Media Releases

(Halifax, NS) – Today Dalhousie University proudly raised the Mi’kmaq Grand Council Flag on the university’s Studley Campus. The permanent installation of the Mi’kmaq Grand Council Flag at Dalhousie strengthens the university community and helps provide a welcoming campus for all learners. The Mi’kmaq Grand Council Flag will also be installed on the Sexton Campus on October 7, and was permanently installed at the Faculty of Agriculture in Truro on June 10, 2016.

“We recognize that Dalhousie is located on traditional territory of the Mi’kmaq people,” says Dr. Richard Florizone, President of Dalhousie University. “We are proud to permanently install the Mi’kmaq Grand Council Flag on our campuses.”

Dalhousie University is working to remove barriers for Indigenous learners. Currently, there are a number of initiatives underway at Dalhousie, including the addition of the Aboriginal Student Advisor position, the newly launched Aboriginal Student Centre, the Indigenous Studies Minor and the Elders-in-Residence program, as well as the permanent installation of the Mi’kmaq flag.

A special ceremony was held in the quad of the university. An opening prayer was led by Elder Douglas Knockwood. Elder Jane Abraham of Millbrook First Nation and Dalhousie’s Elders-in Residence program, performed a blessing of the flag. Dr. Donald M. Julien, Executive Director of the Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq, and Grand Keptin Antle (Andrew) Denny, spoke to those gathered. They were also joined by Mr. Bill Horne, MLA for Waverly-Fall River-Beaverbank; Christine Macy, Dalhousie’s Dean of Architecture and Planning, and Aaron Prosper, a third year student in Dalhousie’s Medical Sciences program. Eastern Eagle drumming group, the Lucio Family Dancers and Stoney Bear Singers performed at the gathering.

Immediately following the flag raising ceremony Dalhousie’s seventh annual Mawio’mi took place. The event is a celebration of culture, diversity and heritage, in commemoration of Treaty Day. Attendees were treated to a traditional feast and had the opportunity to enjoy traditional drummers, dancers, artists and crafters, along with a reading from Halifax Poet Laureate Rebecca Thomas.

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Media Contact

Lindsay Dowling
Lindsay.dowling@dal.ca
902-494-4189
902-222-8810 (cell)