]. https://www.flickr.com/photos/lieutenantgovernor/albums/72157701617367641/()
This photo album captures the Mi’kmaq Grand Council’s meeting held at Government House in Halifax on October 2, 2018. The images provide visual documentation of the gathering, highlighting the ceremonial and cultural significance of the event.
Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia. (2018, October 2). Treaty Day Flag Raising and Reception on 2 October 2018 [Flickr album]. https://www.flickr.com/photos/lieutenantgovernor/albums/72157701617367641/
This photo album documents the Mi’kmaq Grand Council’s meeting held at Government House in Halifax on October 2, 2018.
Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia. (2017, October 2). Mi’kmaq Treaty Day Flag Raising and Reception – 2 October 2017 [Flickr album]. https://www.flickr.com/photos/lieutenantgovernor/albums/72157661375906318/
This photo album documents the Mi’kmaq Treaty Day Flag Raising and Reception held at Government House in Halifax on October 2, 2017.
L’nuey moving towards a better tomorrow. (2024). What are Mi’kmaq Rights? https://lnuey.ca/rights/
This article discusses Mi’kmaq rights and Treaty Rights, providing a summary of the historical context. The Mi’kmaq Rights discussed traditional use, culture, and the ability to speak the language. Treaty Rights addressed agreements between the Mi’kmaq and the Crown, including self-governance and land/resource rights, with a historical context provided on the early relationship between the Mi’kmaq and the colonial government. This relates to Traditional governance by talking about treaties and rights that the Mi’kmaq Peoples have from self-governance as a nation.
Ms. MacNeill. (March 21, 2024). Mi’kmaw Governance System. The Traditional and Modern Systems of Government in Mi’kmaw Communities in Mi’kmaw Studies 11, unit 2: Traditonal Ways of Life
https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/38ece94189d140eab4b252d5b36b7529
This website states that the grand chief was the head of the Grand Council and represented the seven districts, making the final decisions on Treaty-related issues. Explaining that the Grand Chief was also hereditary. It also included a paragraph on “The Mi’kmaq Grand Council”, which explained the roles of the Mi’kmaq in the past and what a grand council consisted of. Including another paragraph in “Mi’kmaw Governance Today”, having a Modern Grand Council section, what the roles and jobs they do now, and how Captains who serve under the Grand Chief are selected for life, a new one is only selected when a captain passes or if the council needs addition help in a certain area. This website provided a valuable insight into what the Grand Council was like in the past and in the modern day, also stating that the Grand Council is now non-political due to the Indian Act. This website provides an overview of the differences between the Grand Council and First Nations Chief and Council.
Martin, W., (2018). After 100 years, a Mi’kmaq family seeks the restoration of its hereditary grand chief role. Descendants of John Denny Jr., the grand chief of the Mi’kmaq from 1881-1918, paid tribute this week. CBC News. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/mi-kmaq-hereditary-grand-chief-denny-family-john-denny-junior-1.4619014
This article discusses Traditional Governance, as it mentions the last hereditary Grand Chief and how the family of the late John Denny Jr. aims to revive the hereditary line. Additionally, the role of Grand Chief now includes treaty responsibilities, relationship-building, reconciliation, and the resurgence of treaty education. Also, a photo of the last hereditary chief.
McMillan, L.J. (December 1996). Mi’kmawey Mawio’mi: Changing Roles of the Mi’kmaq Grand Council from the Early Seventeenth Century to the Present. https://www.nlc-bnc.ca/obj/s4/f2/dsk2/ftp04/mq24981.pdf
This 222 page thesis touches the topics of “political organization, characteristics and roles of Grand Council, Grand Council activities and Grand Chief Membertou” in Chapter 1 and 2, in Chapter 3 it talks about the Grand council; the death of a grand chief, in chapter 4, all being the Mi’kmaq Grand Council in the Twentieth Century, Chapter 5 being about Present Day Mi’kmaq Constructions of the Grand Council. This thesis appears to be a valuable source of information for exploring the past, present, and roles of the Grand Council in a single area
Micmac News. (September 1966). Pg 1, Vol. 2, No. 6,7. http://beaton.cbu.ca/atom/newspapers/micmacnews/MicmacNews-1966-09.pdf
This section of the article on paragraph 4 mentioned Chapel Island and the Grand Council elections that was held during the mission and mentioned who was elected during the 1966 chapel island mission. This is relevant because it mentioned who was elected during that time of mission and says that during the mission is when the Mi’kmaq Grand Council meeting is held.
