History

The original inhabitants of Nova Scotia were the people of the Mi'kmaq nation. Their name means 'my kin-friends' or 'my brothers'. Their language, still spoken by some people today, is vividly descriptive. For example, the month of May was Tqoljewiku's, frog-croaking month. February was Apiknajit, snow-blinder.

The Mi'kmaq lived in wikuom, wigwams, cone-shaped tents covered in birchbark. These housed 12 to 15 people and were decorated with paintings of animals and birds.

Clothing was made from tanned animal skins, sewn together with animal sinews. Like wigwams, these were decorated with geometric patterns and designs of animals and humans. Clothing might also have ornaments of animal teeth, claws, bones, quills or feathers attached. Both males and females wore robes, leggings and moccasins.

Tools were made from animal bones, ivory, teeth and claws and from stone found in the area. Axes, spears, knives and arrow tips, for example, were made of stone. Sewing needles were made of bone.

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