An intergenerational source of wisdom and knowledge, Mitji combines a cultural history of Mi'kmaw cuisine with a practical cookbook.

The welcome call of "Mitji" can be heard by Mi'kmaw children, hungry workers, family, and friends when dinner is ready. This book, too, is an invitation to celebrate and practice Mi'kmaq foodways: the recipes passed down from one generation to the next; the way traditional foods and medicines are gathered, hunted, and cooked; and the lived experience of ancestors and Elders about how to nourish the spirit and body through Mi'kmaw culture and knowledge.

Mitji—Let's Eat! Mi'kmaq Recipes from Sikniktuk offers over 30 traditional and popular Mi'kmaq recipes, arranged seasonally—like Fish Cakes and Eel Stew in spring; Blueberry "Poor Man's Cake" and Stuffed Salmon in summer; Swiss Steak with Moose Meat and Apple Pie in fall; and Molasses Cake and Wiusey Petaqn in winter.

Each recipe is contextualized with its origins, contributor information, food stories, and detailed preparation instructions, and throughout the book are short essays on Mi'kmaw cuisine, drawing a picture of how Mi'kmaq foodways were influenced by colonization, on the one hand, and how food became and remains a significant vehicle of resistance, on the other. Whether a novice or well-seasoned cook, Mitji is a feast for the reader: a bountiful introduction to, and celebration of, Mi'kmaw cuisine.

Margaret Augustine was born in Malta and first made a connection with Atlantic Canada when she started her Master's degree in Island Studies at the University of Prince Edward Island, which is where she met her now-husband, Dr. Patrick Augustine, of Elsipogtog First Nation. Margaret has been a community member in Elsipogtog for many years. There, she has taught in the Aotiitj programme, which is destined for youth interested in pursuing higher education at St. Thomas University, and she has spent much time among the Elders in the community learning from their wisdom.

Margaret Augustine's profile page

Dr. Lauren Beck came to the Atlantic region when she was hired as a Professor by Mount Allison University. She researches visual and material culture of the Atlantic world and teaches courses on food and on subjects relating to settler colonialism and decolonization. She is married to Rob LeBlanc (St. Thomas University), who teaches in the Aotiitj programme at Elsipogtog First Nation.

Dr Lauren Beck's profile page

Patricia Bourque is Mi'kmaw First Nation of Lennox Island First Nation, from Epekwitk also known as Prince Edward Island, located in the traditional territory of Mi'kma'ki. Her work is driven by her love and passion for Mi'kmaw traditional cultural events, live music performances, community events, Island life and the beautiful landscapes and characters around her. She sits on the board of directors for The Guild and the East Coast Music Association.
She has exhibited her photography at The Guild, the Confederation of the Arts, and Eptek Art & Culture Centre and is part of public collections on the Island and in the Confederation Centre of the Arts.

Patricia Bourque's profile page