Vocab to learn the language
Flashcards are a great way to drill spelling and phrases. Use these card sets by Alanna Edwards to brush up on your Mi'kmaw skills.
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Tuesday, June 27, 2017
Wednesday, June 21, 2017
National Aboriginal Day - by any other name...
From now on -
National Indigenous Peoples Day
Happy National Aboriginal Day, Happy Nation Indigenous Peoples' Day, Happy Solstice! Let's hope the name change reflects a deep commitment to making changes in how Indigenous People are welcomed into the heart of Canadian society.
"The semantic shift to "indigenous" — now generally seen as the preferred term to refer to the original inhabitants of Canada — follows the Trudeau government's decision in 2015 to rename the Department of Aboriginal Affairs to Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada."
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Tuesday, June 13, 2017
Learning through an Aboriginal language
The impact on students' English and Aboriginal language skills |
http://journals.sfu.ca/cje/index.php/cje-rce/article/view/824/1112CJE
In 2011, the CJE printed this interesting study on the impact of immersing students in a traditional language rather than adding it as a second language (i.e. vocab, a few phrases, colours, etc.) The authors offer important findings around cultural identity and performance in mainstream language (French or English.)
"Aboriginal communities across Canada are implementing Aboriginal language programs in their schools. In the present research, we explore the impact of learning through an Aboriginal language on students' English and Aboriginal language skills by contrasting a Mi'kmaq language immersion program with a Mi'kmaq as a second language program. The results revealed that students in the immersion program not only had stronger Mi'kmaq language skills compared to students in the second language program, but students within both programs ultimately had the same level of English. Immersion programs can simultaneously revitalize a threatened language and prepare students for success in mainstream society."
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Monday, June 12, 2017
Mi'kmaq apprentices build birchbark canoe
Reclaiming things that may have been forgotten
"The Confederacy of Mainland Mi'kmaq organized the program in partnership with Nova Scotia's Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage."The group of apprentices is working under the guidance of Todd Labrador, a seventh generation canoe builder, learning how to transform spruce roots and birch bark into an elegant 16-foot vessel."Labrador hopes the program will spark new interest in his craft."It's a part of our culture, canoe building and basket making. That's so important, but not enough people are doing it. There's always the fear of losing it," he said.
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Tuesday, May 30, 2017
Nouns - Mi'gmaq
A great read for an L'nu Grammar Wonk!
I love learning about languages and the intricacies of grammar systems. The Mi'kmaw language has concepts that don't exist in English. It makes for fascinating reading!
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Monday, May 15, 2017
Halifax schools could start each day with recognition of Mi'kmaq lands
Statement acknowledging Mi'kmaq lands
to
be read along with announcements 
"The school board's elected Mi'kmaq representative, Jessica Rose, said if a statement is introduced, she hopes it will help Mi'kmaq students feel proud and accepted by their peers."Rose said it's important that the statement be accompanied by appropriate education about Mi'kmaq history. While the curriculum for primary to Grade 6 students does include treaty education, and older students do learn about Mi'kmaq culture and heritage, there's always room for more lessons, Rose said.
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Thursday, April 6, 2017
Fort William First Nation accepts non-Indigenous man as full member
A
ground-breaking demonstration of both kinship
"As other First Nations take legal action to limit their membership and to exclude even fully Indigenous people who marry outsiders, the Fort William First Nation this year accepted four people as members who do not possess Indian status, which is recognition by the federal government that a person is registered under the Indian Act and entitled to the accompanying funding and benefits."
As I read this article, I was struck by the difference between what is happening in Fort William and how things are unfolding for the Qalipu. When First Nations have control over their own membership rolls without interference from the Federal government, they are able to make decisions that benefit their communities rather than divide them. I wonder about the families in Newfoundland who find that some members are not welcome or are excluded despite their ancestral and traditional connections to the people and the land. How terrible to be denied recognition by members of your own Mi'kmaw community.
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Wednesday, February 22, 2017
Teaching About the Mi’kmaq
C
urriculum resources to download
Th
es
e
curriculum resources,
developed by Mi'kmaw educators,
are
available to teachers and the general public via
the MDCC website. (
Supplementary materials can be found here.)
These
resources
were
designed for anyone who teaches Mi'kmaw history, culture and knowledge. Through the stories and knowledge of Mi'kmaw Elders, educators, and other experts, you will find
content and teaching strategies for grades primary to nine.
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Sunday, January 15, 2017
Gathering Song - transcription
A gathering is happening
Wejkwita'jik Ni'kmaqWla tett nike'aMawio'mi weskewa'sikWelta'sualtultimk tett nike' ...
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Friday, December 30, 2016
In Nova Scotia, a Mi’kmaw Model for First Nation Education
A possible model for First Nation education in Canada
"With support from Mi'kmaw Kina'matnewey, an education authority that provides central services, local Mi'kmaw schools deliver language immersion courses, culturally-appropriate teaching pedagogy and other initiatives to promote student success. In 2010-11, Mi'kmaw Kina'matnewey reported a high school student graduation rate of 75 per cent for students in the system, twice the Canadian average. The self-governance arrangement is drawing attention as a possible model for First Nation education in Canada."
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