Micmac News. (October 1966). Indian History Told. Pg 2. http://beaton.cbu.ca/atom/newspapers/micmacnews/MicmacNews-1966-10.pdf
Has paragraph on “Indian History Told” mentioned the Grand Chief at the time, who went to schools to talk and answer questions that young students had, and he taught the language, dance and singing. This relates because it’s an out a Grand Chief who went to schools to teach children about the Mi’kmaq language and culture, also giving a nice picture of Donnie Marshall in front of a class teaching Mi’kmaq to students.
Migmaq. (2012). Grand Council of MicMacs mikmawey Mawio’mi. https://migmaq.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/GrandCouncil.pdf
This is a letter from the Grand Council that focuses on the rights we have as Mi’kmaq peoples and what the Grand Council will continue to do for the rights of Mi’kmaq people in all districts. It also includes a section on what the Mi’kmaq Grand Council asks of Canada. This is relevant because the Mi’kmaq Grand Council wrote this letter which talked on a lot of treaty problems and also mentioned a power section saying “We will continue to work in pursuit of a better life under the implementation of our treaties”, it was then signed by Grand Chief Ben Sylliboy, Grand Keptin Antle Denny, and Putus Victor Alex on behalf of the Mi’kmaq Grand Council.
Mi’kmaq History Month. Grand Council Members. https://mikmaqhistorymonth.ca/treaty-day/grand-council-members/
This website features a poster, specifically the 2018 Treaty Day poster, which includes images of Grand Council members. Additionally, there is another image labelled “Grand Council Members” and a list of Grand Council members, although it appears to be outdated. This would be a nice photo to use somewhere, but we need clarification on whether this photo has many Grand Council members. This seems to be a photo of Ben Sylliboy, who was Grand Chief before passing in 2017
Mi’kmawey Debert. (2022). Foundations- Leadership. Decision-Making through Mi’kmaw worldviews and the Sainte Mawio’mi. https://www.mikmaweydebert.ca/home/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/F14-1.pdf
These six pages provide a learning experience and offer an introduction to Mi’kmaw governance and leadership. There is also a diagram on page 25 that explains decision-making, and on page 26, it provides a list of roles involved and their respective duties. This relates to Traditional Mi’kmaw Governance because it introduced it on the first page and discussed it throughout these few pages.
Mi’kmawey Debert. (2022). Leadership. https://www.mikmaweydebert.ca/home/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Leadership.pdf
This small pdf gives an overview of Mi’kmaw Governance and how it has been guided by the concept of consensus, which is when everyone involved agrees with the decision, and that there are three levels of governance in Mi’kma’ki that works to create a goof decision making system, the family, the community and the nation. It also provides a vocabulary for the Grand Council, chief, Grand Chief, and other terms related to the Grand Council. This relates because it discusses Mi’kmaw governance and what happens when an issue involves all Mi’kma’ki, including how the Grand Council operates in such cases and what has occurred in the past when similar issues arose.
Mi’kmawey Debert. (2015). Mi’kmaw Resource Guide 4th ed. Sante’ Mawio’mi; Grand Council. https://www.mikmaweydebert.ca/home/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Pg_94_DOC_MikmawResourceGuide.pdf
This PDF of the Mi’kmaw Resource Guide contained a wealth of information on Mi’kmaq history, but it also included a section on Sante’ Mawio’mi, which is the Grand Council of the Mi’kmaq. Giving a small summary on what the Grand Council is made up of, how, before Europeans arrived, the Mi’kmaq nation was a self-governing nation and that the Grand Council made decisions. Additionally, it features a timeline of significant events, including some Grand Council-related occurrences. This is related to the Grand Council, which represents the traditional governance of the Mi’kmaq Peoples, and includes a photo of Keptin Alexander Julian, Kji-Saqmaw Ben Sylliboy, and Kji-Keptin Alexander Denny.
