September 3, 2025
-by Beverley Phillips
The rain stopped, and the sun came out as the 2025 We’koqma’q Mawiomi began.
Mawiomi is the Mi’kmaq word for “gathering,” their traditional term for PowWow. It is an inter-tribal social, cultural, and spiritual celebration that allows the Mi’kmaq people to express who they are and share their culture. As with any good community celebration, there was food, vendors, and much socializing as those gathered enjoyed each other’s company.
Jeff Ward of Malpituk (Membertou) and Simon Nevin of Sipekne’katik (Shubenacadie) were the emcees of the event, keeping the crowd entertained as they introduced the various events, and let people know if it was okay to take pictures.
The Mawiomi began with the grand entry of flags and dancers to the powerful beat of the drums and singing. From there on, the afternoon was filled with the sounds of the drummers and singers, to which the dancers danced. There were traditional, jingle, and fancy shawl dances by all different age groups, dressed in fine regalia.
What Ward wants people to know is that a Mawiomi is not just for their community, but it is a gathering for everyone. He likened it to a rodeo or one of the festivals that have been going on in every community all summer long. Everyone is invited to Whycocomagh, Judique, or Port Hood to enjoy their summer festival; it’s not just for people from Whycocomagh, Judique, or Port Hood. It is the same with a Mawiomi; all are invited to come and learn and share in the events.
He said that an Elder once taught him that the opposite of love isn’t hate, but fear. We have a fear of the unknown, of the unfamiliar, and that includes the neighbour we don’t know. That’s why he loves to emcee. It’s a way for him to teach others about his culture, to make it familiar. At a time when there is so much division, learning about our neighbours through such a gathering is a great way to overcome those fears. He said you can find the “do’s and don’ts” of things to know before going to a Mawiomi online, but he said it really just comes down to being humble and willing to learn, to have the courage to try new things, and to show love and respect. Basic behaviours we should be showing wherever we go.
