For over 13,000 years, the Mi’kmaq have lived in and cared for the land known as Mi’kma’ki—a vast territory that includes present-day Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, eastern New Brunswick, parts of Newfoundland, the Gaspé region of Quebec, and portions of northeastern Maine.
Unama’ki, one of the seven traditional districts of Mi’kma’ki, encompasses all of Cape Breton Island. Within Unama’ki are five Mi’kmaq communities: We’koqma’q, Wagmatcook, Membertou, Eskasoni, and Potlotek. Mi’kmaw culture, language, stories, music, and art are deeply rooted in a sacred relationship with the land, waters, and all living beings.
WE’KOQMA’Q
Nestled along the Bras d’Or Lake and at the base of Skye Mountain, We’koqma’q is located in the heart of Unama’ki. The community is renowned for its skilled basket makers, with a rich tradition of basket weaving passed down through generations.
What to Do
Explore the Sky River Trail, a scenic 1.5 km path that winds through the forest alongside the Skye River. In the summer months, cultural interpreters are stationed along the trail to welcome visitors, share stories, and offer demonstrations such as smudging and sweetgrass braiding.
WAGMATCOOK
Wagmatcook is the oldest permanent Mi’kmaq settlement in Nova Scotia, located along the Bras d’Or Lake and the edge of the Cape Breton Highlands.
What to Do
Visit the Wagmatcook Culture and Heritage Centre to experience dreamcatcher-making workshops and cultural performances. Don’t miss the gift shop, where you’ll find a wide selection of locally made Indigenous crafts and artwork.
Enjoy a meal at CleanWave Restaurant, home to the award-winning Kluskap Seafood Chowder. The menu blends traditional and contemporary Indigenous flavours in a memorable culinary experience.
MEMBERTOU
Membertou is a vibrant urban Mi’kmaq community located just 3 km from downtown Sydney.
What to Do
Visit Membertou Heritage Park, a five-acre site that brings the community’s history to life. Explore the indoor museum exhibit featuring Mi’kmaq artifacts, or take a guided tour to learn about Membertou’s heritage through interactive storytelling and hands-on experiences.
Join a guided Mi’kmaq Medicine Walk along the Greenlink Trail, where you’ll learn about traditional medicines and practices. The walk ends with a dreamcatcher-making workshop, paired with blueberry tea and fresh Luskinikn bread.
Dine at Kiju’s, where the Mi’kmaq-inspired menu includes dishes like fry bread, elk striploin, and baked brie with berries. The name “Kiju,” meaning “mother” in Mi’kmaq, honours the traditional role of women as firekeepers and caretakers.
Read More: Guide to Membertou First Nation
ESKASONI
Located on the eastern shores of the Bras d’Or Lake, Eskasoni is the largest Mi’kmaq community in the world and home to the highest concentration of Mi’kmaq speakers.
What to Do
Take part in Eskasoni Cultural Journeys, a 2.4 km trail experience on Goat Island—a part of the Bras d’Or Lake UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Guided by Mi’kmaq cultural interpreters, visitors are led through a series of cultural village sites, where they can learn, listen, and take part in traditional teachings and activities.
POTLOTEK
Potlotek is located along the southern shore of the Bras d’Or Lake, approximately 60 km southwest of Sydney. It is a place of deep spiritual and cultural importance for the Mi’kmaq people.
What to Do
Visit Chapel Island National Historic Site, a sacred gathering place for the Mi’kmaq for centuries. It is also home to the annual St. Anne’s Mission, the longest continuous mission in Canada—possibly in all of North America—where generations gather for ceremony, healing, and community.
Other Experiences
Located within the Kluskap Wilderness Area—a protected landscape co-managed by the Mi’kmaq and the Nova Scotia government—this trail leads to a beach in Cape Dauphin. There, you’ll find a cave believed to be the dwelling place of Kluskap, the great Wabanaki culture-hero who is said to have shaped much of the region’s natural landscape.
Each of the five Mi’kmaq communities in Unama’ki hosts an annual mawio’mi or powwow. These gatherings are open to all and feature traditional songs, dances, local artisans, and foods like Indian tacos. For upcoming dates, visit the Atlantic Powwow List on Facebook.
Explore the Mi’kmaq Interpretive Centre and discover the vital role the Mi’kmaq played in supporting the French settlers and military during both sieges of the fortress through guidance, knowledge sharing, and alliance.
This living history museum celebrates Nova Scotia’s Gaelic culture and stories. With the guidance of L’nu Interpretative Lead John Syilliboy, visitors can also learn about the Mi’kmaq experience—before, during, and after European contact.
Closing Thoughts
Unama’ki is more than a destination—it is a living, breathing homeland where Mi’kmaw culture, language, and traditions continue to thrive. Whether you’re walking ancient trails, listening to stories passed down through generations, or sharing a meal rooted in tradition, Indigenous tourism in Unama’ki offers visitors a meaningful way to connect with the land and its people. As you explore these communities, remember: you are not just a guest—you are entering a space of deep cultural significance. Come with curiosity, humility, and respect, and leave with a deeper understanding of the Mi’kmaq, the original people of this land.
Echoes of Ethan 
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