Pjila’si,

Etuaptmunk (Two-Eyed Seeing): Seeing the world through Indigenous and Western Perspectives, together.

Two-Eyed Seeing is a guiding principle for relationship building, co-learning, and integrative science, translated by Mi’kmaq Elders and academics (Dr. Cheryl Bartlett, Elders Albert and Murdena Marshall) from Unama’ki (Cape Breton, Nova Scotia).

With guidance from Elders, Knowledge Keepers, community partners, and Western scientists, the Two-Eyed Seeing Program aims to embrace the guiding principles of Etuaptmumk to co-create summer camps and various events for Mi’kmaw youth in Nova Scotia. Our goal is to uplift diverse learners interested in hands-on learning and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), while reflecting on Etuaptmumk’s key teachings and using Indigenous values.

This program was originally funded as a pilot in 2017 by the National Science and Engineering Council (NSERC) Promo-Science Program, but the project has gratefully received funding for a 3—year period in 2020 and again in 2023. The funding from NSERC has allowed us to continue partnerships between Mount Saint Vincent University, Sipekne’katik First Nation, Pictou Landing First Nation, Wasoqopa’q Mi’kmaw Nation (Acadia), and Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey, and we are striving to foster even more working relationships.

Please note: We are currently working on a Mi’kmaq translated version of this landing page, which will be posted soon.

Being updated.

Camp Activities and Resources

Each year we develop, test, and implement hands on activities guided by Two-Eyed Seeing. Below you can find some examples of our activities and corresponding student hand outs and an interview we did with Elder Albert Marshall. To get access to all of our activities, videos, interviews, and other resources, please email two-eyed-seeing-camp@msvu.ca

Interview with Elder Albert Marshall:

Mijipjewey na Pisun-Food is Medicine
Mijipjewey na Pisun Activity Handouts

Voice of the Drum
Voice of the Drum Activity Handouts

Volunteering

We are frequently looking for volunteers to help implement the Two-Eyed Seeing Camp. As a volunteer, you will be asked to submit a criminal record check and resume. All volunteers will receive training related to Mi’kmaq history and cultural competence and will be assigned a role depending on need. If you are interested in getting involved, please contact our project coordinator at two-eyed-seeing-camp@msvu.ca

Job Opportunities

The Two-Eyed Seeing Project hires MSVU science students and recent graduates to help implement, develop, and evaluate the camp. Past and current roles have included a development and Implementation team made up of Indigenous and non-Indigenous Mount Students. As job opportunities become available, they will be posted on this site and shared on our social media platforms.

Contact the Two-Eyed Seeing Project

If you are interested in becoming involved with the Two-Eyed Seeing Project, or if you have questions, please email our project lead at shannan.grant2@msvu.ca or our coordinator at two-eyed-seeing-camp@msvu.ca

Find us on Social Media

Facebook: Two-Eyed Seeing Project
Twitter: @TES_Camp
Instagram: @twoeyedseeingcamp

2017-2019

The Two-Eyed Seeing camp was originally funded as a Math-Sci initiative in 2017 with support from Dr. Tamara Franz-Odendaal and Dr. Danielle Cox. In 2018 and 2019 the camp was launched as a pilot 1-week in person day camp. On day 1 Mi’kmaq youth attended the camp at MSVU, followed by one day in each partner community (Pictou Landing, and Sipekne’katik), finishing the week off with a “science fair” in Sipekne’katik First Nation where youth made posters displaying the activities they engaged in over the week. During year 1 and 2, a variety of activities were developed and implemented including: The Voice of the Drum, Getting to know Amu (the bee), Composting at the Community Garden, and more. While in community, youth participated in medicine walks and a water ceremony led by local Elders/Knowledge Holders.  For more on the pilot camp, check out the media releases from 2018 and 2019

Pictured:  Elder Gary Joseph discussing Mi’kmaw perspectives on plants during a laboratory activity on botany

2020-2023

Recently the Two-Eyed Seeing Camp received additional funding to support 3 more years of camp development, implementation, and evaluation from NSERC Promo-Science. Although Covid-19 put a hold on hosting the in person week long camp in 2020, we were still able to host a variety of online and in person events, as well as prepare activities to be shared with teachers in Mi’kma’ki. During 2020 we hosted Wellness Workshops informed by the medicine wheel in all three partner communities and an online Meet the Mentor Mawio’mi supported through funding from the Canadian Roots Exchange. We also held a variety of online competitions including a logo contest, which was won by Grace Berry of Acadia First Nation. Grace worked with Mi’kmaw graphic designer Gerald Gloade to come up with the final version of her logo.

Next year we hope to hold the Two-Eyed Seeing Camp in person for youth in Sipekne’katik First Nation, Pictou Landing Frist Nation, and Acadia First Nation.