Ideas
A School that Feels like Home: Revitalizing Mi’kmaq Language in Cape Breton
Mar 25, 2025
Darren Stephenson, a guidance counselor at Alison Bernard Memorial High School, joins Kia Paul, a Mi'kmaq-speaking math teacher, and Noelle Johnson, the school's principal. They discuss the school’s pivotal role in Mi’kmaq language revitalization since 1998, showcasing how integration of culture in education has improved graduation rates. Emma Stevens, a graduate and Mi'kmaq singer-songwriter, shares how music contributes to language reclamation. The conversation highlights the importance of community, cultural identity, and innovative teaching methods.
54:08
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Quick takeaways
- The establishment of the Eskasoni high school has significantly improved educational access, fostering cultural pride and community engagement among students.
- Mi’kmaq language revitalization is integrated into the curriculum through experiential learning, land-based education, and music, enhancing cultural identity and academic connection.
Deep dives
The Importance of a Local High School
The establishment of a high school in Eskazoni holds immense significance for the community, offering students an educational environment where they can thrive without being distant from their cultural roots. Previously, students were required to travel outside their community for education, facing not only logistical challenges but also feelings of isolation and cultural disconnection in foreign environments. With the new high school, enrollment and graduation rates have significantly improved, demonstrating a positive shift in educational access and community support. As a result, a generation of students now graduates with a sense of pride in their heritage, reflecting a vibrant academic and cultural revival.
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