MELC

Mi’kmaq Environmental Learning Centre

Mi’kmaq Environmental Learning Centre - MELC is a tribute to Mi’kmaq Elders who generously share their knowledge on our traditional values and perspectives. MELC’s objective is to keep these teachings alive in our hearts and through our actions to pass on for the benefit of future generations.

The guiding principle directing MELC is the Mi’kmaq concept of Netukulimk–a Mi'kmaq word that means sustainability. It is about achieving community nutrition and economic well-being without jeopardizing our environment. Mi’kmaq resource management unites people with the plants, animals and the environment as a whole. MELC’s programs provide education and awareness, enabling us to share our cultural history and knowledge of natural resources.

The goals of MELC are to collect and preserve traditional Mi’kmaq knowledge on environmental sustainability, create and deliver educational programs to promote and share Mi’kmaq traditional knowledge, and partner with other groups sharing the desire to promote environmental sustainability for the benefit of future generations.

MELC provides education, leadership and sharing of ideas with groups that have a similar vision and objectives on sustainability, preservation and management.

We need input and knowledge from Elders eager to pass on their stories and experiences.We need partners that can help us meet our objectives and benefit from the experience and partnership. We need you.

Staff

Staff

Related News

Nikani Awtiken 2016

Nikani Awtiken 2016

August 25, 2016MELC, News, Unama'KIDS

This year’s Nikani Awtiken summer camp for youth was a great success. The 23 participants did everything from surveying tree plantings in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park to building a sweat lodge. Add a generous helping of story-telling, first aid and boating safety training, making drums, bonfires and a generous amount of socializing, and you’ll … Read More

Youth Employment Opportunity

Youth Employment Opportunity

April 9, 2015MELC, News, Partnerships

Summer may seem far off now, but we are looking to employ an Assistant Camp Coordinator for our 2015 Nikani Awtiken summer camp. This intern position, through the Nova Scotia Youth Conservation Corps, is open to youth in full-time university or college who are intending to return to study this fall. The deadline to apply … Read More

Meet MELC's New Coordinator

Meet MELC's New Coordinator

February 1, 2013MELC, News, Unama'KIDS

Welcome Nadine LeFort, Mi’kmaq Environmental Learning Centre’s Education and Outreach Coordinator. Nadine will be coordinating the Unama’KIDS program, Nikani Awtiken summer camp and working on other education projects. Nadine recently returned home to Cape Breton after working for four years as Education Program Director and Curriculum Developer for the Sierra Club BC in Victoria. She … Read More

One Tree at a Time

One Tree at a Time

September 14, 2012Forestry, MELC, News

On Saturday September 22 the community of Membertou will be planting a forest! Community members will be planting trees that are native to Cape Breton in an effort to restore their forest environment. Mi’kmaq Environmental Learning Centre’s (MELC) UnamaKIDS received a grant to organize the project from Canon’s Take Root Program, presented by Evergreen. “Atknujik … Read More

Nikani Awtiken

Nikani Awtiken

August 17, 2012MELC, News

Congratulations to the first graduates of MELC’s Nikani Awtiken Youth Camp! After a week of hands-on training the first participants celebrated at a BBQ and graduation ceremony at Camp Carter in Richmond County. The aim of Nikani Awtiken is to instill an interest in First Nations youth in pursuing careers in natural resource management while … Read More

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