Mawita'mk / Being Together

Why Its Important

The Residential School System separated Mawita'mk founders Ben, Theresa and Magit from their families and community. They were not allowed to speak their own language. They weren't allowed to see each other. The weren't allowed to do anything that was part of their culture. They were punished if these, or other rules were broken. They suffered abuse at the hands of residential school staff: physical, sexual, emotional and psychological. They know what it was like to be away from their community. That is why it was important for them that Mawita'mk (Being Together) be a place where people with disabilities receive services and supports within their cultural community.

MAGIT'S DOLL

Elder Margaret (Ma'git) Poulette shares a story with students at the We’koqom’a Mi’kmaw School in Cape Breton about her experience at the Shubenacadie Residential School. When she arrived at age four her doll was taken away from her so she created dolls from her cleaning rags. As an adult Ma'git searched for a doll that reminded her of the doll that was stolen from her. Ma'git tells her story and teaches students how she made her rag dolls.

Created in partnership with the Centre for Art Tapes. Funded by Canada Council for the Arts, Nova Scotia Communities, Culture & Heritage, Sisters of Charity.

Produced by Ann Verrall & Off Centre Collective, created by Ma'git Poulette, students of We’koqom’a Mi’kmaw School, Rob Smith, Lindsay Dobbin and Ann Verrall.