Aboriginal Programming - Elmitek
Elmitek, also known as the Cape Breton University Access Program, is a one-year post secondary program designed for Mi'kmaw students who wish to further their education by attending university. "Elmitek" is a Mi'kmaq expression for showing someone a path to follow. The Elmitek Program is designed to make the transition into the university college environment less traumatic and more successful for Aboriginal students. Their ranks are comprised of newly graduated high school 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 of the classes are offered in First Nations communities, workshop sessions are scheduled to prepare students for their classes and assignments, and a co-ordinator is assigned to maintain close contact and support students at each site. During the first year, students are required to attend classes at Cape Breton University one day per week.
The main objectives of this program are to develop appropriate training that will meet the skill requirements of First Nations communities; to establish an accreditation system that will provide professional standards and training for the participants, and to provide hands-on experience and practical learning with course content reflecting the needs within a community. This program was developed to teach business education that can be customized to be effective in all Mi'kmaw communities. It is delivered in a three-phase process: Mi'kmaq Business Development Certificate, Canadian Institute of Management Certificate, and Bachelor of Business Administration Degree. The courses are delivered on site in Aboriginal communities.
The purpose of this certificate is to provide an effective foundation for potential Mi'kmaw court workers that will enable them to respond to legal questions and issues relevant to those making court appearances. It will give an opportunity to Mi'kmaw communities to have more qualified people working in the legal system, to get appropriate legal representation, to prepare for court appearances, and to respond to decisions rendered by the courts.
This certificate program provides training in the skills needed for water sampling and testing, operating computer-based management systems and geomatic information systems, waste management, forest management, and water resource management asrequired by members of the Native Guardian Program. The Native Guardian Program was formed to act as the outreach for the Mi'kma'ki Aboriginal Fisheries Services in communication with Aboriginal people of Nova Scotia. The Guardians patrol the lakes and rivers near their home communities and assist Aboriginal people with the safety aspects of the fishery. The Guardians also inform fishermen and Aboriginal children about conservation and enhancement of the fish species.
There is a need to prepare for a shift in employment opportunities by providing a science path for Mi'kmaw students to follow, beginning at the secondary level and continuing to at least one year of post secondary studies. A link between secondary school science and preparation for science degree/diploma options is the focus of MSAP - the Mi'kmaq Science Advantage Program. MSAP's goal is to provide Mi'kmaw students with the ability to succeed in a science or technology program, accomplished by providing academic support in a culture and science curriculum with small classes and community involvement. The first year of MSAP provides a foundation in science, as students take some of the courses offered in science and technology programs. After completion of MSAP, students continue in either science or technology. MSAP also gives feedback and recommendations for the improvement of Mi'kmaw secondary science and math programs.
