The Mi'kmaq Burial Grounds Research and Restoration Association was incorporated as a non-profit society in August 2005 to find, research, protect and preserve off-reserve Mi'kmaw cemeteries and special places.
What's in a name?- Mi'kmaq: My kin friends, the Family.
- Burial: Biological and cultural remains returned to the land or water.
- Grounds: A real property or place as well as the intellectual and spiritual foundation for knowledge, conviction and belief.
Who we areOur membership is diverse. Some members have direct and mixed kinship ties to the many communities that comprise Mi'kma'ki. Others join us as kindred friends and allies. We believe that ancestral remains and resting places should be acknowledged and respected. As was recognized from earliest times, the proper placement and treatment of burial grounds affects the well being of surrounding communities and decendants. By restoring our burial grounds we reaffirm the essential relationship between spirit, people and place.
What we doThe Association is mandated through its articles of incorporation to: - Protect abandoned cemeteries and other culturally significant places of the Mi'kmaq and ancestral first peoples.
- Monitor the application of cemeteries and special places protection legislation.
- Liase with government, academia, landowners, developers, sponsors, media and heritage groups as may be necessary or desirable in the carrying out of the objects of the Association.
- Ensure ethical and objective research and interpretation all sites, biological remains and cultural materials.
- Support cultural education and training via exhibits, publications, documentaries, work shops, curriculum development, lectures, ceremonies, etc.
Although we focus our research and restoration effort on Mi'kmaw burial sites we respect the dignity of all peoples and share knowledge and experience with groups and individuals preserving burial sites regardless of ancestral origin.
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