Children Carry the True Spirit of the Season

More than 250 entries were received in Atlantic Canada’s First Nation Help Desk “Christmas Art” contest. Their messages joyfully reflect the spirit of the season and remind us how precious they are and why we must continue to work tirelessly for their future. ~ Wli Nipiala Sutma’tinej ~

Charlene Levi, Grade 6, Metepenagiag School, Red Bank, NB

Danielle Benoit, Grade 8, Miawpukek Ki’kamawey Mawi’omi, Conne River, NFL

Marion Green, Miawpukek Ki’kamawey Mawi’omi, Conne River, NFL

Mi’kmaw People Have High Profile at Commonwealth ConferenceMi’kmaw people of Nova Scotia formed a very important part of the 14th Conference of Commonwealth Education Ministers.  Education ministers and other representatives from 45 countries convened in Halifax November 26-28 to discuss educational issues, challenges and opportunities.

Kji-Saqmaw (Grand Chief) Ben Sylliboy officially opened the event with a greeting from First Nation People.  Next, Keptain Stephen Michael of Indian Brook First Nation performed a smudging ceremony while his daughter Eleanor Michael read beautiful words honouring the four directions, mother earth, and the sky above.  Following Chief Sylliboy and Mr. Michael, other dignitaries including the Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, representatives from the United Nations, the World Bank, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, and the Premier of Nova Scotia, addressed the more than 400 delegates.

Kji-Saqmaw (Grand Chief) Ben Sylliboy officially opened the event with a greeting from First Nation People.  Next, Keptain Stephen Michael of Indian Brook First Nation performed a smudging ceremony while his daughter Eleanor Michael read beautiful words honouring the four directions, mother earth, and the sky above.  Following Chief Sylliboy and Mr. Michael, other dignitaries including the Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, representatives from the United Nations, the World Bank, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, and the Premier of Nova Scotia, addressed the more than 400 delegates.The second part of the inaugural event included entertainment, which began with Alex Poulette’s solitary drum, the heartbeat of Mother Earth.  He also sang their Morningstar original song, “A Little Understanding” which was well received and very meaningful to many of the participants.

Mi’kmaw participation extended well beyond the ceremonial aspects.  Chief Lindsay Marshall, Chair of Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey and Peter Kilabuk, Minister of Education Nunavut led a panel entitled “Aboriginal Education in the Commonwealth.”  Lorraine Smith-Collins of the Nova Scotia Department of Education sat on a panel and provided Native input in another workshop.  Nova Scotia is considered by many to be in the forefront of issues pertaining to aboriginal education and educational self determination.

Chief Marshall explained how Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey is a service provider and educational jurisdiction is held by each First Nation community under the Mi’kmaq Education Act. He stressed the importance of language in education when he stated, “Language is the conduit to the Creator” and also highlighted the importance of having elders pass on their knowledge.

Before the official opening of the conference, Grand Chief Sylliboy shared his views of how important education is to our future.  “Before, it was strong back, weak mind… and we didn’t make much progress until our young people became educated.  It is important to our future that the youth continue to make strides.”

The Commonwealth Conference on Education provided a venue that attracted important leaders of First Nation educational initiatives. Two groups that operate collaboratively under the umbrella of the AFN (Assembly of First Nations) met prior to the conference to work on issues of critical importance to First Nations people. The Chiefs’ Committee on Education (CCOE) is the political body that works on political issues such as funding, policy, and agreements related to educational objectives. Simultaneously the National Indian Education Council (NIEC) provides technical expertise and direction related to education.

L-R Dr. Paulette Tremblay, Ex. Dir. NIEC, Chief Perry Bellegarde, Chair CCOE and Marjorie Gould, NIEC representative from Nova Scotia and Newfoundland

Chief Perry Bellegarde of Saskatchewan who holds the AFN portfolio for education, reported that their two top priorities, post secondary educational and issues related to special needs in education are moving forward, and have reached the Memorandum to Cabinet phase. “Our people are waiting in line for educational opportunities. It must be dealt with now,” he states. “Education also has important social cost implications. If our people are not educated,” he asks, “what are they supposed to do?”.

The grade 5/6 class of the Membertou First Nation Elementary School took top honours in the elementary category of the “Community Profiles” contest sponsored by Atlantic Canada’s First Nation Help Desk.

Each of the twelve students went out into the community, on the internet, and to their elders.  They learned about their history, governance, education, businesses and organizations that are in their community.  They learned about ceremonies that are held in the community and honoured the elders of the community, and expressed their gratitude of having the Sons of Membertou drumming group as a valuable resource.

The http://kinu.ns.ca/~waycobah/waycobah.html web site once again received an award.  Atlantic Canada’s First Nation Help Desk awarded the school first place in the secondary school category of its “Community Profile” contest.

The site has previously won awards including the Microsoft SchoolNet site of the Week and the SchoolNet site of the month.

In recognition of their efforts, both classes won a computer scanner and a pizza party.