Approximately 500 delegates attended the Atlantic Native Teachers’ Education Conference (ANTEC) April 13-14 in Eskasoni. More than forty workshops brought important topics to the forefront. Keynote speaker Darryl Nicholas used traditional stories and images to convey messages of wisdom and strength to our people. Many were inspired and encouraged that the things they felt and believed in their heart have been tested and proven through action in many Native communities.
Major educational book publishers were there to show their materials. Also, there were several displays of new curriculum enrichment resources by groups such as The Centre of Excellence who displayed their new Mi’kmaw language books and Atlantic Canada’s First Nation Help Desk who demonstrated their web site, firstnationhelp.com.

The Conference was sponsored jointly by the Department of Indian Affairs, Nova Scotia Department of Education and Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey.

Strategic Planning has been a major focus of attention. A blueprint of goals and objectives is critical to effective operation. There are many critical junctures expected to be faced in First Nation educational initiatives. All of the member Chiefs were present as the five-year plan was considered, and it was unanimously embraced. The fifteen page plan can be downloaded in its entirety from our web site (WordPerfect version:(strgplan.wpg), Microsoft Word version: (strgplan.doc).The process of planning must also involve each community looking at its goals, objectives, governance, and resources. When requested, Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey will be available to assist communities by holding information sessions or facilitating planning sessions.

Planning for Negotiating the Next Generation Education Agreement is well under way. The Board has worked to select a negotiating team and lead negotiators. Training and planning sessions, including mock negotiations, will begin this month under the guidance of experts from St. Mary’s University.

On April 25th the Implementation Plan Monitoring Working Group met in Halifax. The agenda included consideration of the Capital Crisis Paper and the school operation and maintenance proposal as it relates to several Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey member First Nations.

The Capital Committee has been meeting monthly to plan for educational facility requirements in communities. How technology can be integrated into schools, whether there will be cafeterias, work areas, and learning support centres all interact with capital concerns. Currently INAC (Indian and Northern Affairs Canada) standards provide 736 sq. ft. per classroom vs. provincial standards of 950 square feet.It is important to make sure that appropriate funding is available as new facilities are needed. Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey commissioned professional engineers to inspect First Nation schools to assess current conditions and short and long term requirements regarding existing facilities. The Board has seen the school facilities site reports and will continue to monitor this important area of activity closely.