by Meghan Finney, Communications Coordinator, MK

On June 20, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, Bernard Valcourt, and Chief Sidney Peters of the Glooscap First Nation announced that members of the First Nation will now be part of the Mi’kmaq Education Agreement in Nova Scotia.

“First Nation students deserve the same access to a quality education as other Canadians. The addition of the Glooscap First Nation to the Mi’kmaq Education Partnership will improve support to students in the education system, and I am pleased to announce this great accomplishment today for the Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey and its participating members,” said Valcourt.

The Agreement, in place since 1997, is a model for First Nation self-government in education which recognizes local decisions on education, including language, history, identity, and customs in the regular curriculum.

“Being part of self-government in education is definitely a move forward,” said Chief Peters. “Coming from a small community and lacking funding and capacity development has resulted in losing out on opportunities for our youth.

“The opportunities that MK can offer will be beneficial to our youth and our community as a whole. We are excited and look forward to participating on the work to improve the quality of education for all our people.”

“Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey is committed to improving the quality of education for the Mi’kmaw students,” said MK Executive Director Eleanor Bernard ...