On June 6th, Listuguj Education, Training & Employment hosted a Lunch & Learn session with the Listuguj Mi’gmaq Government (LMG) Chief and Council and the Executive Office. The three-hour session took place at LETE’s Education Complex. LETE acknowledges the participation of Chief Darcy Gray, and five members of council: Sky Metallic, Annette Barnaby, Wendell Metallic, Ali Barnaby, and Chad Gedeon. LMG’s Chief Executive Officer (interim), Jeff Basque, and staff member, Benson Barnaby, attended the session.
The purpose of the Lunch & Learn was to inform, update, and dialogue about LETE’s Education Governance Initiative. The session opened with a ‘check in’ where participants were asked to share one good news story and to describe “in one or two words” what education means to them. This opening was intended to show Mi’gmaq values in action. Positive relationship-building is critical to rebuilding governance in a manner that supports holistic and lifelong learning. LETE shared a timeline highlighting important milestones in education over the past thirty years. LETE Director, Lorna Sook, spoke about LETE’s Vision and Mission, emphasizing the importance of working in the Mi’gmaw language and with knowledge holders. LETE provided background information about the purpose, goals, and objectives of the Education Governance Initiative. The purpose of LETE’s governance initiative is to make certain that governance (decision-making processes, mission, policies, standards, processes, and oversight) is rooted in Mi’gmaw worldviews, values, and concerns. As well, LETE supports Listuguj’s reclaiming and revitalizing education: in community, by the community, for the community. LETE delved into its main governance activities: building Mi’gmaw Education Standards and engagements about governance models. Throughout, Listuguj elected leadership raised questions and offered constructive comments about the Governance Initiative. A prominent theme in the discussions was the importance of dialogue and discussing strategies to share information and provide updates to the elected leadership about education.