Literacy is a social concept more reflective of culture and context than of formal instruction and can be used for cultural transmission within a society or for cultural imperialism when imposed from outside. The Algonquian-speaking Micmac Indians used pictographs, petroglyphs, notched sticks, and wampum as written communication to serve early social, political, cultural, and spiritual needs. Roman Catholic missionaries adapted the aboriginal symbols and developed hieroglyphs to teach prayers. These modified hieroglyphs remain the essence of Micmac literacy although four Roman scripts were developed by European missionaries and the Canadian government to promote cultural assimilation. Micmac language research to develop culturally responsive educational materials during the 1970's led to debate about choice of writing script and the subsequent development of a new script and extensive modifications of traditional scripts. Although the value of literacy has been recognized by the Micmac Tribe for over 300 years, the varieties of scripts imposed by outside cultures has impeded production of bicultural educational materials. (LFL)