The month of June traditionally recognizes graduates from educational programs from kindergarten through advanced college degrees.  There are thousands of success stories throughout Nova Scotia including the mother and daughter combination of Josephine Peck and Joanne Alex receiving masters degrees together from Mount Saint Vincent, Tuma Young receiving his law degree from the University of British Columbia, and Chief Lindsay Marshall of Chapel Island receiving his BA degree from UCCB.  Each graduation from one level to another is a milestone, and each will help build a strong foundation for Native people for generations to come.

Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey staff have recently met with educational personnel in member communities to help finalize strategic and operational plans. Communities visited include Acadia, Chapel Island, Eskasoni, Wagmatcook, Waycobah, and Pictou Landing. Plans are being made to meet in August with community education leaders in Annapolis Valley, Membertou, and Indian Brook.  These plans are part of an important process to help plan, prioritize, and focus each community’s education vision, mission, and goals.

At its June meeting, the APC passed three resolutions supporting Atlantic Canada’s First Nation Help Desk. Resolution #10/00 sanctioned the Advisory Committee. Resolution #11/00 lent financial support to the help desk in the amount of $571 per band, or $20,000 in total. Resolution #12/00 endorsed the proposed activity plan.
The chiefs were enthusiastic in their support, and were pleased to support activities to encourage Native youth through the internet. Atlantic Canada’s First Nation Help Desk’s web site is http://firstnationhelp.com. The approved activity plan, along with contest winners and discussion groups, can be viewed on the web site in their entirety.

A meeting was held on June 16 in Eskasoni to continue the process toward preparing for the negotiation of the next generation educational agreement.  The main focus of the meeting was to begin the development of a resource inventory and work plan.  The committee will consult with the Board and will meet again in the fall.

Camp Coordinators would like to thank everyone who supported the Mi’kmaw Science Cultural Camp by purchasing tickets on two 8-pointed star quilts.  We raised $200.00 which will be used to help pay for activities and prizes.  Congratulations to Jonathan Johnson who won the baby quilts.The Mi’kmaw Science Cultural Camp takes place at the Coast Guard College in Sydney.  There are two sessions from July 9-15 and July 16-22.  Students participate in outdoor science activities and hands-on projects in traditional culture.