Metepenagiag Mi’kmaq Nation in New Brunswick may soon hear more rhythmic tapping after community members attended a workshop on how to make a ji’kmaqn, a traditional Mi’kmaw instrument. 

A ji’kmaqn is an instrument made out of black ash wood and is played by tapping it against one’s hand or knee. 

George Paul, 69, is an elder and musician and taught the five attendees about making the wooden instrument. He said he was just tickled to see young people interested in their culture because for too long it was stigmatized to embrace Mi’kmaw culture. 

“It makes me feel really good that they’re interested and being involved in it,” said Paul. Full story here.