Return of the Mi’k-Mack!
DJ Adam Edward makes a comeback, plus a little lesson on ‘snow blinding month’
Taliaq, nitaptuk!
I’m not sure about you, but I cannot believe that it’s already February 2019! Hopefully all this fast time means that summer will arrive much sooner.
Speaking of February, the Mi’kmaw term for the month is Apuknajit. Translated literally, it means “snow blinding month.” That said, chances are we’ll see some more storms before the warmer weather returns.
Apuknajit is also the name of the “winter spirit” who once battled Kluskap (or Glooscap) over control of the season. The legend goes that one of the two spirits issued a challenge to the other, and Apuknajit was able to overpower Kluskap and win the contest.
And that’s how we got winter, or kesik. In some legends, Apuknajit is a wizard or magician, not necessarily a spirit.
For us modern Mi’kmaq, the term Apuknajit is applied to a feast, or offering, that takes place every Jan. 31. On the eve of February, we may leave some food out for the winter spirit as an offering. It is said that Apuknajit can take the form of any animal, from a large mammal or bird, to even the tiniest of creatures.
At the Gould home, Apuknajit came (again) in the form of a dog overnight on that cold Thursday evening. Sometimes we even refer to Apuknajit as “Mickey.”
Some leftovers were left, so Apuknajit returned the following nights as a small party of black cats. I also noticed many pairs of little bird footprints, so this year the spirit came in a variety of forms.
Last weekend was also the grand opening of Lanes at Membertou, and I’m sure you all saw the coverage in a previous issue of the Cape Breton Post. The festivities carried on throughout the weekend, starting on Apuknajit Eve and closing out on Super Bowl Sunday.
On Saturday night, Feb. 2, a community icon returned from a 10-year hiatus to share his love of music with everyone.
Just kidding. It was actually me, under my DJ alias, Adam Edward, who provided songs and swing as bowlers rolled spares and strikes.
When I moved to Halifax in 2003, I learned the art of the turntable DJ from some of the best. I was fortunate to receive guidance from local renegades such as Sonny D, Jason Hart, Michel Deveau, and my mentor Justin (Gogan) Time.
My first breakthrough performance wouldn’t be until August 2005, playing the final set of the morning (yes, morning) of an all-night event. Usually the final set of any show is reserved for the headliners or veterans, but the rookie got the nod instead. I would continue to play for several more years before relocating to Truro to begin my career.
I would play my last live gig in 2009. While the artform remained in my heart, my time became devoted to finishing school, focusing on a career, and raising my furkids. I believe that this is what the young people refer to as “adulting.”
Weeks ago, my BFF Marcella approached me about being part of the grand opening of Lanes at Membertou. How could anyone say “no?”
Now I’m back. Yes, there was something in the air that night, the stars were bright, Fernando.
I would like to thank the amazing folks at Lanes at Membertou, especially Marcella, Joanne, and Brittany Erickson (Leif) for inviting me to partake in the festivities.
Tune into MemberNews next month to find out who was named Membertou’s Citizen of the Year for 2018!
Until then, my friends, n’multes. Take care and stay warm this month of Apuknajit.
Adam Gould is a lifelong Membertou resident and the community’s official #KjiPaprazzi. Recently he ended a decadelong hiatus from the DJ world after making a highly anticipated return during the grand opening of Lanes at Membertou. Keeping with Mi’kmaw traditions, Adam and family also made an offering to the winter spirit, Apuknajit, on January 31. Send email at anytime to adamegould@gmail.com, or follow him on Instagram at Kji_Paprazzi.