Mi'kmaq Educator Receives Achievement Award
Mi'kmaq educator Sister Dorothy Moore has received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Membertou community. The award cites her achievements in promoting Mi'kmaq studies and history.
Beginning her career in Richmond County, Sister Moore worked for 22 years as a teacher. In 1980, she became principal of the Eskasoni Elementary and Junior High School. From 1985 to 1995, Sister Moore held posts at the University College of Cape Breton as Native Education Coordinator, Native Studies Counsellor, advisor and lecturer. She joined the Department of Education and Culture in 1995 as Mi'kmaq Education Consultant and is now acting director, Mi'kmaq Services.
"Sister Dorothy Moore is continuing a distinguished career as an educator in Nova Scotia and we're lucky to have her," said Education and Culture Minister Wayne Gaudet. "This award recognizes her many achievements and her commitment to children and Mi'kmaq learners of all ages."
Chief Terrance Paul of the Membertou Band Council said Sister Moore was instrumental in bringing the Mi'kmaq language back to the people. "Because of her, and partly through her work at the Department of Education and Culture, our language is being taught in primary through to the college level."
Sister Moore serves on the Canadian Bible Society Board and the Institute for Early Childhood Education and Development Services. She has received several awards, including: the Stephen Hamilton Outstanding Achievement in Education Award for her work in higher education for Native Youth; the Atlantic Innovator of the Year Award; the Citation for Citizenship Award recognizing her work in Native Studies in Cape Breton; and Canada's 125th Anniversary Commemorative Award.
In her work with the department, Sister Moore has led the development of new courses such as Mi'kmaq Studies, as well as Mi'kmaq language for non-Mi'kmaq speakers. Mi'kmaq education counsellors are being trained to motivate and challenge Mi'kmaq students to complete their schooling and reduce dropout rates in the public schools.
The Department of Education and Culture is collaborating with the Mi'kmaw Kina'matnewey/Education, band chiefs and regional school boards on educational initiatives to improve the quality of education for on-reserve and off-reserve Mi'kmaq students. Mi'kmaw Kina'matnewey is an organization that provides services in the administration and management of education to develop and implement initiatives.