Worldwide Voyage: Hōkūle‘a connects Hawai‘i with Canada’s First Nations
Crew members were welcomed by the Nova Scotia community, dignitaries, and members of the Mi’kmaw (pronounced “Meeg Maw”) Nation on the Yarmouth dock.
The celebratory arrival ceremony featured cultural dances and the rhythmic beating of drums. Feathers were presented by a representative of the Mi’kmaw to each Hōkūle‘a crew member as a symbol of peace and unity.
Chief Deborah Robinson of the Acadia First Nations (Mi’kmaw Nation) spoke at the event. “The Mi’kmaw as part of the indigenous community of Canada, has always struggled and continue to strive to protect Mother Earth and all the natural resources for the future. The preservation of our environment and conservation of the resource is of utmost importance to us as the Mi’kmaw. We all have the same goal—in ensuring a future for our children, and for children for generations to come.”
