July 2, 2026
Millbrook First Nation and Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey (MK) are pleased to announce that Millbrook First Nation has officially made the decision to join Mi’kmaw
Kina’matnewey, marking a historic milestone for Mi’kmaw education in Nova Scotia. For the first time since the creation of MK in 1997, all 13 Mi’kmaw Bands in Nova Scotia are united within the collective organization dedicated to advancing Mi’kmaw education, language, culture, and student success.
Established through the implementation of the Mi’kmaq Education Act, Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey has become internationally recognized for its achievements in First Nations education. For nearly three decades, MK has supported Mi’kmaw communities in exercising jurisdiction over education and has helped drive significant improvements in student outcomes, language revitalization, curriculum development, and educational excellence.
“The decision by Millbrook Chief and Council, supported by the voices of our community, to join Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey reflects years of engagement, consultation, and careful consideration. It represents Millbrook First Nation’s commitment to meeting the educational aspirations of our members while ensuring the highest quality learning opportunities for our students,” said Director of Education, Art Stevens. “We look forward to being part of MK and for what it can do for our
students, families, educators, and community.”
Engagement sessions were held over the last few years by the Millbrook Administration, Indigivisor and Fogarty Lawrence Solutons. Findings were shared with Millbrook leadership and MK to show community’s desire to join MK.
“I am thrilled that our community will now be a part of Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey, uniting all 13 of our Mi’kmaw communities on Mi’kmaw education, culture, and language revitalization - all areas that Millbrook is striving to reclaim and grow. I believe that joining MK will provide the supports and encouragement we have been needing,” said Chief Bob Gloade of Millbrook First Nation.
MK leadership welcomed the decision, noting the significance of having every Mi’kmaw community in Nova Scotia represented within the organization.
“Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey was founded on the principle that we are stronger when we work together,” said MK Executive Director Blaire Gould. “The decision by Millbrook First Nation to join MK represents an important step forward for Mi’kmaw education and Nation-building. We are honoured to welcome Millbrook and look forward to the opportunities this creates for innovation and shared success.”
The inclusion of Millbrook First Nation reflects the strength of Mi’kmaw leadership and the shared vision of supporting students, families, educators, and communities through culturally relevant and community-driven education. As MK approaches its 30th anniversary, this milestone highlights the continued growth of Mi’kmaw self-determination in education and reinforces the collective commitment of all 13 Mi’kmaw communities to the success and well-being of future generations.
Millbrook will offically be part of MK on April 1st, 2027. In the meantime, MK is working towards supporting their set-up of their school year using MKSIS and they have been formally invited to any of our camps, language programming opportunities and events ahead of their official joining.