Land Acknowledgment

Ship’s Company Theatre is located in Taqamiku’jk (pron. ta-ha-mee-goo-chk), or Parrsboro, which is located in Mi’kma’ki (mig-mah-gee). Mi’kma’ki is the land of the Mi’kmaw (mig-mah) people. This land was never ceded nor surrendered to the British Commonwealth and it is covered under the Treaties of Peace and Friendship signed between 1725 and 1752.  

Taqamiku’jk means “Little Crossing Place” in the Mi’kmaw language. You may also hear Parrsboro referred to as Awokun or Wo’qn (ah-woe-hun, or woe-hun). Wo’qn means “spine” and refers to a trail that Taqamiku’jk is a part of. This trail cuts through overland towards Nemaluskite’kn (neh-ma-loo-sga-day-gun) or Amherst. In other words, Wo’qn is not so much a place but a journey from one point to another; a route that connects us. 

Ship’s Company Theatre has dedicated the last 41 years towards fostering and presenting Atlantic Canadian stories by Atlantic Canadian playwrights and artists. Taqamiku’jk holds a lot of culturally significant landmarks and spaces for the Mi’kmaw people and subsequently holds a lot of geological significance as well. Stories of this area are plentiful and include those of Waso’q (waz-oh), or Partridge Island, where it is said that Kluscap (gloo-skap) was born, where his Nukumij (new-goo-mitch) “Grandma’s” Sasqaʼgwit “cooking pot” is located and so, so many more. Many of the Mi’kmaw stories refer to the land’s geological significance and demonstrate the depths of knowledge that can be held and gathered by listening to stories told about this land around us. We are so blessed to be here on a land so rich in stories. Many of these stories remain underheard and undertold because of the ongoing cultural genocide against the Indigenous people of this land. 

Due to the Canadian Government’s creation and implementation of the Centralization Policy in 1942, most of the Mi’kmaw Elders that would be the storytellers of this region were forcibly removed along with their relatives, to designated areas in the Province of Nova Scotia. Namely, Eskasoni (es-ka-so-nee) and Sipekne’katik (sa-bay-gin-nah-gah-dee) First Nations. The Franklin Manor community, located just north of Taqamiku’jk near Halfway River, was deeply affected by centralization with a population of 98 people in 1931 that dropped to 39 people in 1946. This community has now been uninhabited since at least 1958. So, while the M.V. Kipawo was connecting communities of Nova Scotia as a ferry boat, the stewards and caretakers of this land were actively being oppressed and removed from their places of origin. In this process, these rich collections of stories were also removed. 

Storytelling and community is at the heart of our work. As a primarily settler-run institution with a focus on the stories of this place, we hold a responsibility to work towards the goals of Truth and Reconciliation outlined for us by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). 

A Moment For Reflection:

The Management Team wanted to share the importance that storytelling has in our lives. Feel free to take a look at our reflections.

“The stories we tell ourselves and each other actively shape who we are and how we live our lives. I think stories hold the power of both dreams and reality, making us all a living library. My first love of stories was in books, but has grown to include stories on stage, on screen, and through voice and song. My family, teachers, and friends’ stories continue to fill my library with history, dreams, and community.” Blaze Fraser, General Manager

“When I was growing up my father introduced me to stories through his love of science fiction. He loved action packed stories of futures filled with technology and new worlds of connection. For me, stories are a way to re-imagine ourselves, our surroundings and explore our fears. Most of all stories convey our hopes for the future.” Kat Jones, Technical Director

“Since I can remember I’ve been hungry for a good story. Whether it was through tv, novels, comic books, theatre, or music. Stories for me have always been a tool to shape my own self-image and make sense of the world around me. They’re beautiful tools that let people who may not share our perspective into our world. Since I’m from a small community seeking out stories has also helped to expand my worldview and allow me to listen to perspectives outside my own periphery.” Alex Rioux, Interim Artistic Director

“I owe my love of stories to my mom. My house growing up was full of books, and I had the immense privilege of spending a great deal of my childhood and teen years attending plays. For me, a story well told gives us access to new perspectives on the world, deepens our understanding of self, and paves the way for connection.” Laura Vingoe-Cram, Artistic Director

“My grandmother was an incredible storyteller and sparked my lifelong obsession with telling stories. Stories of my family members, of my chosen family, my friends and my ancestors have made me feel like I belong to people. More generally, stories have gifted me with empathy, humour and a deeper connection to the people, and world around me.” Rooks Field-Green, Marketing and Community Relations Director

We encourage you to take a moment now to reflect on storytelling’s impact on your life, as well as the importance of the people who have shared their stories with you.