March 31, 2026
In March, MK hosted the Mawikwaik Transition Symposium, bringing together community members, educators, and service providers to begin an important conversation: how to better support individuals with diverse learning needs as they transition out of high school.
The symposium created a space to share experiences, highlight successful initiatives, and explore ways communities can work together to strengthen supports for learners moving into adulthood.
Participants heard from John Peter Sylliboy, who spoke about his experiences with Mawitamk—a home in We’koqma’q that supports individuals who need additional assistance to live independently. His story offered valuable insight into the impact of community-based, culturally grounded supports.
Rosie Sylliboy, who works at Mawitamk, also shared her perspective from within the program, highlighting the day-to-day supports and the importance of creating a safe, supportive environment for residents.
Updates were provided by Kelly Holley from Jordan’s Principal, along with Cori Julian, who spoke about how communities can better support their social clients through collaboration and responsive programming.
The symposium also featured a presentation from Doreen Steven and Ambrah MacNeil, who shared their work in partnership with Eskasoni on a Diverse Learners Activities Pilot Program. Their presentation showcased innovative approaches to engaging and supporting learners with diverse needs.
Overall, the Mawikwaik Transition Symposium marked an important first step in strengthening connections and building a shared vision for supporting diverse learners across our communities.