Mi’kmaq Nation. (2022). Mi’kmaq Nation: Government Structure 2022. [YouTube]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FapHjAYlmlY
This short YouTube video discussed the government structure in the past and its current state, highlighting the idea that women were the real leaders in the past. They would then inform the men about what needed to change, and the men, or chiefs, would listen to the women. Also mentioned quite a bit on the chief and council, and how that works. This relates to discussing the government structure of the Mi’kmaq Nation, but it didn’t address the Grand Council. Instead, it focused on past roles, as well as the roles of chief and council in communities.
Mi’kmaq Grand Council. (2025). Mi’kmaw State Papers (Foreign Affairs) 1977–1984. Sante’ Mawio’mi Wjit Ms+t Mi’kmaq. Retrieved August 29, 2025, from https://mawiomi.com/mikmaw-state-papers
This is the legal papers that were created between 1977-1984
Mi’kmaq Music. (2023, April 3). Inherent Rights Sakej [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=–BqqXx675Y
This is a YouTube video that discusses Inherent Rights from the perspective of a legal scholar.
Mi’kmaq Music. (2023, April 3). James Youngblood Henderson, Sakej from the Constitution to the United Nations. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7KrbFNsNoQ&list=PLpg7_p3V_uXtvZEJvIcJL52_XF8kor1rE&t=2155s
This is a YouTube video that discusses Inherent Rights from the perspective of a legal scholar.
Paul, D. N., First Nations History. We were not the savages, Collision between European and Native American Civilization. Third ed. (2006). USB. Pg 33-40.
This book talks about the Early European descriptions of Mi’kmaq Character, and the trade and Commerce prior to Columbus, then after European invasion.
Paul, G., (2019). Grand Occasion. Induction of new Mi’kmaq Grand Chief a historic occasion. Cape Breton Post. https://www.pressreader.com/canada/cape-breton-post/20190810/281479278045454
This article on the Cape Breton post was showing the now Grand Chief Norman Sylliboy being blessed by Bishop Brian Dunn and being presented with the Grand Chief Medallion by the wife of late Grand Chief Ben Sylliboy on the 277th year of St. Anne Mission in Chapel Island, Mniku, where the Mi’kmaq Grand Council holds meetings. This article provided insight into the grandson of the late Gabriel Sylliboy, Kji-Saqamaw Norman Sylliboy, and how it relates to traditional governance, specifically the current induction of Grand Chief Norman Sylliboy.
Powwow Times. (2020). The Journey of the Mi’kmaq. Laws. https://powwowtimes.ca/the-journey-of-the-mikmaq/#Laws
This article discusses the Mi’kmaq Grand Council, its establishment before European arrival, and its survival under the Indian Act. It discussed Mi’kmaw Law and how the Mi’kmaq Grand Council advocates for and promotes the preservation of the Mi’kmaq people’s culture and language. This is a good section that relates to the topic of traditional governance by discussing the Mi’kmaq Laws and the Grand Council.
Price, J. (2024, September 19). Elder Joe Michael appointed to Mi’kmaq Grand Council. Acadia University. https://www2.acadiau.ca/about-acadia/newsroom/news-reader-page/elder-joe-michael-appointed-to-mi-kmaq-grand-council.html
This article reports Elder Joe Michael’s appointment to the Mi’kmaq Grand Council, highlighting his leadership role in the community.
Richardson, B. (1994). People of Terra Nullius; Betrayal and Rebirth in Aboriginal Canada. Douglas & McIntyre
Richardson journeys across Canada, visiting various Indigenous communities including the Mi’kmaq of Cape Breton to chronicle both the legacy of colonial policies rooted in the legal fiction of terra nullius and contemporary movements of cultural, political, and social resurgence.
