Maciyamhulal “s/he starts to carry” is a testament to the interconnectivity of the river and Indigenous peoples. This project honours the relationship to the waterways with efforts to continue carrying on ancestral teachings for future generations.
In representing the various nations, the segments of the Wabanaki Confederacy meaning “People of the First Light” is segmented in each paddle comprising of the five principal nations: the Mi'kmaq, Wolastoqiyik, Passamaquoddy, Penobscot, and Abenaki. Among the many nations, there are various teachings based on the medicine wheel encompassing their own stories, values and beliefs.
Through Maciyamhulal, the interpretation of the medicine wheel, the four sacred colours of diversity and four sacred animals are presented. The wolf symbolizes family and leadership, the bear symbolizes strength and protection, the buffalo indicates respect and balance, and the eagle is sacred as it flies the highest carrying prayers to Creator.
This project was made possible through Emergency Solutions International.
