Netukulimk: The Four Core Values, Mi’kmaw Ways of Being and Knowing and the Mi’kmaw Education Model
10:45 to 11:45 - (Blue 1014)
13:00 to 14:00 - (Green 2021)
Drawing from highly regarded frameworks (Netukulimk: The Four Core Values, Mi’kmaw Ways of Being and Knowing and the Mi’kmaw Education Model) this presentation will make the connection between traditional Mi’kmaw/Indigenous education and the modern student within the current Western paradigm. The concepts shared will highlight the connection and interconnectedness to the traditional ways of the Mi’kmaw and other Indigenous nations into the present-day system. Through the understanding of each of the core values: Respect, Responsibility, Relationship and Reciprocity we can enhance the infusion of them into the approach of the education of the Whole child. Schools can then make each student feel valued, accepted, honored and respected, which will build a strong school community where everyone belongs.
April Hiltz
April Hiltz is the Coordinator of Mi’kmaw Education Services-AVRCE. She is a registered band member with L’sitkuk (Bear River Mi’kmaw Community). April was the first Mi’kmaw Educational Assistant employed with AVRCE, became a Student Support Worker for SSRCE, the Mi’kmaw Services Specialist for AVRCE, Education Director for NCNS- all because of her passion for education. April was part of the Council of Mi’kmaw Education (CME) and other various provincial committees bringing her insights from a Mi’kmaw perspective. April has a ‘lived experience’ of the Western educational system. She cherishes the Mi’kmaw culture. She is a direct descendant of a Residential School survivor, which motivates her to move forward with good intentions: in hopes of change for future generations. April is a proud Mama of 5 grown children and Nana to two granddaughters.
Adam Branchaud
Adam Branchaud is from Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory with his career starting in education in Mini Thni, Alberta. From growing up in a Mohawk community in Ontario, to working in Alberta with the Îyârhe Nakoda as a physical education teacher, Adam is employed now by the AVRCE as their Mi’kmaw/ Indigenous Culture Coach. Through classroom presentations for students, to leading education for all staff within the Centre, Adam tries use his personal history of walking in both worlds; to allow for a true, honest and welcoming approach to discussion on all topics pertaining to education and the place Indigenous people and their knowledge hold within it.
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