MSVU - Learning With Mi'kma'ki | Mount Saint Vincent University
Family Events
LOCATION: This workshop is being held offsite at
Second Lake trail in Lower Sackville, NS.
Saturday September 27, 2025 9am-4pm This is a
full day OUTDOOR in-person
workshop that will be held offsite at the
the Second Lake trail off First Lake Drive in Lower Sackville, NS.
You will meet the facilitator, Michelle Wright, at the First Lake Trails Parking lot for 9am.
Here is the link to google maps
https://maps.app.goo.gl/dbVbBcgf6iWsoiXJ7
Lunch is not provided.
We suggest you brown bag a lunch or you can pick something up on your lunch break.
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 the full day OUTSIDE; dress for the weather and have appropriate footware; bring a waterbottle, pen, pencil and coloured pencils or crayons to take notes and make sketches.
Saturday September 27, 2025 9am-4pm
OUTDOORS at the Second Lake trail off First Lake Drive in Lower Sackville, NS.
Facilitated by Michelle Wright
Information Source: MSVU Early Childhood Professional Development | eventbrite