Thank you.
Kwe, good afternoon. Wela'lioq for inviting me to appear before the committee today to speak to Treaty Education Nova Scotia's support in Nova Scotia's work toward reconciliation.
Teluisi Jacqueline Prosper. I am the treaty education lead for Nova Scotia with Mi'kmaw Kina'matnewey.
Mi'kmaw Kina'matnewey is a unified team of chiefs, staff, parents and educators who advocate and represent the educational interests of our Mi'kmaq communities.
Mi'kmaw Kina'matnewey and the Office of L'nu Affairs have had a unique working relationship in this amazing effort from the time when the first MOU was signed in 2015. Since then, the initiative continues to grow and develop, so much so that in 2020 a new MOU was signed with no end date. We work in partnership with the Office of L'nu Affairs as well as with the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development; Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage; the Public Service Commission; and community and provincial schools.
I work collaboratively with OLA in its work with public servants and the general public, although my work is mainly focused on education. I work closely with EECD, Mi'kmaq service branch, elders, knowledge-keepers, teachers and parents on this education initiative of incorporating treaty education into the provincial school curriculum.
Due to the success of the first five years, Treaty Education Nova Scotia has developed a strategic plan to guide the organization's activities over the next five years. In the spirit of reconciliation, the purpose of our project charter is to codify how this project will be governed and managed, while providing clarification on roles and responsibilities of key partners and collaborators related to achieving the objectives outlined in the new strategic plan. This deepens our understanding of the shared responsibility between the Mi'kmaq and the non-indigenous people of Nova Scotia to build a better future, foster ongoing conversations and cultivate allies through lifelong learning about our treaty relationship.
We know our partner organizations are all working towards reconciliation and include treaty education in their portfolios. A strategic plan will help support richer communication on the work, support us in working together more collaboratively in reaching all Nova Scotians and build stronger relationships.
With all of the accomplishments, there is still much work to be done. The commitment is strong in working together. We welcome collaborating across the province and country and the prospects of sharing best practices. Celeste and I are dedicated to continuing the necessary work to continue to answer the calls to action of reconciliation.
Again, wela'lioq for allowing me to appear before you today.