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Mi'kmaq

Also known as: Míkmaq, Micmac

First Nations

The Mi'kmaq were among the first Indigenous peoples to encounter European explorers, meeting John Cabot as early as 1497. They developed early trading relationships with the French and are known for the Great Peace of Montreal (1701) which established peaceful relations with French colonizers. The Mi'kmaq flag, adopted in 1869, is one of the oldest Indigenous flags in Canada.

Quick Facts

Group First Nations

Language Algonquian

Population Over 40,000

Regions NS, NB, PE, NL, QC

💡 The Mi'kmaq developed a writing system called Komqwejwi'kasikl — a hieroglyphic script used for centuries, making them one of very few Indigenous groups to develop their own writing independently.

🗺️ Traditional Territory

Mi'kmaq traditional territory, called Mi'kma'ki, covers all of Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, the Gaspé Peninsula of Quebec, and parts of Newfoundland and Maine.

A note on this page: This is a brief introduction. The Mi'kmaq have a rich and complex history, culture and living presence that cannot be captured here. We encourage you to seek out Mi'kmaq voices, visit cultural centres, and engage with community members directly.