Career fair emphasizes two-eyed seeing in preparing Mi'kmaw youth for post-secondary

Finding ways to blend both Western and Indigenous knowledge was a key feature of a three-day educational and career fair for high school students that wrapped up earlier this week in Dartmouth, N.S.

The event, called Honouring our Future Leaders, or Mui walanej Nutqo'ltite' wk Mita Nekmow Nikana lulkitaqq, was hosted by Mi'kmaw Kina'matnewey, an educational authority that supports Mi'kmaq in Nova Scotia to embark on lifelong learning opportunities.

It attracted more than 80 Mi'kmaw students who learned about options for post-secondary education and also cultural and language teachings to help them deal with hurdles they may face while studying at Western educational institutions.

Two-eyed seeing, or etuaptmumk, was a fundamental part of the gathering. 

The concept was developed by Elder Albert D. Marshall Sr. and refers to appreciating both Indigenous and Western knowledge. It means using both knowledge systems simultaneously while navigating the world.  

Marshall spoke to the youth, encouraging them to engage in their cultural teachings as they embrace Western educational journeys.

"As skijins … native people of this beautiful part of the country, you see everything from your Aboriginal lens," said Marshall. "Your Aboriginal lens has been grounded in the environment you're in ... the language, the culture and ceremony."

He emphasized that it isn't possible to go through modern life with this perspective alone, saying they must train themselves to seek other perspectives in order to have better opportunities.

"Integrate it into the Western understanding, Western education, because this system has done wonders in so many ways … gave a lot of skills to our Aboriginal people so they can sustain themselves in this technological world," Marshall Sr. said.

Lilly Joe, a Grade 11 student from Membertou, N.S., said she was looking forward to hearing Marshall speak.

"There's a course on Netukulimk and I did a project on him, so I wanted to see him in person," she said.

Netukulimk is a Mi'kmaw ideology concerning the interconnectivity of all living things, ensuring the use of natural bounty without harm to the environment or other living beings.

Joe said she intends to go to law school after she graduates.

Madysun Bernard, another Grade 11 student from Membertou, said she came to the event "to learn about my people and get new experiences and learn about my culture."