Antigonish (Nalikitquniejk) is known as a major cultural hub within Nova Scotia (Mi'kma'ki/L'nuewa'ki), and has one of the highest concentrations of artists and arts organizations in the province. Events like Antigonight Art After Dark, the Antigonish Art Fair, Festival Antigonish Summer Theatre, Antigonish Performing Arts Series, Antigonish Highland Games, draw thousands of visitors to our community each year. We are home to many award-winning authors, musicians, and visual artists who not only brighten our lives with their creative output, but strengthen the economic diversity of our community.

 

We acknowledge that ACA and Antigonight are located in Mi'kma'ki (L'nuewa'ki), which has been and shall always be the unceded territory of the Mi'kmaw (L'nuk) people. This territory is covered by the “Treaties of Peace and Friendship” which Mi'kmaw (L'nuk), Wolastoqiyik (Maliseet), and Passamaquoddy Nations signed between 1760-61. These treaties did not surrender rights to lands and resources. Rather, they recognized Mi'kmaw (L'nuk) and Wolastoqiyik (Maliseet) the right to hunt, fish, farm and earn a reasonable living without British interference. "The Treaty of 1761 was signed on 25 June by the Miramichi, Shediac, Pokemouche and Cape Breton Mi’kmaq in a ‘Burying the Hatchet’ ceremony in Halifax. The Chignecto and Pictou Mi’kmaq signed onto the 1761 treaty on 12 October." Wallace, Sarah Isabel. “Peace and Friendship Treaties.” The Canadian Encyclopedia, May 30, 2018.

 

​ACA and Antigonight recognize that Indigenous, Black and African Nova Scotian artists are underrepresented by art institutions. It is our job to eliminate oppressive practices and to critically examine settler colonialism within our institutional structure. The art created by Mi'kmaw (L’nuk) and Black and African Nova Scotian artists enriches all of us.​

 

We are deeply grateful to be living, working, and creating on this beautiful land. We commit to collaborating with, amplifying, and connecting with the many art communities that live and work here, including newcomers! We are all treaty people.