Premier Pat Binns and Education Minister Chester Gillan officially unveiled a new poster today to promote awareness and understanding of the Mi'Kmaw culture among Island youth.
The poster features Amanda Colleen Marie Francis of Rocky Point and Charlene Doris-Jean Tuplin of Lennox Island. Both girls were gold medalists at the 2002 North American Indigenous Games in Winnipeg.
Using young role models and the theme, Share the culture - Feel the pride, the poster encourages all students to learn about the Mi'Kmaw culture in Prince Edward Island and develop a greater appreciation of it. It also promotes National Aboriginal Day which is celebrated each year on June 21st. Messages on the trilingual poster are featured in Mi'Kmaq, English and French. The poster border is a stylized depiction of the Mi'Kmaq alphabet.
"Aboriginal Day is an excellent opportunity to celebrate the special contributions Aboriginals make to Island communities," said Premier Binns. "Government is particularly pleased this year to support a new partnership to preserve and promote the Mi'Kmaw culture among Island youth."
Education Minister Chester Gillan advised that the Aboriginal Day posters appear to be achieving their purpose. "One teacher called to tell us the story of a quiet little boy who became quite animated when he saw the poster in his classroom, and began to talk with great pride about his Mi'Kmaw culture," said Minister Gillan. "As a result, the teacher felt compelled to do something for National Aboriginal Day, and has since arranged speakers and field trips for the children to learn more about the Mi'Kmaw culture in PEI."
Island schools are celebrating National Aboriginal Day this year in many ways. They have had guest speakers in to their classrooms to explain the history and culture of the Aboriginal people. Speakers have included representatives of the Mi'Kmaq and Mohawk First Nations, drumming and singing groups from Lennox Island, and elders from Abegweit First Nations, Lennox Island First Nation and the Native Council of PEI.
The provincial Aboriginal Education Committee held a workshop for 40 educators on the Medicine Wheel to present information and strategies for teaching this sacred symbol of Aboriginal culture.
The Department of Education continues to work closely with First Nation communities to increase the success of Aboriginal students in the Prince Edward Island education system. For example, Aboriginal content is being increased as new curriculum is developed. There are now two courses on Aboriginal Education at the Faculty of Education at UPEI, and pre-service teachers have the opportunity to specialize in this area. Several UPEI Masters of Education students are doing their theses on Aboriginal issues.
The Native Council of PEI is celebrating National Aboriginal Day by hosting a Moccasin Walk for Diabetes Awareness and Prevention beginning at noon at the Charlottetown Mall. A Mi'Kmaq drummer will lead participants along the Confederation Trail to Confederation Landing for a celebration. The event will be held rain or shine, and all are welcome.