Dec 1, 2014 - vehicle to deliver a program that would benefit us all as a. Mi'kmaw ... To register, please e-mail or cal
Na’teliaq November 2014
Planning For The Future MK Hosts Community Forum
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On November 6th and 7th, Chiefs, education directors, parents, elders, and students from Mi’kmaw communities across the province came together in Paqtnkek with the staff of Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey to reflect on the successes and direction of Mi’kmaq education in Nova Scotia. On day one, MK goals were reviewed and success stories were shared. One of these accomplishments included the introduction of the brand new Mi’kmaq language apps, which are available for
download.
Another story was on the success of the Red Road Project. Two motivated project leaders spoke about their role in encouraging the youth of Mi’kma’ki to celebrate Mi’kmaw culture while remaining drug free. Levi Marshall, project leader, also told the group that “If anyone needs a friend, the Red Road project leader is there for them!”. It was very inspiring to see such confident youth who are working hard to make a difference in our communities! Conversation then commenced on the elements that make community engagement successful. The majority of the discussions revolved around the importance of networking, sharing, and ensuring all voices are heard, especially the voice of the youth. A student from Paqtnkek explained that “the more youth are engaged in different programs, the less likely they are to become involved in drugs and alcohol”. The main focus on day two of the forum was the importance of the preservation of the Mi’kmaq language. Ideas were shared about how to encourage people to use it more often in schools, community buildings and offices, and even at home. Some suggestions included using technology to facilitate language classes and the possibility of a language immersion camp for all ages.
“There is more to MK than the schools. They could be the vehicle to deliver a program that would benefit us all as a Mi’kmaw Nation.” - Chief Deborah Robinson, Acadia First Nation 2
Remembrance Day at Membertou School
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Attention Grade 11 & 12 students! Apply to win a $5,000 AFOA scholarship package! The 9th Annual AFOA-PotashCorp Aboriginal Youth Financial Management Awards are open to Aboriginal youth in grades 11 and 12 across Canada. 3 Winners will be selected to travel to Winnipeg, MB for 4 days to attend the AFOA Canada National Conference on February 17-19, 2015 and to participate in a special Youth program designed to introduce them to careers in Aboriginal finance and management. In addition, winners are eligible to receive a 5 year scholarship package valued at over $5000. Eligibility Criteria • Aboriginal Ancestry (Proof of First Nation, Inuit or Métis status) • Pursuing post-secondary education and demonstrates an interest and is considering a career in the areas of finance and/or management/commerce (including financial management/planning, business administration, commerce, accounting and economics) • Completed Application Form and submit an essay • 2 letters of recommendation from a teacher, guidance counsellor or educator, attesting to the student's performance and commitment • Academically successful • Students in Grades 11 and/or 12 may apply (maximum age 19) How to Apply There are 3 ways to submit your application form and letters of recommendation. • Email:
[email protected] • Fax: (613)-722-3467 • Mail: AFOA Canada Youth Awards Program Suite 301-1066 Somerset St. WestOttawa, ON K1Y 4T3 DEADLINE IS DECEMBER 1, 2014 at 9PM EST For more details on this award and the application process, please read the Fact sheet, visit the AFOA website, call 1-866-722-2362 or email
[email protected]. 4
At The Top Of Their Game 2014 Sports Summit Athletes, coaches and community representatives from the 13 Mi’kmaq communities in Nova Scotia congregated in Dartmouth on November 13,14 and 15 for the 8th Annual Nova Scotia Aboriginal Sports Summit. Participants took part in several skills development and training sessions including a strength training module and a lively game of Lacrosse. Classroom sessions on various other sports such as Football, Soccer and Snowboarding were also offered. Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey hosted the Summit’s Awards Banquet Saturday evening at the Park Place Ramada. The banquet opened with a welcoming address by Aaron Nutting, Director of Sport with the N.S. Department of Health and Wellness. He spoke of the success of the large delegation of athletes who attended NAIG and how their “Team Spirit and Pride was second to none”. The banquet’s keynote speaker, Kji Keptin Antle Denny entertained the crowd with some personal stories of being a young ball player in his home community of Eskasoni. He reminisced about the dreams of his childhood and the friendships made through sport. He concluded his speech with the important message that we have to let our youth know that we are behind them and events such as this, which celebrate their successes, show them how much we support their dreams. Tasha Mackenzie of Shubenacadie was awarded Female Athlete of the Year for her achievements in the sport of rugby. Levi Denny Jr was recognized as Male Athlete of the Year for his dedication and success in hockey, fastball, volleyball, soccer, and track and field, as well as keeping a high academic average. In the coaching category, Christina Dykstra and John Denny Sylliboy were named Female and Male Coaches of the Year. Individual communities also had the opportunity to honour their athletes with special awards. Millbrook recognized Sophie Bernard and Hailey Julian as their Female Athletes, and Cal Gloade as their Male Athlete of the year. They also presented a Lifetime Achievement in Sport Development Award to Jim Hepworth. Jesse Meuse from Bear River was acknowledged for his dedication to sport, and from Paqtnkek, Kelsey Paul and Andre Julian were awarded Female and Male Athletes of the Year for their community. 5
DECEMBER
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iPad Mini for each school that participates!
