Jane Norman College - Learning with Mi'kma'ki

Learning with Mi'kma'ki is a new professional development opportunity for early childhood professionals in Nova Scotia. This training provides an opportunity for participants to see the natural environment, Earth science, sustainability, reciprocity, and interconnectedness, with two eyes — Etuaptmumk (ed-do-up-dm-momk). The work represents Mi’kmaw-first voice, with the support and advice of a standing committee.

The 6-hour course is an introduction for Early Childhood Educators to explore their immediate relationship with place and how this knowledge can be integrated in learning environments for Early Learners. The field book, which is a part of the training, requires participants to reflect on knowledge and teachings. It helps guide participants in understanding how they, as members of this place, are to be present and, in turn, how being present can be directly linked to the work of Early Learning and Child Care.

TOPICS EXPLORED:

Part 1: Indoor Presentation and Reflection

• Explore Mi’kma’ki
• Explore Land Acknowledgments
• Explore the traditional territory and seven (7) districts
• Explore who are the Mi’kmaq
• Explore Mi’kmaw ways of knowing and being
• Explore the teachings of Netukulimk
• Explore the differences between a gift economy and a wage economy
• Explore how this knowledge relates to early learners
• Explore the importance of play
• Explore the differences between outdoor education, outdoor learning, and land-based learning
• Explore personal skill sets
• Explore Etuaptmumk
• Explore relationships with place

Part 2: Outdoor Activities and Discussions

• Sitting with Land Activity
• Observe – Memorize – Compare Protocol: bird watching
• Observe – Memorize – Compare Protocol: plants and trees
• Talking Circle reflection
• Etuaptmumk – Two-Eyed Seeing
• Case study on outing with children – reflection and discussion.

Please come prepared to spend at least 3 hours outdoors, dress for the weather and have appropriate footware; bring a waterbottle, pen, pencil and coloured pencils or crayons to take notes and make sketches.

Session Date and Times:

Saturday, February 8th , 2025 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Location:

The first 3 hours of the session will be held in the classroom at Jane Norman College (60 Lorne Street, Truro, NS) and the final 3 hours will be held in Victoria Park. There will be a 1 hour break for lunch/travel to outdoor location.

Please ensure you have made travel arrangements prior to the event date (vehicle, carpool, etc).