Kluskap learned that mutual respect of his family and the world around him was a key ingredient for basic survival. Kluskap's task was to pass this knowledge to his fellow Lnu'k/Mi'kmaq, so that they too could survive in the Lnu'k/Mi'kmaq world. This is why Kluskap became a central figure in Lnu'k/Mi'kmaq story telling.
Kluskap is the benevolent culture hero of the Lnu'k, who taught the people the arts of civilization and protected them from danger. Like other Lnu'k names, "Kluskap" has many spelling variants (Gluskabe, Glooscap, etc.) The correct Mi'kmaq/Lnu'k pronounciation is klue-skopp.
Kluskap Trail located on our ancestrial lands is in secluded Loon forest. The walking trail is located on the Benoit First Nation reserve and includes (will include) a sweat lodge, wigwams and lean-to, as well as a gazibo and benches. It skirts scenic St. George's Bay. The trail will have add-ons each year.
Kluskap was said to be both a human being and a spirit. He lived on the earth before there were any Mi'kmaq/Lnu'k.
One day Kluskap arrived with his brother Malsum on an island he called K'taqmkuk. (Today known as Newfoundland.) It was there that Kluskap made the little people. The little people are similar to fairies and are hairy in appearance and known to live among the rocks. Today, it is believed that only children can see them most of the time. Rarely do the little people make themselves known to grownups.
Soon after, these men and women left K'taqmkuk. They spread out, becoming the Lnu'k, Maliseet, Penobscot, and Passamaquoddy peoples. These four Aboriginal peoples are very similar to one another in their customs and language. Kluskap taught them everything they needed to know about how to survive. Trail opened in 2021
Kluskap Walking Trail pictures from the Benoit First Nation.
Lnu'k/Mi'kmaq rules of Protocol
Lnu'k/Mi'kmaq rules of Ethics & Principles
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