Poqji-kina’masulti’kw tel-kina’mujik mijua’ji’jk
Ethan Paul, a student from Membertou First Nation in Unama’ki (Cape Breton Island), is charting a new course in early childhood education at NSCC. As part of the first direct entry cohort in the Poqji-kina’masulti’kw tel-kina’mujik mijua’ji’jk (Mi’kmaw Early Childhood Education) program through NSCC’s eCampus, Ethan is embracing the opportunity to blend their rich cultural heritage with modern educational practices.

Immersed in Mi’kmaw culture
Ethan’s NSCC journey started with the College’s Tourism Hospitality Certificate. After graduating in 2019, they worked at Membertou Heritage Park for over three years, immersing themselves in Mi’kmaw history. Seeking a career change, a Facebook ad for the new Mi’kmaw Early Childhood Education program immediately caught their attention and they applied. “It was a moment of validation and excitement, confirming that I was on the right path towards realizing my dreams,” they recall, when receiving their acceptance letter.

After finding their rhythm as the first cohort, Ethan truly enjoyed the courses. Through the concept of etuaptmumk, students explore Western theories of childcare through a Mi’kmaw perspective, providing valuable insights for their future work. “The program’s integration of cultural teachings prepared us to serve our community as Early Childhood Educators (ECE), emphasizing the development of children within our cultural context,” Ethan explains.

Validating student support
The R.G. Sobey Leadership Award, generously funded by R.G Sobey and Family, played a crucial role in Ethan’s educational journey. “Receiving the award was a moment of pure joy and relief for me,” Ethan shares. “It was more than just a boost to my bank account; it was a validation of my hard work and dedication, empowering me to pursue my educational goals with renewed vigor and confidence.”

This financial support, combined with funding from the Nova Scotia Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, has been instrumental in enabling Ethan to pursue their education. “Thanks to this funding, I was able to access the program I needed to further my skills and career prospects,” Ethan says.

The support of the award also opened doors to opportunities abroad for Ethan, enabling them to participate in the NSCC International program, Indigenous Learning in New Zealand at the University of Waikato campus, where they immersed themselves in Māori culture and education. “One of the highlights was visiting an early childhood education centre in Hamilton, where we were warmly welcomed through a powhiri, a traditional Maori welcoming ceremony… This experience has been transformative, broadening my understanding of Indigenous cultures and reinforcing the importance of preserving and revitalizing our native languages.”

Read the full article at Bridging Mi’kmaw culture and early childhood education: Ethan Paul’s story – NSCC Foundation