As summer comes to an end and we look forward to fall, we are reminded of our deep connection to the land and all it offers. With the change of each season, many of us are carrying on our traditional practices of farming, foraging, hunting, trapping, and fishing—practices that have sustained our ancestors for generations and continue to sustain us today.

For centuries, we have lived in harmony with the land, taking only what we need and giving thanks for the abundance it provides. Our ancestors were among the first entrepreneurs, engaging in trade across our island and the rest of Mi’kma’ki. Yet today, we sometimes face harmful labels like “poaching,” which misunderstand and misrepresent our ways. It is crucial that we stand firm in our identity and educate others about the values that guide our interactions with the land.

Our traditions are not just practices; they are a way of life, passed down through the generations by our elders. They are the keepers of our knowledge, the ones who teach us how to live in harmony with the earth. As we move through this season of change, I encourage all of us to strengthen the connection between our elders and our youth. Let us create opportunities for our young people to learn the traditional ways of knowing and doing. By doing so, we are not just preserving our heritage—we are ensuring that our culture remains vibrant and strong for the next seven generations.

It is up to us to maintain and protect our traditions, to respect the land and all it offers, and to pass on these values to those who will come after us. We must be proactive, not reactive. In doing so, we honor our ancestors and ensure that our way of life endures.