Foundations

The content in the Foundations learning experiences lay the conceptual groundwork for the learning and exploration that occurs in later levels. It is here in Foundations that learners will engage with primary concepts such as Mi’kmaw worldviews, values, governance, and relationships to Mi’kma’ki, which are embedded in the subsequent content.

This content provides a basis for understanding Mi’kmaw decision-making—the cultural logic behind treaty-making decisions, how communities weathered and negotiated the brutal treaty denial period, and the leadership and decisions that led to the current treaty renewal period. It will be difficult to understand why netukulimk is a common priority in the treaty making process if learners do not understand what netukulimk is. Similarly, the treaty- signing and ratification process may be confusing if learners do not understand the autonomy of Mi’kmaw communities along with the concept of consensus and the role it has played in Mi’kmaw decision-making. This material is worth revisiting with older learners to ensure they have the foundation they need.