Skip to content

Mi’kmaq Translation Services

Mi’kmaq (Míkmawísimk) (alternatively spelled Micmac, Migmaw or Mikmaw, Miikmaq, Mikmaq, Mi’gmaq, Migmaq, Miigmaq, or Migmac.) is an Indigenous language spoken in eastern Canada and the northeastern United States, with territory concentrated in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, but also in parts of Newfoundland, Quebec and Maine. This traditional territory is known as Mi’gma’gi (Mi’kma’ki). The Mi’kmaq population is approximately 20,000, with their original term for themselves being Lnu’k (or L’nu’k), “the people.” Mi’kmaq is among the Wabanaki cluster of Eastern Algonquian languages, which include the various Abenaki dialects, and the Penobscot and Maliseet-Passamaquoddy languages. Mi’kmaq comes from a word in their language meaning “my friends”, which is now the preferred tribal name. Several English words are borrowed from the Mi’kmaq language, including “caribou” and “toboggan”.

Mi’kmaq Orthographies

The language consists of many varying orthographies, meaning spelling systems of the language. The one most commonly used, is the Francis-Smith Orthography, utilized in Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island and parts of New Brunswick. The Listuguj Orthography is used in Quebec, more specifically along the southwestern shore of the Gaspe Peninsula where the Listuguj dialect is most commonly spoken. Pacifique Orthography is less common, however it can be found in New Brunswick.

English to Mi’kmaq and Mi’kmaq to English Translation Services.

Professional translators whose native language is Mi’kmaq perform our English to Mi’kmaq translation and Mi’kmaq to English translation. Our experienced translators have an in-depth understanding of the Mi’kmaq language including its spelling, grammar, and cultural appropriateness.

Why Choose wintranslation for your document translation needs?

  • Fully Insured By Lloyds Bank
  • Multi-Step Quality Control
  • We Only Use Vetted & Fluent Translators
  • 19+ Years Providing Translation Services

This is the most commonly used dialect, used by the Mi’kmaq Grand Council and spoken in Nova Scotia

First nations and communities where the Mi’kmaq dialect is commonly spoken (grouped by provinces):

Prince Edward Island: 

  • Abegweit First Nation
  • Lennox Island First Nation

Nova Scotia:

  • Acadia First Nation
  • Annapolis Valley First Nation
  • Bear River First Nation
  • Eskasoni First Nation
  • Glooscap First Nation
  • Membertou First Nation
  • Millbrook First Nation
  • Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw First Nation
  • Pictou Landing First Nation
  • Potlotek First Nation
  • Sipekne’katik First Nation
  • Wagmatcook First Nation
  • We’koqma’q First Nation

New Brunswick:

  • Buctouche MicMac First Nation
  • Burnt Church First Nation
  • Eel Ground First Nation
  • Eel River Bar First Nation
  • Elsipogtog First Nation
  • Fort Folly First Nation
  • Indian Island First Nation
  • Pabineau First Nation
  • Red Bank First Nation

Newfoundland and Labrador:

  • Miawpukek First Nation
  • Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation

Listuguj (also known as Restigouche), is the dialect spoken by the Mi’kmaq people of Quebec by the Gaspe Peninsula.

Communities where the Listuguj dialect is commonly spoken:

Quebec: 

  • Nation Micmac de Gespeg
  • Micmacs of Gesgapegiag
  • Listuguj Mi’gmaq First Nation

We (The Indigenous Theatre at the National Arts Centre) required short translations in a variety of dialects: Algonquin, Michif, Plains Cree, Woods Cree and Halq’eméylem. Wintranslation helped us find the best match from their available translators and overall had all of the dialects we needed. They were competent, friendly, and helped us meet our tight deadlines efficiently.

Amy Ede
Indigenous Theatre at the National Arts Centre

Je continue d’être impressionnée par la qualité et la flexibilité du service fourni par wintranslation. Les textes rendus sont toujours impeccables et les commentaires des réviseurs toujours à propos. J’apprécie beaucoup de pouvoir compter sur cet atout pour les projets que notre petite équipe ne peut traiter seule.

Géraldine Green
Centraide Ottawa

I valued the kindness and consideration given to us. While always being professional, we were treated like people, not clients. When we got a reply, wintranslation remembered that we had had a past contract with them. I really appreciated that they remembered our organization and this gave me confidence in their respectful engagement. We created a reconciliation toolkit for business leaders and wanted to make sure that everyone had access to it. Wintranslation really helped us out.

Our organization needed several materials translated into Atikamekw and Naskapi to promote rail safety in Indigenous communities. Wintranslation responded to our request and provided us with an accurate quote and estimated turnaround time — which was surprisingly quick. Although our materials were designed in-house, the wintranslation team was happy to review all final designs to ensure there were no errors, and the layout was correct. We will definitely do business with them again for future projects.

I approached wintranslation because I needed a series of Educational Posters translated into Swampy Cree to facilitate a broader reach to our Indigenous audience. Wintranslation made the process easy even when I was unable to communicate regularly. I really appreciated their quick turn around times (faster than quoted) and their patience with my questions about the translation (not having any background with the language). The end result are some fabulous resources that will be shared with kids and adults alike, with more to come!

Vanessa Lee
Mining Matters

I had a great experience working with wintranslation. I called first to get an idea of what specific Indigenous dialect I would need translation into based on my program’s region and they were very helpful. I received a quick response back on my request for a quote and prompt and polite service throughout the entire interaction. In addition, receipt of my e-mail was acknowledged in a timely manner even though my consultant was out of the office for the afternoon which helped to put my mind at ease.

Rebekah Wilson
Federation of Canadian Municipalities

Thank you so much, I am extremely pleased with how fast this was turned around and the service provided.

Cheryl Lesperance
Premier Gold Mines Limited
Abo-peoples-logoFederation Of Canadian MunicipalitiesPremier Gold Mines Ltd

Summary of Qualifications for wintranslation's Mi'kmaq Translators

Barbara S.

  • Over 15 years of experience developing and teaching in English and Mi’kmaq ciriculum, including materials from elementary to post-secondary levels
  • Worked on many Mi’kmaq into English translation projects for the Canadian Government and the United Nations
  • Holds two diplomas in education fields from University of Cape Breton in Sydney, Nova Scotia

 Helen S.

  • Has over 20 years experience in handling English into Mi’kmaq translation, including books and other publications
  • Earned two University degrees in the education field from the University of New Brunswick and St Francis Xavier University
  • Developed Mi’kmaq language course materials for the Eskasoni School Board

Choose wintranslation

An award-winning translation service provider based in North America, wintranslation has a fifteen year track record in managing complex multimedia and large-scale projects on time and on budget. Our company specializes in the translation of Canada’s aboriginal languages including Innu-aimun, Michif, Inuinnaqtun, and Ojibwe. Please see our languages page for a full list of languages.

WE WOULD LOVE TO HELP WITH YOUR NEXT MI’KMAQ PROJECT
CONTACT US FOR A FREE QUOTE

Related Services

Ojibwe Translation Services

Ojibwe (alternatively spelled Ojibwa or Ojibway) is an Indigenous language spoken in the southern parts of Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan…

North Slavey Translation Services

North Slavey is a language spoken among the Slavey First Nations of Canada located in the Northwest Territories in Canada,…

Gitxsan Translation Services

Gitxsan (alternatively spelled Gitksan or Gitxsanimaax) is an Aboriginal language spoken by the Gitxsan First Nations tribe of northwestern British Columbia. It is part of…

Back To Top