April 16, 2025
Mi’kma’ki – A groundbreaking cultural initiative, Mi’kmawitasik: Mi’kmaw Made has officially launched mikmawitasik.ca, marking a historic milestone for Mi’kmaw artists, artisans, and cultural tourism hosts. Endorsed by the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs, Mi’kmawitasik ensures that authentic Mi’kmaw creations, art, cultural experiences, and Traditional Knowledge are recognized and celebrated.
“Seeing Mi’kmawitasik launch has been exciting. Our community members, Elders, artists and tourism operators voiced that Mi’kmaw culture needed to be elevated in the Nova Scotia tourism space. We are proud to say that through these conversations, Mi’kmawitasik was born”, said Chief Carol Potter, Co-lead of Culture, Heritage and Archaeology for the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs.
A First-of-Its-Kind Cultural Trademark
Developed in collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Mi’kmawitasik has become one of the first cultural trademarks of its kind.
“Building Mi’kmawitasik and having it trademarked was a way to ensure that Mi’kmaw art, craft, and cultural expressions remain in Mi’kmaw hands. It is our way of saying: this is who we are, this is our culture, and these are our authentic stories, shared by our people”, continued Chief Potter.
Authenticity guidelines, developed through interviews with Mi’kmaw Elders and cultural leaders, outline the responsibilities of those who carry the trademark, and what it means to be authentically Mi’kmaq. These guidelines ensure that Mi’kmaw culture is shared with respect, integrity, and transparency. Through this initiative, Mi’kmaq are reclaiming space in the arts and tourism industries, building economic opportunities rooted in cultural integrity.
A Thorough Yet Inclusive Membership Process
To bear the trademark, members must meet community-defined membership criteria. The intake process balances rigor with flexibility, ensuring that all Mi’kmaw artists and hosts – whether they specialize in traditional crafts, contemporary art, performance, or tourism – have a pathway to recognition. Membership affirms a commitment to cultural integrity, and with that comes the responsibility to uphold the values and standards of Mi’kmawitasik, becoming a cultural ambassador and continuing the centuries-old Mi’kmaw tradition of welcoming visitors to these shores.
Clifford Paul, artisan behind Bearman Authentics and one of the first members of Mi’kmawitasik, emphasizes the deep meaning behind authentication: “Authentication comes from our hearts. The fact that I spent time to build something, create something, share something; it comes from my heart, my mind, and my hands.”
Each member receives a certificate of authenticity along with marketing materials designed to promote their work and drive traffic to their online profile on Mikmawitasik.ca. This includes a custom-built profile page, a unique Membership ID, and Mi’kmawitasik-branded materials. These tools function similarly to the well-established Igloo Tag Trademark, which helps protect the Inuit art market by reinforcing authenticity and market recognition.
What Mi’kmawitasik Means for Artists, Hosts, and Consumers
Mi’kmawitasik: Mi’kmaw Made is a certification that guarantees a product or experience is created by a Mi’kmaw artist or cultural tourism host. For artists and tourism operators, it is a mark of pride and distinction, demonstrating that their work meets cultural authenticity guidelines developed through community engagement and leadership.
For consumers, it provides confidence that when they purchase a Mi’kmaw-made product or book a cultural experience, they are directly supporting the Mi’kmaq and their artistic and cultural traditions.
Step Into the Story
With the launch of mikmawitasik.ca, the world now has a direct way to engage with and support authentic Mi’kmaw artistry and cultural tourism.
Visitors and consumers can now connect with Mi’kmaw creators and cultural hosts at www.mikmawitasik.ca. Every purchase, every experience, every story shared through Mi’kmawitasik carries the weight of generations of knowledge, creativity, and pride.
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