Page 17 - Mighty Miramichi 2018 River Guide

The Eel Ground (Natoaganeg) First Nation is a
Mi’kmaq community located on the North West
Miramichi River just west of Miramichi City. The
Community’s origins can be traced back to the 1760's
when a Treaty was signed between King George and our
Mi'kmaq ancestors, the first people of the Miramichi.
The name “Eel Ground” was chosen because of the
abundance of eels in that segment of the Miramichi
River bordering the Reserve.
The Community’s elected leaders, consisting of one
Chief and nine Councillors, oversee the administration
of numerous programs and services for Community etc. It is a true traditional Powwow where there are no
members. The Community school for grades K to 8 entrance or parking fees, where those attending are
offers instruction in Mi’kmaq to all grade levels and staff treated to feasts and, if you choose to dance, you leave
have worked diligently with Federal, Provincial and with a gift and an invitation to return next year. Our
private organizations translating and recording our event draws spectators and participants from all over and
Mi’kmaq language and developing a Mi’kmaq has been referred to as the biggest Powwow in the
curriculum to be used at the provincial level. Maritimes.
Once a year, the third weekend in July, the We are very proud of our community and its steps
community hosts a Powwow. It is a four day to keep up with the modern world, and yet we strive to
celebration of our Mi’kmaq heritage which includes keep sacred, the values and traditions of our elders. It is
two full days of traditional dancing and drumming, with this balance that makes Eel Ground a unique
an amazing fireworks display over the Miramichi community.
River. It is a drug and alcohol free event that showcases
our Mi’kmaq dances, songs, regalia, foods, crafts, art,
Pow Wow photos on this page submitted by Kim Muzerall

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