02/01/2026
Apuknajit
A time for giving thanks and requesting continued safe passage until spring.
Traditionally, February is the hardest month for hunting, gathering and surviving. Apuknajit, the second moon in the Mi'kmaw calendar, also known as the "Full Snow Moon" or "Full Hunger Moon," produces the heaviest snowfalls and has been celebrated and honoured by Mi'kmaq for generations.
This tradition usually involves leaving food out as an offering to the winter spirit named "Apuknajit." Most communities leave "Apuknajit" an offering on this night, the eve of February, while others leave an offering out on the 29th of the month. This is based on the fact that traditionally, Mi'kmaw months were only 29 days long, making the 29th of January the eve of the next month.
Mi'kmaw oral traditions and legends describe "Apuknajit" as a Mi'kmuesu, a Mi'kmaw wizard and shapeshifter that can take on the appearance of any animal. This winter offering to animal life is integral to Mi'kmaq, not only as a spiritual offering but also to ensure the survival of the ecosystem.
Apuknajit (ah-boog-na-jit) - Winter spirit
Pjilasi (ip-jill-ahh-see) - Welcome
Ki'kli'kwej (gee-gil-ee-gwech) - Chicken
Tapatat (dub-ah-dut) - Potato
Wisawipuneksit (wis-ah-we-boon-egg-sit) - Carrot
Te'plma's (day-bull-maws) - Cheese
Wius (we-use) - Meat
Wenju'su'n (wen-ju-soon) - Apple
