First annual Mi'kmaq vendor market held in Halifax

This is something I, you know, I thought about for years that we really need to showcase our Indigenous crafters and vendors and we figured like, let’s, let’s try it out, let’s see what happens. And the result drew in crowds. The Ming Ma Child Development Center hosted their first ever Indigenous craft and vendor market. The event featured more than 50 vendors, many flying into Halifax from across the Maritimes. We have vendors that have literally come from. All parts of Nova Scotia. Una Maggie, Cape Breton, PEI, New Brunswick. So it’s really amazing to see everybody come together. To vent, but also to support our community. The event also giving families an opportunity to see their culture celebrated, all while supporting local businesses. Something Jonathan Beetle and Amanda Laurette appreciated coming in from New Glasgow to showcase their clothing business, Big Maggie Strong. These markets could be very helpful to the Indigenous economy. I think there’s, there’s, there needs to be an understanding there is an economy in the in the Indigenous communities and you know, we want to be a part of that. We need to feel not shy and feel that. We are seen and let people hear our voice through our, it’s pretty emotional actually, but to let people see what who we are and a chance to contribute to a good cause. Every year, the MIGMA Child Development Center organizes A powwow trip for their community. The proceeds from the market will cover those costs. For a lot of our families, this is like their big trip that they go on and so they work really hard to make this happen. She says next year’s event is already looking to be bigger, as indicated by Sunday’s turn out and the positive community response. To see friends, family, I get to purchase from local vendors and you know, be able to wear these maybe to work or you know, out with my friends. Honestly, it’s a lot of fun, very nice people and lots of really fun stuff to look at. Vanessa Wright, Global News, Halifax.