Reviving the Games
In the fall of 2009, a group of Mi’kmaw Chiefs from Unama’ki envisioned the revival of the Summer Games—a beloved athletic and cultural gathering that originally brought Mi’kmaw communities together across Nova Scotia from the 1970s to the 1990s.
The vision was clear: create a space to inspire youth through sport while ensuring Mi’kmaw traditions are proudly passed down to future generations. Today, the Summer Games stand as a powerful celebration of athleticism, culture, and community unity, forging lifelong friendships that strengthen the Mi’kmaw Nation.
Mission, Vision & Values
Our Mission: To inspire youth and young adults to believe in themselves, achieve their dreams, and unite with all Indigenous communities to share and honor Mi’kmaw culture and traditions.
Our Vision: To be a stronger First Nation community whose spirit is raised by its passion for sport and the Mi’kmaw culture.
Core Values: Team | Trust | Excellence | Sustainability | Growth | Unity
Sustainability & Capacity Building
For the Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Summer Games (NSMSG) Society, sustainability means generating lasting social, economic, and environmental benefits across Mi’kma’ki:
Year-Round Health & Wellness: Fostering healthy, active lifestyles for our youth through consistent, year-long training and sports preparation.
Coaching & Sports Education: Elevating local athletic leadership by offering accessible clinics and certification pathways for community coaches.
Infrastructure Legacy: Leaving behind permanent, high-quality upgrades to local sports fields and community facilities.
Provincial Collaboration: Enhancing capacity and wellness through strong partnerships among all Mi’kmaw communities in Nova Scotia, supported by government and local business relationships.
About
Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Summer Games
Years of Success
| Year | Host Community | Year | Host Community |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Membertou First Nation | 2018 | Eskasoni First Nation |
| 2011 | Wagmatcook First Nation | 2019 | Waycobah First Nation |
| 2012 | Eskasoni First Nation | 2022 | Potlotek First Nation |
| 2013 | Waycobah First Nation | 2023 | Millbrook First Nation |
| 2014 | Potlotek First Nation | 2024 | Membertou First Nation |
| 2015 | Millbrook First Nation | 2025 | Wagmatcook First Nation |
| 2016 | Membertou First Nation | 2026 | Sipekne’katik First Nation ⭐ |
| 2017 | Wagmatcook First Nation |
About the Host Communtiy
Rooted in Tradition, Moving Toward the Future
Sipekne’katik First Nation is a vibrant, deeply rooted community taking immense pride in our Mi’kmaq culture, language, and ancestral way of life. We are one of the 13 First Nations located in Nova Scotia and comprise the communities of Indian Brook IR #14, New Ross, Pennal, Dodd’s Lot, Wallace Hills, and Grand Lake.
Conveniently located in Hants County near Shubenacadie - just a short distance from both Kijipuktuk (Halifax) and Truro - Sipekne’katik spans a beautiful land area of 12.13 square kilometres. We are a proud community of nearly 3,000 members, both community and band, living both within and outside our traditional borders.
Sipekne’katik(pronounced see-beg-neh-gat-eeg) translates traditionally to "where the wild potatoes grow." According to oral history, our lands have been cherished for centuries as sacred sites for ceremony preparation, hunting, gathering, and fishing.
Honouring Our History & Resilience
Our journey is marked by profound resilience. The history of Sipekne’katik reflects the endurance of our people through Canada's colonial centralization and forced relocation policies, which drew many mainland Mi’kmaq people to this area.
From 1930 to 1966, the Shubenacadie Indian Residential School operated near our community, impacting approximately 1,000 Mi’kmaq children. Today, survivors and families carry these histories forward with dignity. Sipekne’katik is deeply honored to contribute to the Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre IRS Legacy Project—a vital initiative dedicated to preserving and sharing survivors' stories, honoring their lives, and fostering true reconciliation.
Our Community Today
Sipekne’katik is a place where we live, work, and honour our ancestors while actively safeguarding our heritage for future generations. We strive to provide thriving cultural, educational, and recreational opportunities:
Cultural & Economic Connection: From our social and ceremonial lobster fisheries to thriving events at our multipurpose center, our community ties remain unbreakable.
Empowering Tomorrow's Leaders: Through education deeply rooted in Mi’kmaq studies and language, we are raising the next generation of leaders. Since 2008, our L’nu Sipuk Kina’muokuom (LSK) School has provided our children with a rich education taught directly by community educators and Elders.
A Progressive Outlook: With our eyes focused firmly on tomorrow, our Chief and Council are dedicated to driving economic sustainability, modern infrastructure, and robust social and health supports to continually elevate the standard of living for all members.