5 Year Plan: 2025-2030
The Foundation for the Advancement of Mi’kmaw Education (FAME) was created with a long-term purpose: to support Mi’kmaw learners, strengthen language and culture, and help communities thrive for generations to come.
Over the next five years, the Foundation’s focus is clear — building sustainable support systems that empower learners at every stage of life while advancing Mi’kmaw-led education, cultural resurgence, and community leadership across Mi’kma’ki.
As outlined in the Foundation’s vision:
“All Mi’kmaw learners in Nova Scotia across all generations and communities will thrive through greater access to Mi’kmaw centred education, language, and culture so all community members can confidently create their own paths for today and the next seven generations.”
This vision guides every aspect of the Foundation’s work. The next five years are about transforming that vision into lasting action.
Investing in Learners and Lifelong Education
One of the Foundation’s key priorities is ensuring Mi’kmaw learners have equitable access to education and opportunity — from early childhood through post-secondary studies and lifelong learning.
FAME plans to continue growing scholarship opportunities, student supports, and community-based educational initiatives that help learners overcome barriers and pursue their goals. This includes supporting students transitioning into college, university, trades, and professional programs, while also recognizing the importance of non-traditional learning paths and community knowledge.
The Foundation’s mission reflects this commitment:
“The Foundation will grow its capacity to invest in and champion greater access to Mi’kmaw-led education across all generations by supporting lifelong learning, and elevating Mi’kmaw ways of knowing, while cultivating an environment where Mi’kmaw culture and language flourish within families and communities.”
Recent accomplishments already demonstrate the impact this work can have. Since 2009, the Foundation has distributed more than 500 learner awards totaling over $300,000, supporting students from kindergarten to post-secondary education.
Strengthening Language and Cultural Revitalization
Language and culture remain central to the Foundation’s work.
Over the next five years, FAME plans to continue supporting initiatives that strengthen Mi’kmaw language learning, cultural identity, and traditional knowledge sharing. This includes investing in language programming, storytelling initiatives, land- and sea-based learning, cultural workshops, and opportunities for Elders, educators, and Knowledge Keepers to share teachings with younger generations.
Projects such as the Mi’kmaw language podcast initiative have already demonstrated how technology and community storytelling can work together to make language learning more accessible and engaging.
The Foundation also recognizes that cultural revitalization is deeply connected to wellness, identity, and belonging. By supporting culturally grounded education, FAME aims to create environments where Mi’kmaw learners see themselves reflected in their learning journeys and feel empowered by who they are.
Building Sustainable Community Impact
A major part of the Foundation’s five-year plan is building long-term sustainability and strong community partnerships.
FAME’s approach focuses on growing support through partnerships with donors, organizations, educators, and community leaders who share a commitment to advancing Mi’kmaw education and opportunity. The Foundation is working toward building sustainable funding streams that can support programs and learners not just today, but for generations into the future.
Equally important is maintaining a community-driven approach rooted in Mi’kmaw values, transparency, and accountability. The Foundation’s work continues to be guided by principles such as self-determination, inclusion, intergenerational impact, and the Seven Sacred Teachings.
Celebrating Mi’kmaw Excellence
Another important goal for the coming years is amplifying Mi’kmaw achievements and success stories.
FAME believes that celebrating learners, educators, artists, leaders, and communities helps inspire future generations and strengthens pride across Mi’kma’ki. Through storytelling, events, media initiatives, and community engagement, the Foundation hopes to ensure Mi’kmaw excellence is visible, recognized, and celebrated both within communities and beyond.
Looking Ahead
The Foundation for the Advancement of Mi’kmaw Education understands that meaningful change takes patience, collaboration, and long-term commitment.
Over the next five years, FAME will continue building pathways for learners, supporting language and cultural revitalization, and investing in community-led initiatives that create opportunity and strengthen identity.
The work is about more than education alone — it is about empowering Mi’kmaw people to thrive while remaining deeply connected to language, culture, community, and the generations that will follow.
