Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey celebrated its annual Christmas Party at the Citadel Inn, Halifax.  After the MK Board of Directors meeting, the MK staff and Chiefs were invited to a Buffet supper prepared by the Hotel Restaurant.  This was a relaxing way to begin the Christmas rush.  All staff members of MK and First Nation Help Desk were invited as well as the Board of Directors.  There was no gift exchange this year instead the staffs were presented with an MK gift.  Perhaps this tradition will continue.  We wish all a happy and prosperous new year ( Pusu’l Punane’).

This is a view from the Track at The Eskasoni Middle School which became a temporary parking lot for those attending the Eskasoni Christmas concert on Dec. 21, 2004.  An estimated 500 parents showed up to watch the Kindergartens to grade 3’s perform.

It was packed in the Gymnasium; as family and friends were treated to approximately 350 young performers.  There were cameras flashing and video cameras galore, as these youngsters all overcame their fears and went up on the stage.  As each group of two classes went up you could hear parents yelling “Here I am Baby!!”  The teachers are to be commended for the wonderful job of preparing the kids for this event and keeping everything under control. The concert lasted for about      1 & 1/2 hrs, with a standing ovation after each performance.  In the end everyone left smiling, looking forward to the coming Christmas Holiday and a return to classes in two weeks.

Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey is presently negotiating a new Funding Agreement with the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs (DIAND).  It is the second five year Agreement for this Organization.  The MK Agreement is the first Sectorial Self-Government Agreement in Education in Canada for the First Nations.  Some of the issues that are being discussed for inclusion in this new Agreement is funding for the construction of two new schools to be built in We’koqma’q First Nation and Indian Brook First Nation.  Increased Governance funding and an annual increase for volume.  It is the hope of MK that the Agreement will be signed by March 31, 2005.

On January 12, 2005 we had our monthly education meeting.  Pictured here are the Cape Breton Education Director’s and Principal, John Googoo.  This month’s meeting was held at the Chapel Island First Nation Community Hall.  We all enjoyed a delicious dinner cooked by Carol Marshall.  Next month’s meeting is scheduled to take place at the Pictou Landing First Nation.