Saltwire. (2019). Induction of new Mi’kmaq Grand Chief is a historic occasion. Cape Breton Post. https://www.saltwire.com/cape-breton/op-ed-the-bear-has-spoken-340764
This has a nice photo of Kji-Saqamaw being blessed by Bishop Brian Dunn, while diaconate candidate Keptin Thomas Sylliboy holds the mic, happening at the end of mass during the annual mission of St. Anne on the Mniku, having many Keptins watching and by new Kji-Saqamaw Norman Sylliboy. This relates because it’s a photo of the new Grand Chief being appointed to his role as Grand Chief.
Stevens, Noel, Chapel Island Indian Reserve., Micmac News, (January 1966). Vol 1. Letters. Pg 2. http://beaton.cbu.ca/atom/newspapers/micmacnews/MicmacNews-1966-01.pdf
In January of 1966, letters that came in wanting to be answered by the Micmac news were all about the Grand Council, asking what their duties are and powers, as a Grand chief, Grand Councilor and Grand Captains. This relates to the topic of traditional government by during the time of 1966, the roles weren’t either as recognized, or the grand council wasn’t being listened to/looked at and talked about
Stevens, S. (1992). [Handwritten paper for Prof. Richard MacKinnon’s Folklore 100 class, University College of Cape Breton] [Unpublished manuscript]. Beaton Institute, Cape Breton University. https://beatoninstitute.com/shelley-stevens
This item is a handwritten student paper submitted to Prof. Richard MacKinnon for a Folklore 100 course that gives a brief overview of the Mi’kmaw Grand Council
Strouthes, D. P., Settlement Nesting Territories and Conflicting Legal Systems in a Micmac Community. Yale University. (2010). Pg 23-49.
This book talked about the Early Political systems outside of Cape Breton.
Sylvester Benwah, J. (2003). Historical Mi’kmaq Government.
The Georgian Newspaper. https://www.benoitfirstnation.ca/mikmaq_article6.html
This small article talks about the Grand Council in paragraph 4, saying how it was led by several officers and the Grand Council managed relations with other ‘Aboriginal Nations’. This is related by showing a small historical view and knowledge of the Mi’kmaq Grand Council and the historical Mi’kmaq Government.
Unama’ki College. (2017). Mi’kmaw Grand Council and Hereditary Chiefs. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zm0zpKQUVh0
The Hereditary Tribal District Chief of Siknikt and Keptin of Grand Council, Stephen Augustine’s video explains what hereditary chiefs are, how they are brought up, and the concept of how the land and people are spiritually connected, relating to Glooscap.
Whose Land. Mi’kmaq Nation. Description. https://www.whose.land/en/communities/mikmaq-nation
This article discussed the Mi’kmaw Grand Council in its final two paragraphs, highlighting that it serves as the official authority responsible for communicating with the Canadian federal government, as well as the provincial government of Nova Scotia. Also, the Grand Council was a traditional senior level of government for the Mi’kmaw Peoples. This relates to briefly discussing the Mi’kmaq Grand Council and its authority.
