Unama’ki College of Cape Breton University
Disclaimer
When changes are made in program structure, a student already registered may choose to satisfy the new program requirements or to complete the program as it was when the student began his/her program if this is still possible and reasonable.
Cape Breton University (CBU) does not accept any responsibility for loss or damage suffered or incurred by any student as a result of suspension or termination of services, courses, or classes caused by reason of strikes, lockouts, riots, weather, damage to University property and any other cause beyond the reasonable control of CBU.
Each student bears the responsibility of ensuring that his/her course choices satisfy both the overall program regulations and the individual department regulations for specializations, concentrations or majors.
STEPHEN AUGUSTINE, MA, BA, – Principal
Unama’ki College (formerly Mi’kmaq College Institute) of Cape Breton University strives to inform, research, teach and dialogue about the past and present realities of Aboriginal Nations, particularly, the Mi’kmaw First Nation. Unama’ki College provides, through its Mi’kmaq Resource Center (MRC) and Mi’kmaq Language Lab, exciting environments in which to participate in current projects and research involving collaboration with Indigenous peoples, locally, nationally and internationally. Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students alike, are drawn to the College because of the opportunities afforded to students to participate in ongoing dialogues about contemporary Indigenous issues.
The full and part time faculty members of the Unama’ki College teach academic courses in Mi’kmaq Studies (language/culture; governance/history and linguistics) as well as in MSIT / Integrative Science. The Unama’ki College of Cape Breton University offers academic courses related to Aboriginal issues and language using three delivery methods:
1. Courses are delivered at the main CBU campus in Sydney;
2. Courses are delivered in First Nations communities by faculty who travel to communities;
3. Courses are delivered in First Nations communities, regardless of location, via video conferencing.
Go to www.cbu.ca/unamaki for up-to-date information on Unama’ki College.
Mi’kmaq Resource Centre (MRC)
Diane Chisholm, BA, Coordinator (902)563-1660
The Mi’kmaq Resource Centre is a repository of documents related to Mi’kmaq history, culture and language. The Centre houses books, doctoral theses, articles, reports, pamphlets and academic papers, as well as video and audio materials. The MRC’s holdings also include the now defunct Mic Mac News, publications of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, an extensive array of materials on Donald Marshall Jr.’s experiences in the justice system and papers related to Aboriginal issues donated by private sources.
The MRC has a small, though select, collection of items representing Mi’kmaq material culture over the past hundred years: examples of quill and beadwork, crooked knives, the waltes game, items from the early 20th century tourist trade, and a variety of baskets. Additionally, the Centre has a display of stone artifacts and projectile points on loan from the Nova Scotia Museum. Our oval room may be used by groups to give presentations or show videos related to Mi’kmaq culture.
The Mi’kmaq Resource Centre welcomes students, educators, researchers and anyone with an interest in Mi’kmaki to use our facilities and extensive collection of materials. Research assistance is available.
The Mi’kmaq Resource Centre is located in the Beaton Institute in room CE 268.
L’nui’sultimkeweyo’kom Mi’kmaq Language Lab
Stephanie Inglis, PhD, Director (902)563-1201; Lab: (902)563-1197
The Mi’kmaw Language Lab is the primary centre of research activity at Unama’ki College. The Lab has partnerships with numerous Mi’kmaw educational authorities as well as academic institutions and is engaged in several long term projects: Mi’kmaw pain words; the on-line talking Mi’kmaw dictionary as well as the on-line Mi’kmaw Language Center, known as JILAPTOQ www.jilaptoq.ca.
The Language Lab engages and mentors Mi’kmaw undergraduate student researchers who are interested in working on Mi’kmaw language projects. The Language Lab also attracts linguistic graduate students from other universities and academics from North America interested in linguistic work on Algonquian languages.
Indigenous Students Commons
One of the key and most visible spaces within Unama’ki College is the Indigenous Students Commons in all its various aspects: physical components (computers, kitchenette, etc.), academic ambiance (proximity to faculty and staff, study space, etc.) and comforting, reconfirming culture space.
Unama’ki College Student Services
Mi’kmaq Student Services
Patrick Johnson, BA, (902) 563-1415
Mi’kmaq Student Services of Unama’ki College is a student support system for all Mi’kmaq and Aboriginal students enrolled in courses at the University. Services range from academic counselling to assistance for Mi’kmaq students applying for post-graduate studies. The Mi’kmaq Student Advisor acts as a liaison for all Mi’kmaq and Aboriginal students with faculty and staff of the institution, educational counsellors from First Nation Communities and Mi’kmaq organizations, as well as the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs. Mi’kmaq Student Services also provides information regarding selection of programs, admission requirements and career options available to potential and current Aboriginal students of CBU. It is located within the Unama’ki College.
Aboriginal Academic Support Programming
Leanne Simmons, MEd, Program Director (902)563-1240
Ann Denny, BBA, Aboriginal Community Liaison (902)563-1402
The Program Director for Aboriginal programs works closely with Mi’kmaw and other First Nations communities to see that their educational needs are addressed. Several programs that have emerged through contacts with Aboriginal communities: Elmitek (first year university access, in community, for First Nations students), the Mi’kmaq Science Advantage (MSAP) initiative and the modularized BA and BBA programs which are delivered in Aboriginal communities.
Elmitek (BA Degree) is a one-year post-secondary program designed for Mi’kmaq students who wish to further their education by attending university. “Elmitek”, a Mi’kmaq expression for showing someone a path to follow, succinctly explains the program to its Aboriginal participants, many of whom use English as a second language. Elmitek points to a path that students may travel toward successful completion of a University education. The Elmitek Program is designed to make the transition into the University environment less traumatic and more successful for Aboriginal students. Their ranks are comprised of newly graduated high school students and mature students who have not been in a formal education system for several years. The Elmitek program utilizes several methods to make post-secondary education more accessible:
• Several classes are offered in First Nations Communities.
• During the first year, students are required to attend classes at the CBU campus only one day per week.
• Workshop sessions are scheduled to prepare students for their classes and assignments.
• A co-ordinator may be assigned to maintain close contact with and to support students at each site.
The Kwitn Program is an interdisciplinary bridging program that supports Mi’kmaw students as they transition from high school into post-secondary study and introduces them to opportunities in science, technology, and business. The goals of the Kwitn Program are to provide Mi’kmaw students with a broad, first-year transition experience during which they explore a variety of disciplines and careers related to these fields, and to build an academic skill foundation that will lead to success in students’ chosen post-secondary programs. These goals are accomplished through small classes in a cohort model with community involvement and delivery. Students in Kwitn access tailored supports through a mentor-coordinator, tutors, and lifelong learning of Elders and knowledge keepers. Experiential learning is emphasized and Indigenous worldviews, perspectives, and ways of knowing are prominent across all courses. Upon completion of the suite of courses that comprise Kwitn, students receive personalized advising to assist them in choosing a program of study and are assigned a faculty mentor. As they transition into their chosen programs, they retain access to motivational and academic supports.