Laura Bernard and Kevin Burton, staff members of Atlantic Canada’s First Nation Help Desk, attended a conference in Ottawa with all eight national help desks.  The conference demonstrated new technologies and focussed on Industry Canada plans for the future.  Especially helpful was the ability to meet and learn about several national programs that can be brought to First Nation schools.

Atlantic Canada’s First Nation Help Desk announced two new contests for Native students. September’s contest, “Role Models” asks students to write about a role model who has influenced their lives. October’s contest is a class project called “Community Profiles.” Full details are available on the Help Desk web site firstnationhelp.com or call toll free at 1-877-484-7606.

There was a distinguished guest at the June 2000 Board of Directors meeting in Pictou Landing.  Matthew Coon Come shared his vision of Aboriginal issues and education.  In July he was elected National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations.

Consultants have submitted a draft report of their operational and human resource audit to Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey’s management team.  The process is expected to be finalized and presented to the Board of Directors during the fall of 2000.

The Centre of Excellence opened its doors in the fall of 1997, and is now mid way through its five-year development plan.  Stephanie Inglis, UCCB professor, has been contracted by Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey to conduct the scheduled midpoint evaluation.  Partners for the Centre of Excellence are the Department of Indian Affairs, N.S. Department of Education, Human Resources Development Canada, and Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey.The purpose of the Centre is to provide curriculum support for school programming of Mi’kmaw Language for First Nation and provincial schools in Nova Scotia.  Materials are available at the Centre (Phone 902-379-2825 Fax: 902-379-2886).