by Danielle Johnston Partner Anchored Ideas Ltd

Marking reconciliation through art and community in Unama’ki

Sydney, Unama’ki (Cape Breton Island), Mi’kma’ki, October 29, 2021:

At the change in season, with the light lasting less each day, we’re taking a moment to mark another beginning and give space to creativity, kinship, and reconciliation.

After a Naming Ceremony by Mi’kmaw Elders held at sunrise on Friday, October 29, 2021, the Eltuek Arts Centre has opened in Sydney, Unama’ki (Cape Breton Island). As the sun rose, Elder Lawrence Wells of Membertou led a sacred fire ceremony that included sharing of traditional teachings, songs, and stories, and ended with a morning feast among friends.

Eltuek (pronounced el-du-ehg), meaning “we are making (it) together.” The (it) refers to whatever it is that we decide to make – art, ideas, a shared meal, music, community, a brighter future. The importance of the name is that is accessible, inclusive, and continuous.

Eltuek Arts Centre was previously known as The Convent | Ta’n etl-mawita’mk, which opened in February 2020 in the former Holy Angels Convent, ca. 1895. It was purchased by New Dawn Enterprises in 2012 and the 130-year-old heritage building is the largest adaptive reuse of built heritage in Unama’ki (Cape Breton). The building stands as a symbol of hope and renewal for a community that has struggled for more than 40 years to reinvent itself after the decline of the coal and steel industries. ...