NEWS RELEASE
Mi’kmaw Petroglyph Being Moved
(Monday, June 5, 2006) - A boulder containing a Mi’kmaw petroglyph design from the 1800’s, which has been located in the HRM, is being moved for delivery to the Glooscap Heritage Centre at the Millbrook First Nation on June 6th. Petroglyphs are best described by the Nova Scotia Museum, as an image or text incised in stone and are an integral connection to the Mi’kmaw history and culture.
"The Nova Scotia Museum is pleased to be working in partnership with the Glooscap Heritage Centre and Halifax Regional Municipality to make the public display of this petroglyph possible,” said David Christianson, Provincial Archaeologist. Christianson explained that the petroglyph is part of the provincial Nova Scotia Museum collection, but is now on loan to the Centre for exhibit. "Mi'kmaw petroglyphs are heritage resources that are important to preserve for future generations."
The boulder, which is being moved at 9:00am on June 6th from its current location at 200 Waverley Road, includes not only images but also the surname Cope.
Alex Cope, Band Manager of Millbrook First Nation and Board Member for the Glooscap Heritage Society is happy to see a part of his family history being moved to the community. “The petroglyph etched into this boulder captures a time in history, not only for the Mi’kmaw people, but also for my family. The cultural significance of having it moved to the Glooscap Heritage Centre is important and it will be a great addition to their current displays,” said Cope.
The Halifax Regional Municipality and the Province have been supportive of the move of the boulder to its new location in Millbrook. Both parties have played an integral role in the timely delivery of this artifact for the upcoming Grand Opening of the Glooscap Heritage Centre.
"Its exciting to have evidence such as this carving that shows the long and important history of the Mi'kmaw people along the lakes of East Dartmouth." says Councillor Andrew Younger, who represents the HRM District in which the petroglyph is located.
"We encourage Nova Scotians and visitors to visit the Centre to see and celebrate this and other Mi'kmaw heritage objects on display there," noted Christianson.
For more information please contact:
Crystal Dorey, Aboriginal Interpretive Program Coordinator
Glooscap Heritage Centre
crystal@glooscapheritagecentre.com
Phone: 902-843-3496
