A group of teachers from England met with MK on February 14, 2005 to learn about the educational needs of our Mi’kmaw students who are attending provincial schools and how do we strive to meet those needs.  In England, all secondary students and approximately 75% if the primary schools have some ethnic pupils from multiple cultural backgrounds.  As such, the students and the teaching staff in those schools are faced with cultural challenges which are similar to those faced in our provincial education system.  Some of the topics discussed were racism, programming for teaching language and culture, parental involvement, and student data information systems.  The group of teachers demonstrated keen interests in the MK initiatives and were looking forward to visit some of the schools in First Nation Communities.

Lauretta J. Welsh,

Director, Finance and Planning

Kate’kemk (eel fishing) is a long time tradition in most Mi’kmaq communities.  This has been a very good year for Kate’kemk and to live along the shores of the Bras d’or Lakes is and added bonus.  Young and old can be found on the frozen lake in the winter, fishing for eels.  A hole is cut in the ice and the ground under the ice is speared because in the winter the eels hibernate in the mud at the bottom of the lake.  The eels are then cleaned and then prepared for cooking.  The larger ones are baked and the smaller ones are boiled in a stew.  Many elders believe that after feasting on eels we are ready for a nap.  In the Mi’kmaw language the work kate’kemk is the verb, eel fishing.  The word katew is the singular form of eel and kataq is the plural, eels.  Those who intend to fish for eels on the ice should remember that there are safety rules that must be followed.  Most important, Do not go on the ice if it is too thin!  Safety first!  Here are some pictures of the young and old fishing on the Bras d’or Lake near Eskasoni.

Eleanor Bernard

Executive Director, MK

At one of our community events, a group of young people were entertaining the Elders and community members with some traditional drumming and singing.  After they had completed their songs, one young man stepped forward and asked if he could share something with everyone.  He proceeded to say when he was playing his drum, the lights inside the building reflected several shadows of his beater on the drum.  The young man felt it was the Ancestors helping him and giving him the strength to play and sing these ancient songs.  We have to understand that in our culture education comes in many forms.

Sincerely,

Chief Meuse

Grade 3 students from the Membertou Elementary School and some grade 7 students from Sherwood Park Jr. High School helped Nick Ward create this wonderful Dream Catcher for the Grand Opening of the Membertou Trade and Convention Center.  The children enjoyed this project and have recorded the whole process.  These students should be very proud of themselves.  The school is an excellent place to lean about one’s culture.

Claire Gloade

First Nation Students from UCCB put on a special performance for the elementary students from Membertou and Eskasoni.  The event was held in the multipurpose room at the Trade Center.  Students had the pleasure of listening and watching a puppet show and learned how to make puppets of their own.  There were also booths set up the students to learn more about the environment.  The show was well enjoyed by all who attended.

Claire Gloade