From culture-rich museums and artisan gift shops to skincare, apparel, cafés, and performing arts, here are Mi’kmaq-owned and Mi’kmaq-led businesses across Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island to support today.
Nova Scotia
Membertou Heritage Park & Petroglyphs Gift Shop – Membertou (Sydney)
A community-powered cultural centre with workshops and an authentic Mi’kmaq gift shop featuring locally made art, beadwork, and crafts.
Website: https://www.membertouheritagepark.com/
Why go: Learn living Mi’kmaq history, then shop directly from Mi’kmaq makers.
Kiju’s Restaurant – Membertou
Modern East Coast cuisine inside the Membertou Trade & Convention Centre- Mi’kmaq community owned.
Website: https://kijus.com/
Why go: Longstanding Indigenous-led dining that highlights local suppliers.
Maskwiomin – Unama’ki (Cape Breton)
Traditional Mi’kmaq birch-bark–based skincare, developed with community knowledge and research. Shop online.
Website: https://maskwiomin.com/
Why buy: An ethical commercialization of Mi’kmaq knowledge crafted in Nova Scotia.
Millbrook Cultural & Heritage Centre (Gift Shop) – Truro
Museum and gift shop featuring Mi’kmaq artifacts and works by Mi’kmaw artists.
Website: https://www.millbrookheritagecentre.ca/
Why go: Explore exhibits, then support artists via the on-site shop.
Gold Bean Café – Chester Basin (Wasoqopa’q/Acadia First Nation)
An upscale café owned by Wasoqopa’q First Nation, coffee, baked goods, meals, and community events.
Website: https://goldbeancafe.com/
Community page: https://acadiafirstnation.ca/gold-bean-cafe.html
Why go: Support a Mi’kmaq Nation–owned hospitality spot on the South Shore.
Prince Edward Island (Epekwitk)
Experience Lennox Island – Lennox Island First Nation
Hands-on cultural tourism: drum- and rattle-making, quillwork, bannock-in-the-sand, guided walks, and a culture centre.
Website: https://experiencelennoxisland.com/
Why go: Authentic Mi’kmaq-led experiences on ancestral lands.
Mi’kmaq Heritage Actors – Charlottetown (touring across Atlantic Canada)
Atlantic Canada’s premier Indigenous theatre troupe sharing Mi’kmaq legends through music, dance, and storytelling.
Website: https://mikmaqheritageactors.com/
Directory listing: https://destinationindigenous.ca/listings/mikmaq-heritage-actors/
Why go: Book performances/workshops or catch a show to support Mi’kmaq performing arts.
RoseWolf Creations – Mi’kmaw artisan on PEI
Annie Martin (Millbrook First Nation) creates pyrography and jewellery; find her through Indigenous PEI’s vendor page.
Profile: https://indigenouspei.ca/vendor/rose-wolf-creations/
Why buy: One-of-a-kind Mi’kmaw artistry made on Epekwitk.
New Brunswick
Apsute’gan Arts (Vanessa Dedam) –
Elsipogtog-born, Fredericton-based Mi’kmaq artist creating storytelling beadwork and vibrant visual art. Follow and shop her latest pieces here: Instagram @apsutegan.arts and Facebook (Vanessa Dedam)
Newfoundland
Marcus Gosse Art –
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1FnRgJ4jff/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Resources to find more Mi’kmaq makers
- Mi’kmawitasik: Mi’kmaw Made™ (NS): A cultural authenticity mark highlighting genuine Mi’kmaw-made products and experiences. Browse featured artisans and hosts.
Directory: https://www.mikmawitasik.ca/ - Mawi’Art: Wabanaki Artist Collective (Atlantic Canada): Indigenous-led collective supporting artists across the region (includes Mi’kmaq artists).
Website: https://www.mawiart.org/
Leave a Reply