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June 2019

ESK students visit Kejimkujik

Na’teliaq

We know that learning doesn’t always have to mean sitting down and using a paper and pen. Some of the lessons we remember most have nothing to do with typical classrooms whatsoever. This month, students from ESK spent the weekend at Kejimkujik and they came away with a learning experience like nothing they could learn inside a classroom. During the weekend of June 14-16, the grade 4 class took a 5 hour bus ride to get to a beautiful little place called Mersey River Chalets. They set up camp in modular tents that had 10 cots each and began to explore the beautiful area. There was a cookhouse where all of their meals were prepared, and canoeing and kayaking on site.

On Saturday the group spent the day at Kejimkujik, where they explored the petroglyphs, took out some canoes, and visited Todd Labrador as he was working on a new birchbark canoe. They ended the day with a refreshing swim at the park. They spent the evening learning how to build fires using flint and how to make shelters using tarps. “Taking my kids to Keji was like taking kids home. This place is home. The feeling you have when entering the area feels right - the smells, the sounds, and the sights,” said Calvin Stevens, teacher.  “We have forgotten how to play and function outside. Slowly, children are a scarcity outdoors and this weekend was to rejuvenate our outdoor sprits.”

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Kejimkujik Snapshots

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First Annual Post-Secondary Celebration in We’koqma’q

On Monday June 10th, We’koqma’q held a celebration for their 17 Post-Secondary graduates. The graduates and their families were treated to a turkey dinner and were presented with an eagle feather and a beautiful framed piece of art done by Lauretta Gould. Congratulations to all!

Carmellia Googoo

Melanie Hardy

Emma Lewis

Alyssa Phillips

Brandy Prosper

Mary Prosper

Phillip Prosper

Lauren Sylliboy

Radney Sylliboy

Timothy Barnes

Kassidy Bernard

Megan Josie Bernard

Lana Bernard

Lindsay Bernard

Michelle Bernard

Starla Bernard

Holly Denny

Carmellia Googoo

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Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey Athletics Competition

The annual MK Athletics competition took place over two days in June. The first day was for athletes in the Bantam, Midget and Junior categories, along with our Special Olympians. The athletes took part in the 100, 200, and 1500m, and 4X100m races, along with the long jump and shot put.

The second day, athletes in atom and peewee took part in the 60, 100 and 4X100m races, along with the long jump and soft ball throw.

Although day 2 started with a bit of rain, it turned out to be a beautiful day, and as always the kids had a great time meeting up with their friends from other communities. Here are the results!

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Athletics Snapshots

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Each year, Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey presents a number of awards to students in all of our member communities. The award recipients are chosen by the Education Directors in each community.

The first award is the Chief Noel Doucette Award. This award is an award created by the Board of Directors in memory of Chief Noel Doucette, the first Chairperson of Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey and a strong advocate for Mi’kmaw education and the preservation of the Mi’kmaw language and culture. This award goes to a student who does their best to promote and celebrate Mi’kmaw language and culture.

The next award is the Mi’kmaw Language Award. The Mi’kmaw Language Award goes to a student who has the highest mark in their Mi’kmaw language class OR to a student who uses and promotes the use of Mi’kmaw both inside and outside of their class.

Finally, there is the Kji Keptin Alex Denny Memorial Sports Education Award. This award goes to two graduating students in the province who have participated in high-level sports and also have a high academic average. Here are the winners for this year:

Award Winners

Chief Noel Doucette Award Miranda Roy - Acadia Jenelle Fraser - Pictou Landing Lennox Marshall - ABMHS Allysen Francis - ESK Riley Howe - Sipekne’katik Rodney Martin - We’koqma’q Faith Battiste - Potlotek Lily-Beth Fisher - Glooscap Terrence Peck - Wagmatcook Hannah Toney-MacEachern - Annapolis Valley Arieanna (Ona) Christmas - Membertou

Mi’kmaw Language Award Ella Stevens - Acadia Ethan Francis - Pictou Landing Julie Ansalawit Paul - ABMHS Briseis Dennis - ESK Kaleirah Sack - Sipekne’katik Carolyn Googoo - We’koqma’q Faith Battiste - Potlotek Eli Saucer - Glooscap Teesha Turkey - Glooscap Bruin Mudge - Glooscap Serena Thomson - Glooscap Korey Peck Knickke - Wagmatcook Kyle Simon - Annapolis Valley Dante Googoo - Membertou

Kji Keptin Alex Denny Memorial Sports/Ed Award Cassidy Laporte - Membertou Vincent Stevens - Eskasoni

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Pictou Landing Boat LaunchFor the second year in a row, students from Pictou Landing school have had the opportunity to take part in an experiential learning program, facilitated by Shane Theunissen, a professor who teaches child and youth studies at MSVU. During this project, students are able to build their own boats under the guidance of Eamonn Doorly, a shipwright and the assistant curator of small craft with the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic.

The project involves the physical work of the measuring, cutting and hammering, but it also includes documenting their work through photos and videos and journalling about their experience.

On a beautiful sunny day in early June, the students were able to launch the boats that they built, from start to finish. It is a project that all who take part in are proud to see to completion.

Great job Pictou Landing!

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Drum Making Celebration at LSK

During the month of May, students at LSK school in Sipekne’katik from grade primary to 12 had the opportunity to make their own hand drum. In recognition of their beautiful work, a celebration was held in their arbour on June 4th. They all had the opportunity to share their drums with each other and community members as they drummed and danced. This was followed by a feast. It was a beautiful day!

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Graduations

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Graduation Snapshots

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Upcoming Events Red Road Camp

June 30 - July 5 - Orangedale

Mi’kmaw Language Camp July 9 - 12 - Orangedale

Try a Trade July 15 & 19 - Trades Exhibition Hall Halifax

Indigenous Welding Camp July 30 - August 2 - NSCC Burridge Campus

Indigenous Welding Camp August 6 -9 - NSCC Port Hawkesbury Campus

We’re looking for your ideas! Contact shara@kinu.ca

Have an event or story idea you’d like to see in the September newsletter? Contact Shara at shara@kinu.ca or 567-0336 ext.5603