The Mi'kmaq are the original people of Mi'kma'ki — the unceded territory that includes Nova Scotia, PEI, much of New Brunswick, the Gaspé peninsula, parts of Maine, and Newfoundland. They have lived here for at least 13,000 years.
This isn't a course or a checklist. It's thirty days of small, respectful invitations to listen, learn, sit, and make. Some days you'll be reading. Some days you'll be quiet on the land. Some days you'll be making something with your hands.
Whether you're reconnecting with your own heritage or learning as a respectful visitor, the same posture works: show up softly, hold things lightly, let elders and community lead.
• Mi'kmaq = the people (plural). Mi'kmaw = singular, the language, or used as an adjective. Mi'kma'ki = the homeland.
• Some teachings here come from the Anishinaabe tradition (Seven Sacred Teachings) but have been adopted into Mi'kmaw practice over generations. Where teachings differ between communities or elders, that's natural — oral traditions hold many voices.
• Sacred ceremonies (sweat lodge, full sweetgrass smudging, pipe ceremony) are held by knowledge keepers and elders. This plan stays in the "learn, sit with, ask gently" space — not in the "perform a ceremony you haven't been taught" space.
• If you're reconnecting with your own heritage, consider reaching out to your local Mi'kmaw Native Friendship Centre — they often run language classes, drumming, and community events.
Each moon period is named for what's happening in nature. Dates are approximate, since the lunar cycle (29.5 days) doesn't align perfectly with the solar year. From the Mi'kmaw Moons Project, drawing on teachings from Mi'kmaw Elders.
| Mi'kmaw | Pronunciation | Meaning | Approx. dates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Punamujuik'us | boo-na-moo-jooey-goos | Tomcod Spawning | Jan 5 – Feb 3 |
| Apuknajit | ah-boo-gah-na-jit | Snow Blinding | Feb 3 – Mar 5 |
| Siwkewiku's | see-uke-ay-we-goos | Spring / Maple Sugar | Mar 5 – Apr 4 |
| Penatmuiku's | ben-a-dim-ooh-we-goos | Birds Laying Eggs | Apr 4 – May 5 |
| Sqoljuiku's | skoalch-ooh-we-goos | Frogs Croaking | May 5 – Jun 5 |
| Nipniku's | nib-nee-goos | Trees Fully Leafed | Jun 5 – Jul 6 |
| Peskewiku's | bes-gay-we-goos | Birds Shedding Feathers | Jul 6 – Aug 7 |
| Kisikewiku's | gis-ig-ay-we-goos | Berry Ripening | Aug 7 – Sep 7 |
| Wikumkewiku's | we-goom-gay-we-goos | Mate Calling | Sep 7 – Oct 8 |
| Wikewiku's | wig-gay-we-goos | Animal Fattening | Oct 8 – Nov 7 |
| Keptekewiku's | geb-deg-gay-we-goos | Rivers Starting to Freeze | Nov 7 – Dec 6 |
| Kjiku's | ook-gee-goos | Chief Moon (Winter) | Dec 6 – Jan 5 |
CBU's first free, open-access, share-with-the-world Indigenous course. Twelve weekly lectures, designed and delivered by Mi'kmaw knowledge keepers themselves. You can audit it for free, or pay to register for credit. All lectures are archived and viewable any time.
Co-developed by Stephen Augustine (Hereditary Chief, Mi'kmaq Grand Council, Dean of Unama'ki College) and Ashlee Cunsolo (former Canada Research Chair). Created in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's calls to action.
Find it through Cape Breton University's online learning portal — search "MIKM 2701" or "Knowledge Keepers of Mi'kma'ki." Lecture topics may vary slightly between offerings.
Authors from other Indigenous nations whose work speaks to spiritual reconnection, ancestral wisdom & living in good relationship. Their teachings come from their own traditions — not Mi'kmaw — and are offered here for wider learning. Each writer's nation is noted so you can honour the source.
Thirty days is a doorway, not a destination. The teachings keep going as long as you keep listening.