CHRISTMAS CONCERT VIDEOCONFERENCE! WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2014 - 10:00 AM AST
Presented by: FN Help Desk & MK We are looking for schools to perform in our Christmas Concert! The videoconference is open to all First Nation schools in Atlantic Canada. To register, please e-mail or call Faye at the First Nation Help Desk,
[email protected] - (902) 567-0842, ext. 5505 THE CHRISTMAS SONG OF YOUR CHOICE WOULD PREFERABLY BE SUNG IN YOUR NATIVE LANGUAGE.
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2nd Annual Nova Scotia Aboriginal Youth Skilled Trades Fair On November 17, 18 and 19, Mi’kmaw youth from all across Nova Scotia attended the second annual Nova Scotia Aboriginal Youth Skilled Trades Fair at the Comfort Inn in Halifax. Over three days, students explored skilled trades and learned about their apprenticeship processes, funding, education and training opportunities. Students were separated into two groups with each group spending a day exploring the experiential skilled trades booths and a day taking their First Aid Certification. At the trades booths students spoke one-on-one with skilled tradespeople working in their respective fields. They learned about a typical workday on-the-job, and the necessary education and work experience required to build a career. Robert Labradore, a student from Glooscap First Nation, said he couldn’t wait to recommend this training opportunity to students in his community.
“I’d tell them that if they want to make a difference in their career – do it! If you think you can’t do anything with your life without your grade 12, you’re wrong. This is another option to start a career.” Donnie Richards, a teacher and chaperone from TEC in Eskasoni, was very impressed with the experience. “The kids had a great opportunity by coming here. They get to experience the trades first hand. It’s an experience they can’t get from reading about in a book.” The event was made possible with the help of ENCANA, the Nova Scotia Assembly of Chiefs, Nova Scotia Department of Education, Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre, Native Council of Nova Scotia, Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq, Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey and its schools, Mi’kmaq Project for Innovation and Collaboration, and Mi’kmaw Economic Benefits Office of Nova Scotia.
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Trades Fair Snapshots
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Nova Scotia Music Week Winners Our schools have had an astounding year in music! Earlier this year we saw Potlotek and Eskasoni’s receive Band Aid Grants from MusiCounts and APTN in the amount of $10,000 each for their music programs. Our schools rounded out the year on another musical high note with an award! On November 9, Angelo Spinazzola and the First Nation Songwriting Sessions by Eskasoni students won Aboriginal Artist of the Year at the 2014 Nova Scotia Music Awards. Download the songwriting sessions here on iTunes!
Upcoming Events ABMHS Role Model Ceremony Tuesday, December 2, 1 p.m. at Chief Allison Bernard Memorial High School Contact
[email protected]
Help Desk Christmas Concert Videoconference Wednesday, December 17 at 10 a.m. Contact
[email protected] to register your school
Have an event or story idea you’d like to see in the December newsletter? Contact Meghan at
[email protected] or 567-0336 ext.227 9
