![](/web/20070404233344im_/http://www.cci-icc.gc.ca/images/spacer.gif) On June 2, 2000, the Queen Elizabeth II Library of Memorial University
of Newfoundland (in St. John's, NF) was privileged to host a celebration
for the return of a priceless Mi'kmaq prayer and hymn book.3
Written in a hieroglyphic script unique to the Mi'kmaq, prayer
books such as this one had helped to preserve the Roman Catholic
faith of the Mi'kmaq during the centuries when they were deprived
of the regular attendance of priests. Very few early examples still
exist.
The evening's celebration featured presentations by paper conservator
David Hanington (of CCI) and the book's owner Saqamaw Misel Joe
(of the Miawpukek First Nation, Conne River). During introductory
remarks, Memorial University Librarian Richard Ellis noted how the
prayer book must have represented something different to each of
the individuals who had handled it.
Mr. Hanington's presentation exemplified this. He related how treatment
options had been broadened when Helen Sylliboy (an expert on Mi'kmaq
hieroglyphics from Eskasoni, NS) impressed on him her awe of the
book's spiritual significance, and suggested an option of 'no
treatment'. The Miawpukek Band was subsequently consulted and, although
they shared some of Ms. Sylliboy's misgivings, opted for full conservation
treatment. The balance of Mr. Hanington's lecture included slides
illustrating the actual treatment, and brought home to the rapt
audience the extraordinary degree of technical expertise that had
been required to restore the prayer book. Only recently in a sadly
deteriorated condition, it was now an object of beauty.
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Saqamaw Joe spoke of the significance of the prayer book to the
Mi'kmaq people. He pointed out that the hieroglyphic script in which
it is written harks back to a time when the traditional ways of
the Mi'kmaq were still vital. As they struggle to revive these customs,
it represents an important link to a way of life that has all but
vanished. For generations the book itself has been regarded as an
object imbued with spiritual power that could be called upon to
cure sickness or ward off evil.
Saqamaw Joe ended his address by reciting a prayer to the Great
Spirit in Mi'kmaq, and then presented Mr. Hanington with a stone
arrowhead letter opener. This was followed by a stirring impromptu
solo rendition of the Honour Song of the Mi'kmaq by musician Paul
Pike, accompanying himself on a hide drum. The proceedings closed
with a reception at which the prayer book was displayed for the
last time before its departure for Conne River the following day.
At Conne River, Mr. Hanington made a presentation to an audience
of school children, teachers, community members, and Band councillors
at St. Ann's all-grade school. The entire school body were in awe
as they viewed the restored book.
The prayer book is now in the care of Saqamaw Joe. Until the construction
of a reserve museum, it will be publicly displayed at Conne River
within the Band's administrative building.
- Martin Howley is Humanities Librarian at Memorial University
of Newfoundland.
- Gerald Penney is a consulting archaeologist with a 20-year involvement
with the Miawpukek Band. He can be reached at:
Gerald Penney
Rare Books and Maps of Newfoundland & Labrador
P.O. Box 428
St. John's NF A1C 5K4
tel.: (709) 739-7227
fax: (709) 739-7277
e-mail: gpaltd@nlnet.nf.ca
- The prayer book had been at CCI in Ottawa for extensive conservation
and restoration; see CCI Newsletter No. 25 (May 2000),
pp. 13, for a more complete account of this treatment.
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