The Unima'ki Project
Awaken your spirit.
What is the Unama’ki Project?
The Unama’ki Project is an enlightening video interview series that delves into the rich tapestry of Mi’kmaq culture, history, and storytelling. Each episode unfolds the knowledge and experiences of community members, presenting a unique window into the living traditions and perspectives of the We’koqma’q First Nation.
It’s a visual and educational journey, inviting audiences to connect with the spirit and stories that have shaped Mi’kmaq heritage across generations.
Joe Googoo
Saving Waycobah’s Oysters
A Waycobah man has found a strategy that can save oysters from a virus that wiped out 95 per cent of the Bras d’Or oyster population in 2002.
Dolena Poulette
Beauty in Basket Making
Dolena Poulette has been collecting baskets for the past two decades. In this episode of the Unama’ki Project, she shows that there is much more to her collection than meets the eye!
Rod Philips
The Whycocomagh Plane Crash
Waycobah’s Rod Philips retells the long passed down story of the day a Canadian Air Force plane crashed into Whycocomagh’s Skye Mountain in 1942.
Tiny Cremo
Honouring the Grandmother of the Mi’kmaw
Tiny Cremo, We’koqma’q First Nation Grand Council Keptin explains why for the past century during the week of June 26th, Catholic community members travel to make a pilgrimage at the Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Basilica to mark the feast day of St. Anne.
Doris Googoo
The Seven Sacred Teachings
School teacher Doris Googoo demonstrates the ancient Mi’kmaq guiding principles known as The Seven Sacred Teachings.
Richard Gould
Prolonging the Ko’jua Dance
Waycobah dancer Richard Gould’s father innovated the Mi’kmaq dance known as the “Ko’jua” across Unama’ki in the 1960s. Today, he and many dancers alike are making sure the dance will be celebrated for many more years to come.
Joseph Nicholas
Finding Health Through Nature’s Medicine
Longtime We’koqma’q forager Joseph Nicholas grew up scavenging the forests for natural medicines and foods. After finding permanent relief from a illness thanks to a medicinal herb, Nicholas now wants to share his knowledge with others in his community!
Rose Prosper & Rosemary Paul
Surviving Residential Schools, Together
Waycobah’s Rose Prosper and Rosemary “Ducy” Paul both spent their childhood living at an Indian Residential School in Shubenacadie in the 1960s. After surviving the harsh conditions set upon them as kids, Rose, Rosemary and Rosemary’s sister Freda have since formed a lifelong “sisterhood” in their adult lives.
Morgan Toney
Cape Breton’s Fastest Rising Music Star
After learning to play the fiddle a short five years ago, Waycobah’s Morgan Toney has skyrocketed to fame in the international Celtic music scene. Fusing classic Cape Breton fiddle techniques with traditional Mi’kmaq songs,Toney’s highly innovative and original songcraft has made him a staple in the Cape Breton music scene.
Alexis (Pop-I) Bati
Teaching the Mi’kmaq Language
School teacher Alexis (Pop-I Googoo) Bati discusses the importance of passing the Mi’kmaq language onto the next generation and what inspired her to want to do so!
Isabel Martin and Janey Michael
Waltes: More Than Just a Game
Waycobah elders Isabel Martin and Janey Michael explain why historically, the traditional game of Waltes means so much for to the Mi’kmaq people than simply a way to pass the time.
Louis Joe Bernard
Recovering a Lost Culture
We’koqma’q resident Louis Joe Bernard, 70, was housed in a Mabou Harbour boarding home between 1969 and 1972. During the mid to late 1900s, over 40,000 children were transported from their home communities to stay with boarding families while attending public schools.
Joan Christie
Respecting Mi’kmaq Elders
Waycobah elder Joan Christie takes part in senior workshops with fellow community members each morning. She explains the impact elders have had on her life growing up and why continuing to show them respect is so important in Mi’kmaq culture.
Eric Googoo
The Lost Indian Reservations of Inverness County
Waycobah historian Eric Googoo explains the unknown history of the former Indian reservations that once existed in the communities of Port Hood and Margaree.
Whitney Gould
Creating Art of Mi’kmaq Culture
Waycobah artist Whitney Gould has been creating unique artifacts for over two decades. Inspired by her late grandfather, Gould now finds comfort in turning Mi’kmaq history and culture into beautiful works of art!
Eva Nicholas
Rebuilding a Tradition
Waycobah’s Eva Nicholas played a pivotal role in creating We’koqma’q First Nation’s newest traditional longhouse for community celebration. Historically, longhouses were a place where community and culture would collide. However, after being banned for several decades, Nicholas is doing her part in helping recover what was lost.
Tracy Stevens
Finding Inner Creativity
Jeweller Tracy Stevens recently opened up her own beading shop in We’koqma’q First Nation. Through skills she said she has inherited from her ancestors, Steven’s looks to find her inner creativity and prolong a longstanding Mi’kimaq tradition.
Susan Copage
Honoured to be Mi’kmaq
Growing up as the daughter to a residential school survivor, Susan Copage learned to embrace and love the Mi’kmaq culture that was taken from her mother.
Clifford Copage
Mother Earth’s Heartbeat
We’koqma’q drummer and traditional dancer Clifford Copage talks about the significance of the traditional Powwow to the Mi’kmaq people.