For thousands of years our people lived a semi-nomadic way of life, hunting, fishing, camping and traveling, according to the changes of the seasons.

Illustration by Christopher Hoyt

Spring (Sikw)

The Mi’kmaq lived in large camps, often near the head of the tide or on a river. Here, we fished smelt, brook trout, and salmon that spawned in the many rivers of Digby and Annapolis counties.

Summer (Nipk)

Migrating to Fundy’s coast, our people fished cod, mackerel, shad, and shellfish such as lobsters, clams, mussels and scallops. Children gathered bird eggs, wild berries, and nuts in the marshes and fields along the shore.

Fall (Toqwa’q)

In late September, the Mi’kmaq headed inland to set up camp, usually on the shore of a lake, from where we hunted large game such as moose, elk and beaver. Fall was also a good time for eels and salmon that ran in the rivers.

Winter (Kesik)

Remaining at the camps set up in the fall, The People continued the hunt for moose, beaver, caribou, and other animals that were a rich source of nutrition, furs and hides, bone for tools such as needles, and sinew for fasteners.

Photo Credits
(Iris and fall leaves) - Nova Scotia Department of Tourism, Culture and Heritage
(Fiddleheads and winter woods scene) - Communications New Brunswick / Image Bank