The Mi’kmaw Language Act (2022) recognizes the Mi’kmaw language as the first language of the province commonly referred to as Nova Scotia (NS). The Act commits in legislation to a formal and lasting collaborative relationship between the Mi’kmaq and the Government of Nova Scotia to work together towards the continuation of the language (McIvor et al., 2022).
Video: Emma Stevens – Blackbird by The Beatles sung in Mi’kmaq (students at Allison Bernard Memorial High School in Eskasoni, Cape Breton recorded Paul McCartney’s Blackbird in their native Mi’kmaq language)
The Mi’kmaq Education Act (1998) is federal legislation respecting the powers of the Mi’kmaw in Nova Scotia in relation to education. There are 12 Mi’kmaq First Nations that are included as members of the Mi’kmaq Education Act. The purpose of this Act is to enable communities to exercise their jurisdiction in relation to education. Mi’kmaw-Kina’matnewey was established to support the delivery of educational programs and services under this Act. The Chiefs of the member communities are members of the corporation and constitute its Board of Directors.
The Foundation for Mi’kmaq Language Curriculum (2015) is an aspirational document outlining principles, values, and indicators for Mi’kmaw language students.
The Education Act (2018) of Nova Scotia enacts a Council on Mi’kmaq Education to make recommendations to the Minister of Education for programs and services in public schools and to the Minister of Labour and Advance Education on post-secondary and adult education. The Act states that the Minister shall provide and implement programs and policies promoting the development of Mi’kmaq education and inclusion in learning materials information respecting the “history, language, heritage, culture, traditions, and contribution to society” of the Mi’kmaq.
References
McIvor, O., Chew, K., & Hemlock, K. (2022). Legislation, regulation and policies concerning the revitalization of Indigenous languages in Canada and Internationally. Assembly of First Nations.