Friday, June 21, 2013

Celebrating National Aboriginal Day in Richmond BC

A time of celebration - "amalgaltieg" - we all dance

Even though we were not able to celebrate with the rest of the Mi'kmaw community in Corner Brook, my mom and I did attend an event here in Richmond, BC.


We heard a story teller from the Musqueam Nation and clapped along as we watched the Urban Heiltsuk Dance Group perform traditional songs and dances. Mom had her picture taken with Colleen, one of the dancers.











Thursday, June 20, 2013

Engaging youth with indigenous materials in libraries & classrooms

Incorporating materials that represent Indigenous peoples and cultures

How do we select First Nations resources?

"Assessing and incorporating teaching and learning resources by and about First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples is critical for librarians, educators and parents. This panel will address challenges facing Indigenous and non-Indigenous librarians, educators and parents when drawing upon materials representing Indigenous peoples and cultures."

WNCP Assessing and Validating Materials

BC Aboriginal Education Resources

============

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Descendants of Matthew Mitchell

All my relations...
So, what does an "Indian" name look like anyway? With all the furor about O'Briens and McLennans claiming First Nations ancestry in Newfoundland, I thought I'd take a look at a list of Mattie Mitchell's descendants. I feel a strong sense of pride to see all these names (from Ackerman to Zampi) who are my Mi'kmaq cousins.

"Kwe'. Ni'n-teluisi Gordon Powell, and I am Mi'kmaw"

First Nation school's TV course

We need the kids to tell their story.

"Mustang TV, it answers a lot of our problems," he says. "One, we need something to build a sense of identity. We need the kids to tell their story. Stories that are valuable to them." The show follows a TV news format with two hosts in front of a chroma key green-screen that allows for different backgrounds to be superimposed. There are different segments, including interviews with students, teachers and local celebrities. Episodes are posted on YouTube for viewing by the public, and shown at school assemblies.



=============

BC indigeneous post-secondary institutes in 'dire straits' after funding changes

Removing local oversight

"Federal changes to the Indian Studies Support Program has left 40 First Nations adult learning centres and post-secondary institutes without federal funding for the upcoming 2013/14 school year.

==============

Monday, June 17, 2013

Celebrating Mi’kmaq history

White Point Resort Celebrations

"The Acadia First Nation prepares to mark 10,000 years of Mi'kmaq history. Judy Boutilier tells us about the cultural celebration happening at White Point Resort on June 22 and 23.

============

A Mattie Mitchell Story Trailer on Vimeo

World premiere of a short film about Mattie Mitchell

I am proud to say Mattie is my twice-great grandfather. (My mother's great grandfather)

"The College of the North Atlantic Film and Video program is proud to announce the world premiere of a short film about famous Newfoundland frontiersman Mattie Mitchell.

"The film stars Mattie's own great-grandson, Alonzo Rumbolt, in the title role. The short film chronicles Mitchell's expedition as a hunting guide to Worcester, a down-and-out American reverend. When disaster strikes in the heart of the forest, Worcester's fate falls on Mattie's shoulders.

============