MDCC Lead Educator
Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre
About the Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre
The Mi’kmawey Debert Cultural Centre is a project mandated by all thirteen Mi’kmaw Chiefs and administered
through The Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq (CMM), one of two Mi’kmaw tribal councils in Nova Scotia. Currently
poised to enter architectural design for the future building at the Debert and Belmont archaeological sites, the Centre
is a major initiative. The future MDCC will be an experiential cultural centre that will anchor Mi’kmaw culture and
heritage sectors with more than 60,000 annual visitors, integrating community outreach and knowledge with robust
educational and public programming. Since 2002, all thirteen Mi’kmaw First Nations in Nova Scotia have repeatedly
affirmed the MDCC project and its mandate to protect the Debert ancestral sites, to return Mi’kmaw collections from
across North America and to develop visitor and educational programming. From its inception, the MDCC Elders’
Advisory Council along with the CMM have guided the project.
Position Overview
The Sharing Our Stories program shares Mi’kmaw worldviews, language and history as we help learners and
educators of all ages to learn, heal and grow. Pedagogically, the Sharing Our Stories program is anchored in
Mi’kmaw ways of knowing and doing, particularly by perceiving patterns in the cycles, seasons, and practices of
Mi’kmaw life and culture. The program has three primary audiences, 1) the Mi’kmaq and other indigenous people; 2)
learners and educators of all ages; and 3) cultural tourists and other visitors.
The MDCC Lead Educator will play a central role in engaging Mi’kmaw communities and learners and educators as a
permanent and integral part of the MDCC team. Working with the Program Development Officer, the Lead Educator
will develop, pilot and deliver primary educational programs including a broad range of curriculum support to
educators across Nova Scotia and beyond; particular emphases will be placed on land-based learning. The Lead
Educator will also participate in the architectural and exhibition design process as well as other public-facing projects.
The position requires collaborative approaches to work and a willingness to act as a team member. It requires also
the ability to self-direct and self-manage independent work tasks. The position will be located in Millbrook, NS, at the
MDCC Project Office.
Responsibilities
Creating engaging, meaningful and innovative educational programs, including piloting and delivery, for two
primary audiences: 1) Mi’kmaw and other indigenous people, and 2) educators and learners across Nova
Scotia.
Developing land-based* learning strategies and opportunities with Mi’kmaw knowledge holders for the
MDCC campus and beyond. (*to be renamed)
Partnering with new and existing educational partners such as Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey and the Chignecto
Central Regional Education Centre to advance MDCC educational programming and resources.
Playing a key role in the architectural and exhibition design processes for the future Centre and ensuring
that the educational programming and priorities are met within this design process.
Enhancing and diversifying online educational resources and opportunities for learners of all ages through
the MDCC website and the (future) MDCC digital portal.
Mentoring and knowledge transfer with the MDCC Program Development Officer.
Working in partnership with other MDCC staff to create educational resources and opportunities from new
and existing curatorial resources (archival resources such as Elders interviews, museum collections,
language records, etc.).
Position Requirements
A degree from a recognized university in education, arts or a related field. A Master’s level degree would be
preferable.
Minimum two-years experience working in an educational outreach environment (or equivalent);
Competency and confidence in sharing Mi’kmaw worldviews (e.g., weji-sqalia’tiek), concepts (e.g.,
netukulimk) and practices (e.g., etuaptmumk) as well as a passion for learning and growing understanding of
the same;
Instructional expertise and public presentation skills, with an online facilitation component preferable:
Knowledge of and experience with working with, Mi’kmaw Elders and other experts;
Ability to work independently, prioritizing and initiating work without direction;
Ideal candidate would be dedicated, organized, meticulous and co-operative with excellent writing skills;
Proficiency in spoken and written Mi’kmaw are an asset;
Knowledge of and experience working with Mi’kmaw historical and oral historical, ethnographic and/or
archaeological collections is an asset;
Must have a valid driver’s license, vehicle, and ability to travel.
Salary/Employment Term
Anticipated salary: $45,000 per year. This is a fulltime permanent position.
Application Deadline: May 23rd, 2021
Submit Cover Letter AND Resume to: Human Resources
c/o The Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq
PO Box 1590, Truro, Nova Scotia B2N 5V3
Email: HR@cmmns.com
We are an equal opportunity employer; however, qualified Aboriginal applicants will be given priority in accordance with the Aboriginal Employment
Preference Policy of the Canadian Human Rights Commission. Only those applicants who provide up-to-date CV along with Cover Letter and
qualify for interview will be contacted The successful candidate may be required to submit a current criminal record check. Non-Canadian
applicants must be able to provide proof of current entitlement or eligibility to work in Canada.