TALKING STICK - 
SMA'KNIS

 
My step-son, Matt Labrador, wrote this as a class assignment when he was in Grade 8. He was already very aware of many of the issues facing the Mi'kmaq, and used this essay as a way to bring to his classmates' attention that the Mi'kmaq have always helped to defend the land that they hold dear, even when they were not honoured for their sacrifice by the people they died for.

Matt went on to become a student and a teacher of Mi'kmaw traditions and skills, and spent a number of years sharing his knowledge alongside Muin'iskw at Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site. He made his journey in November 2013, and I cannot help but feel that we missed out on a great deal of wisdom that would have developed over the years.

Sma'knis (Warrior)

Matt Labrador - Proud Hawk

They fought side by side with your people in all the Wars. But they didn't have to go. Conscription didn't apply to them, but they loved the country so. Our Mi'kmaq made equally, as all men and women who went to war, the supreme sacrifice for freedom, peace, and liberation for our country. Now each year we are reminded that we can never forget. We cannot forget the men and women who fought on the battlefields for our freedom.

I ask that you also remember that my people were also there. My great-grandfather, Louie Labrador, and his three brothers fought in the war at Vimy Ridge. Only my great-grandfather and one of his brothers came back alive. Great-grandfather did get a couple of medals, but he lost his brothers and a leg. My great-grandfather died of mental wounds which he received in the war. When he was buried in Bridgewater, they would not allow for a Mi'kmaq, a Sma'knis, to be buried inside the boundaries of the fenced-off cemetery. Instead, my great-grandfather was buried outside the fence with no honour.

As you remember those who fought in the wars, I ask that you also remember our Aboriginal people, the Sma'knis. They believed in no boundaries, and they were more than willing to give up their lives for our Country.

 
Updated: 27 Mar 2016 Print Page