by Meghan Finney, Communications Coordinator, MK

A new five-year agreement will help ensure Mi’kmaw students attending public schools continue to receive the programs and services they need to succeed.

Karen Casey, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development, joined members of Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey today, June 12, for a signing ceremony for the Mi’kmaq Education Agreement.

“Improving educational outcomes for Mi’kmaw students in Nova Scotia is a high priority for both the province and the Mi’kmaq,” said Ms. Casey. “This renewed agreement will continue to foster positive relations with the Mi’kmaw community, ensure a sound financial arrangement between school boards and Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey and provide stability for Mi’kmaw students in the public school system.”

The agreement, which is in effect until July 2017, helps guide public school programs and services to support Mi’kmaq learners who are members of Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey and normally served under Band schools. This includes payment procedures for tuition fees established by the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.
The agreement will also help ensure opportunities for First Nations to participate in decisions affecting Mi’kmaw students who attend public school, provide support for improved reporting of Mi’kmaw student outcomes, and help increase the knowledge and understanding of First Nations culture, language and history in public schools.
“Mi’kmaw Kina’matnew ...