Communities and Community Resources
| Organization Name | Category | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Atlantic Canada | ||
| Atlantic First Nations Tech Services | Health and social-service organization | Membertou Place Suite #206 – 90 San’tele’sewawti Membertou, NS B1S 0A5 |
| Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nations Chiefs Secretariat | Tribal council / assembly / rights body | 153 Willowdale Drive Dartmouth, NS B2V 0A5 |
| Mi’kmaq-Maliseet Nations News | Cultural / heritage / research organization | PO Box 1590 72 Church Rd. Truro, NS B2N 5V3 |
| Ulnooweg Development Group | Community-owned corporation / economic development | 4 Stanley Johnson St. Millbrook, NS B6L 5B4 Toll Free: 1 (888) 766-2376 |
| Ulnooweg Education Centre | Education / language organization | 5121 Sackville Street, Suite 401 Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 1K1 |
| Wabanaki Youth Council | Child, family, and youth services | 153 Willowdale Drive Dartmouth, NS B2V 0A5 |
| New Brunswick | ||
| Authentic Art Works | Cultural / heritage / research organization | 38 Micmac Rd, Natoaganeg, NB E1V 4B1 |
| Buctouche MicMac | First Nation government / band council | 9 Reserve Road Tjipogtotjg First Nation, NB E4S 4G2 |
| Eel River Bar First Nation | First Nation government / band council | 11 Main Street, Unit 201 Eel River Bar First Nation, NB E8C 1A1 Phone: 506-684-6277 Fax: 506-684-6282 |
| Elsipogtog First Nation | First Nation government / band council | 373 Big Cove Road Elsipogtog First Nation, NB E4W 2S3 Phone: 506-523-8200 Fax: 506-523-8230 |
| Elsipogtog Mi’gmaq Cultural Centre | Cultural / heritage / research organization | 29 Big Cove Rd. Elsipogtog First Nation, NB |
| Esgenoôpetitj First Nation | First Nation government / band council | 620 Bayview Dr. Burnt Church First Nation, NB E9G 2A8 Phone: 506-776-1200 Fax: 506-776-1243 |
| Fort Folly | First Nation government / band council | PO Box 1007 Dorchester, NB E4K 3V5 Phone: 506-379-3400 Fax: 506-379-3408 |
| Indian Island | First Nation government / band council | |
| MAWIW Council Inc. | Tribal council / assembly / rights body | 373 Big Cove Road Elsipogtog, NB E4W 2Z6 506-523-8246 |
| Metepenagiag Mi’kmaq Nation | First Nation government / band council | PO Box 293 Red Bank, NB E9E 2P2 Phone: 506-836-6111 Fax: 506-836-7593 |
| Mi’gmaq Child and Family Services of New Brunswick | Child, family, and youth services | 38-B Bernard Trail, Fort Folly, NB |
| Mi’gmawe’l Tplu’taqnn Inc. | Regional Indigenous organization serving Mi’kmaq people | 40 MicMac Road Eel Ground, New Brunswick E1V 4B1 |
| Natoaganeg | First Nation government / band council | 47 Church Road Eel Ground, NB E1V 4E6 Phone: 506-627-4600 Fax: 506-627-4602 |
| North Shore Mi’kmaq Tribal Council | Tribal council / assembly / rights body | 38 Micmac Rd, Natoaganeg, NB E1V 4B1 |
| Pabineau | First Nation government / band council | 1290 Pabineau Falls Road Pabineau First Nation, NB E2A 7M3 Phone: 506-548-9211 Fax: 506-548-5348 |
| Tobique | First Nation government / band council | 13094 Route 105 Tobique First Nation, NB E7H 3Y4 Phone: 506-273-5560 Fax: 506-273-5650 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | ||
| First Light St. John’s Friendship Centre | Friendship centre / urban or off-reserve organization | 40 Quidi Vidi Road St. John’s, NL A1A 1C1 |
| Miawpukek First Nation | First Nation government / band council | 50 Miawpukek Drive, Conne River, NL A0H 1J0 |
| Newfoundland Aboriginal Women’s Network | Friendship centre / urban or off-reserve organization | 90 Main Street, Stephenville, NL A2N 1J3 |
| People of the Dawn Indigenous Friendship Centre | Friendship centre / urban or off-reserve organization | Website non-functional as of 2026-07-15 |
