We are reflecting on the land Asoqmapskiajk (Kentville, Acadie) resides on. The ecology of the land continues to play an integral role in the growth of Valley communities. With this in mind, our mural highlights native plants in the area at a large scale. These medicinal, wild plants of Mi’kma’ki symbolize sustenance, prosperity and coming together as a community.

Our mural depicts Malteweknejkl (Bloodroot), Wataptek lketu (yellow mushroom), Mikoqewik (Northern Pitcher Plant), Msiku Nipik Wataptek Wasuek (Grass Leaved Goldenrod). We are so thankful for the Mi’kmaq language research of Don (Byrd) Awalt, giving the gift of language visibility and accessibility.

The beautifully winding Abiskaq Sibou (Cornwallis River, Riviere des Habitants) is the centerpiece of the Valley. The river represents farming and the sustenance of the community which are resurging in importance especially due to our current ecological crisis. The river connects us to the past, present and future.

In Asoqmapskiajk, we celebrate local language and culture, community connection to the land, and how the land takes care of us across generations.

This mural stands in Asoqmapskiajk, Mi’kma’ki, on the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq. This territory is covered by the Peace and Friendship Treaties that the Wabanaki People (Mi’kmaq, Wolastoqiyik, Passamaquoddy, Abenaki, and Penobscot) signed with the British Crown. These treaties did not deal with the surrender of land and resources but recognized the Mi’kmaq title and established the rules for the relationship between the parties. These rules still govern how we are to treat each other today. Everyone on this land is covered under these treaties, and it is for this reason we say we are all Treaty People, with a responsibility to respect and uphold these inherent rights. We are so grateful to live, work and learn on this territory.