Today@Dal

In the spirit of acknowledging the resilience of the indigenous Mi’kmaq people and their language, and in celebration of Mi’kmaq History Month in Nova Scotia, the Faculty of Agriculture in Bible Hill has implemented something special.

The agricultural site officially renamed River Road on the campus to “Sipu Awti”, reflecting the literal Mi’kmaq translation of its name. 


“By making this change we are furthering our efforts to be a welcoming and inclusive environment for all learners and one in which our indigenous students can see their community honoured and reflected,” explained Dean David Gray.

The word Sipu, pronounced “see boo”, is the Mi’kmaq word for “river.” Rivers and water, as an element, are recognized by the indigenous peoples as sacred and are linked to both physical and spiritual health.

“As chief of the Millbrook First Nation I commend the initiative of the Dalhousie Faculty of Agriculture for their continued efforts to recognize and honour the Mi'kmaq people on the Truro campus,” said Chief Robert Gloade. “This road renaming in the Mi'kmaq language signifies a commitment by the university to building a welcoming community for all indigenous peoples.”

Read More (http://www.trurodaily.com/Colchester-Weekly/2016-10-26/article-4672456/This-is-ag%3A-Honouring-indigenous-lands-and-language/1)