| Qalipu Cultural Foundation | Cultural / heritage / research organization | 1 Washington Drive Stephenville, NL A2N 2V5 |
| Qalipu Development Corporation | Community-owned corporation / economic development | 3 Church Street Corner Brook, NL A2H 2Z4 |
| Qalipu First Nation | First Nation government / band council | 3 Church Street Corner Brook, NL A2H 2Z4 |
| Nova Scotia | ||
| Annapolis Valley First Nation | First Nation government / band council | 29 Toney Blvd Cambridge 32, Nova Scotia B0P 1G0 (902) 538-7149 |
| Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs | Tribal council / assembly / rights body | Aggregate governance institution for the 13 Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs. |
| Bear River First Nation | First Nation government / band council | 130 Reservation Road, Bear River, Nova Scotia (902) 467-3802 kaitbrfn@eastlink.ca |
| Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq | Tribal council / assembly / rights body | 52 Legends Avenue, Millbrook NS B6L 0A3 |
| Eskasoni | First Nation government / band council | 63 Mini Mall Drive, Eskasoni, NS B1W 1A6 |
| Eskasoni Fish and Wildlife Commission | Community-owned corporation / economic development | 4115 Shore Rd, Eskasoni B1W 1M4, Nova Scotia, Canada |
| Eskasoni Health Centre | Health and social-service organization | 4555 Shore Road Eskasoni |
| Eskasoni Youth Access Space | Friendship centre / urban or off-reserve organization | Subsidiary of Eskasoni Health Centre |
| Glooscap First Nation | First Nation government / band council | 159 Smith Rd Hantsport, Nova Scotia B0P 1P0 (902) 684-9788 admin@glooscapfirstnation.com |
| Glooscap Ventures | Community-owned corporation / economic development | 410 Ben Jackson Road Lockhartville, NS B0P 1P0 |
| Kespukwitk Conservation Collaborative | Cultural / heritage / research organization | 9 Mt Merritt Rd, Caledonia, Nova Scotia B0T 1B0 |
| Kwilmu’kw Maw-klusuaqn | Tribal council / assembly / rights body | 75 Treaty Trail, Millbrook, NS B6L 1W3 |
| Membertou | First Nation government / band council | 47 Autwen Ma’sl Awti, Membertou, Nova Scotia B1S 2P5 |
| Membertou Geomatics Solutions | Cultural / heritage / research organization | 2000 Barrington Street, Suite 1302 Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 3K1 (902) 564-6466 Ext. 5004 |
| Membertou Men’s Society | Friendship centre / urban or off-reserve organization | 3 Kateri St, Cape Breton, NS K1S 2P2 |
| Millbrook First Nation | First Nation government / band council | P.O. Box 634 Truro, N.S. B2N 5E5 902-897-9199 / 1-800-693-3112 councilreception@eastlink.ca |
| Mi’kmaq Association of Cultural Studies | Cultural / heritage / research organization | info@mikmaq-assoc.ca Membertou, Nova Scotia, Canada |
| Mi’kmaq Employment & Training Secretariat | Employment / training organization | 87 Millbrook Ave, Suite 112 Cole Harbour, NS B2V 0A1 (902) 405-8963 |
| Mi’kmaq Language Resources | Cultural / heritage / research organization | P.O. Box 5300, 1250 Grand Lake Road, Sydney, N.S. B1P 6L2 |
| Mi’kmaw Economic Benefits Office | Employment / training organization | 201 Churchill Dr Suite 201, Membertou, NS B1S 0H1 902-562-4700 Mon – Fri: 9:00AM – 4:30PM |
| Mi’kmaw Family and Children’s Services of Nova Scotia | Child, family, and youth services | 61 Mini Mall Drive Eskasoni, Nova Scotia B1W 1A6 +1 (800) 263-8686 |
| Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey | Education / language organization | Membertou Place Suite #206 – 90 San’tele’sewawti Membertou, NS B1S 0A5 |
| Mi’kmaw Legal Support Network | Legal services | Cape Breton Office 29 Medicine Trail Eskasoni, Nova Scotia B1W 1G4 902-379-2042, 1-877-379-2042 |
| Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre | Health and social-service organization | 2021 Brunswick Street, Suite 209 Halifax, NS B3K 2Y5 |
| Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre | Cultural / heritage / research organization | Taking donations toward a future centre |
| Mi’kmawitasik | Cultural / heritage / research organization | Pilot program |
| Native Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselling Association of Nova Scotia | Health and social-service organization | 70 Gabriel Street, Eskasoni, Cape Breton, NS B1W 1H6 Toll Free 1-866-588-5954 | Tel (902) 379-2262 |
| Nova Scotia Native Women’s Association | Women’s / gender-focused organization | 16 Tower Road, Truro, NS B6L 1V7 902-893-7402 |
| Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation | First Nation government / band council | R.R. #1 Afton, Antigonish County, NS B0H 1A0 (902) 386-2781 |
| Pictou Landing First Nation | First Nation government / band council | 43 Maple Street RR#2 Box 55 Site 6 Trenton, NS B0K 1X0 902.752.4912 Ext. 111 info@plfn.ca |
| Potlotek First Nation | First Nation government / band council | 12004 NS-4, St. Peter’s, NS B0E 3B0 |
| Sipekne’katik First Nation | First Nation government / band council | 522 Church Street, Indian Brook First Nation, N.S. B0N 1W0 (902) 758-2049 info@sipeknekatik.ca |
| Sister Dorothy Moore L’nu Resource Centre | Post-secondary centre / institute | Located on campus at Cape Breton University |
| Tajikeimɨk / Mi’kmaw Health and Wellness Nova Scotia | Health and social-service organization | Millbrook Office: 4 Stanley Johnson Street, Millbrook, NS B6L 5B4 Membertou Office: 90 San’tele’sew Awti, Suite 305, Membertou, NS B1S 0A5 Toll-free: 1-833-884-8254 |
| Tawaak Housing Association | Health and social-service organization | 6175 Lady Hammond Road Halifax, NS B3K 2R9 |
| Ta’n Etli-tpi’tmk | Regional Indigenous organization serving Mi’kmaq people | 65 Mini Mall Drive, Eskasoni, Nova Scotia |
| Unama’ki College | Post-secondary centre / institute | Located on campus at Cape Breton University |
| Unama’ki Institute of Natural Resources | Community-owned corporation / economic development | 4102 Shore Road, Eskasoni, NS B1W 1M4 902-379-2163 |
| Union of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq | Tribal council / assembly / rights body | 90 San’tele’sew Awti, Suite 201 Membertou, NS B1S 0A5 |
| Wabanaki Two Spirit Alliance | Friendship centre / urban or off-reserve organization | 6285 Almon Street Halifax, NS B3L 1V1 |
| Wagmatcook First Nation | First Nation government / band council | PO Box 30001, 75 Humes Rear Road, Wagmatcook, NS B0E 3N0 |
| Wasoqopa’q First Nation | First Nation government / band council | Formerly Acadia First Nation 10526 Hwy #3 Yarmouth, NS B5A 5J7 (902) 742-0257 frontdesk@acadiaband.ca |
| We’koqma’q First Nation | First Nation government / band council | P.O. Box 149, 150 Reservation Road We’koqma’q, NS B0E 3M0 Phone: 902-756-2337 Fax: 902-756-2393 |
| Québec – Gaspé | ||
| Association de gestion halieutique autochtone Mi’gmaq et Malécite | Community-owned corporation / economic development | 10 boulevard Perron Gesgapegiag, QC G0C 1Y1 |
| Gesgapegiag Mi’gmaq First Nation | First Nation government / band council | 100 Perron Blvd. Gesgapegiag, QC, Canada |
| La Nation Micmac de Gespeg | First Nation government / band council | 34, Montée de Corte-Réal, Gespeg |
| Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government | First Nation government / band council | 17 Riverside Drive West Listuguj, Quebec |
| Micmac Interpretation Site of Gespeg | Cultural / heritage / research organization | 783, boulevard Pointe-Navarre C.P. 69, Gaspé, Québec |
| Mi’gmawei Mawiomi Business Corporation | Community-owned corporation / economic development | 120-A, Perron boul. Gesgapegiag, QC G0C 1Y1 |
| Mi’gmawei Mawiomi Secretariat | Tribal council / assembly / rights body | |
| Tourism Gesgapegiag | Cultural / heritage / research organization | 898 Boulevard Perron, Maria, QC G0C 1Y0 |