Click the links below to learn about the Mi'kmaq Ceremonies and Symbols

	The pipe ceremony is used to exchange information after a period of fasting. It is usually held by a healer or medicine man or someone who is appointed by the community. A person who accepts the pipe, accepts this responsibilty for life. The pipe is not a symbol of something that is sacred, the pipe itself is sacred. Not everyone is called upon to be a pipe bearer. The person who carries the pipe and practices the pipe ceremonies has a great responsibility to his brothers and sisters, his land and country and to the Mother Earth. The pipe bearer does not "own" the pipe he carries. He simply carries the pipe until the time comes for him to pass it to the next bearer. The pipe bearer is given certain powers of sight from the pipe as well as an ability to heal and purify.Should the bearer fall from grace and become a liar or a thief or become deceitful, the pipe would reposcess these gifts and the possibility of misfortune for the former bearer may exist. One should be ready to accept the responsibility of the pipe, for it makes demands upon you. It will become your teacher and your guide and it can also become your ememy, if used wrongly. Pipe carriers traditionally practice a clean lifestyle, abstaining from drugs, and alcohol, to keep the mind, body, and spirit, clean.
	A gift of an eagle feather is the highest honour anyone can recieve. It is presented to someone who has done something for the community and not just for himself. It is presented to give public recognition to someone who deserves it.
	Rock carving or Petroglyphs were used by the Mi'kmaq as a means fo communication. The drawings often include sun and star motifs, anthropomorphic figures, and fertility symbols. It was used primarily to record events and tell stories. Sites are found in different areas of Canada. They were most likely carved with stone equipment and likely pre-dates the arrival of European-made metal tools, beginning about 1500 A.D.
	The drum is a symbol of spiritual strength for the Mi'kmaq people. It represents the heartbeat of the people.
	The dreamcatcher has a special meaning to all Native American Tribes. One of the most beautiful stories of Native American legend is that of that of the Dreamcatcher. Tradition states that dreams, both good and bad float on the night air searching for their destination. A Dreamcatcher, hung in the home, would catch the dreams. The bad dreams, being confused and ill-intentioned, would get caught in the web of the Dreamcatcher, and would perish in the heat of the morning sun. The good dreams, knowing the right way, easily find their way to the center hole of the Dreamcatcher, work their way down the web catching all the good energies of the stones and other adornments, and finally filter down through the soft feather to the sleeper.