Understanding Kamlamunikk (Heart): A Journey Home ...

• Main Author: Hurley, Erica J
• Format: Text
• Language: unknown
• Published: University of Alberta Library 2023
• Subjects: Mi’kmaq; Mi’kmaw; Newfoundland
• Online Access: https://dx.doi.org/10.7939/r3-vkcx-2817; https://era.library.ualberta.ca/items/2893fc88-c9b4-4ec9-ac26-19c4460f8334

Thump Thump. Swoosh, swoosh. Kamlamunikk. Heart. Mi’kmaq teachings of heart are tied to concepts such as moontime, spirits, ancestors and blood knowledge. Being a Mi’kmaq woman from the west coast of Newfoundland with strong lifelong community connection I was aware that the understanding of heart was multifaceted. Since Indigenous women experience heart illness at a higher rate than non-Indigenous women and Indigenous men, I engaged with community members in discussions about some potential research in this area. Alongside community members it was determined that the research purpose was to explore and discuss what “heart” means to Mi’kmaw women from the west coast of Newfoundland. The goal was to move past Western language that predominantly understands heart as a vital organ that moves blood within a body. The research was grounded in a Mi’kmaq worldview and aligns with a community based participatory research approach. Four women were invited into the research, all which held strong community relations. ...