Cultural Tourism and Migma Desk Overview

Introduction to Migma Wizk Migma

Hello! My name is Shannon Monk, and I serve as the Cultural Tourism Project Manager with Guam Mugma Kusan. Today, I will discuss Migma Wizk Migma, particularly focusing on its importance within the framework of cultural tourism in Nova Scotia.

The Migma Made Migma Daik Initiative

Migma Made Migma Daik is an initiative stemming from the Assembly of Nova Scotia Migma Chiefs, known as Ma Luged Shaga. Launched in 2009, this initiative aimed to create a cultural tourism strategy that is underpinned by four essential pillars: 1) Migma leadership and governance, 2) authenticity, 3) Migma-led development, and 4) marketing. My role commenced in 2020 to implement the strategy, working alongside various partners to promote and preserve Migma culture. It’s essential to note that the concept of Migma cultural tourism in Nova Scotia isn’t new; many organizations and efforts from the past have laid a foundation for our current successes.

Key Partnerships and Iconic Destinations

Various stakeholders have contributed to the Migma cultural tourism landscape, including the Nova Scotia Indigenous Tourism Enterprise Network, Migma Debert, the Union of Nova Scotia MMA, and more. We have developed iconic destinations like Member 2 Heritage Park and the Milbrook Cultural and Heritage Center, which showcase authentic Migma culture and heritage.

Introduction to Migma Desk

Our cultural tourism brand, Migma Desk, is a registered trademark that serves two primary goals: promotion and protection. Promotion is centered around celebrating authentic Migma cultural experiences while protection aims to safeguard our culture against appropriation. Migma Desk guarantees consumers the authenticity of products sourced from Migma Doic members, who may consist of artists, crafters, entrepreneurs, and performers.

The Significance of the Migma Desk Logo

The Migma Desk logo, designed with community input from individuals such as Alan Siloy, Loretta Gould, and Haley Isidor, is an essential representation of our identity. The logo features

• An outer circle with waves symbolizing our deep connection to the natural world.

• Four lines represent the sacred number four, depicting our physical, social, traditional, and spiritual relationship with our environment, as well as the four cardinal directions, seasons, and life stages.

• The ancient U symbol symbolizes the essence of the Migma people.

• The birchbark design in the inner circle highlights its historical significance and its role in cultural identity.

The Principles of Migma Do

Migma Do is unique, emphasizing both cultural entrepreneurship and artistic representation. Following the 2021 development of authenticity guidelines, the framework provides accountable ways for Migma individuals and businesses to share their stories authentically. The initiative is aligned with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, specifying that members are recognized based on rights and responsibilities according to Migma values.

Membership and Benefits of Migma Desk

Membership in Migma Desk is open to Migma individuals connected to one of our 13 communities. The benefits include:

• Use of marketing materials and the Migma Desk logo on personal branding such as business cards and websites.

• Increased visibility through Online profiles that affirm Migma authenticity.

• Access to funding, mentoring, and collaboration opportunities with other members.

Core Pillars of Migma Desk

Migma Desk operates based on three key pillars:

1. Wab (Identity): Members express their roots and connections to Migma communities.

2. Authenticity: Ensuring transparency about cultural knowledge and ongoing learning.

3. Nationhood: Promoting respect and honoring ancestral knowledge while acting as cultural ambassadors.

Self-Assessment Toolkit

To support members, Migma Desk offers a toolkit for self-assessment which includes:

• Artisability: Identifying artistic proficiency and expressing it authentically.

• Cultural Confidence: Understanding personal levels of immersion in Migma culture, from beginner to elder.

• Creative Expression: Encouraging diverse expressions of identity, from traditional to contemporary methods. This also includes cultural fusions that respect Migma heritage.

Conclusion and Gratitude

Participating in Migma Desk empowers members to assert their identity and share their culture authentically. The collaborative nature of this project is a result of significant contributions from various stakeholders, community members, and dedicated partners. Thank you for your attention, and I invite you to learn more about Migma Doik!