The project was carried out by direct contact with each First Nation Band in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland.  Below are the terms of reference as established by the Directors of Education in italics and a brief summary of where the results of the terms can be found.

1.      Demographic surveys of each community to assess level of language retention/loss.

          Each individual band was surveyed.  An attempt was made to survey all the households.  A large portion of the homes were surveyed.  The number varied from fifty percent to ninety-seven percent.  See the graphs for individual bands.  Graphs that show the totals can be found in the section "Total Picture."

2.      Documentation of present language activities at each band.

       Each band director or representative was interviewed to find out the language initiatives each band had undertaken to revive or retain the Mi'kmaw language.  A summary is included in Part II for each of the bands.

3.      Possible intervention activities.

       Most bands have implemented their own initiatives, to revive or retain the language for some time.  Every band has different needs.  Some of the intervention strategies undertaken by some bands will not work for other bands.  One of the biggest problems is getting certified licensed teachers to teach either adults or children.  Some bands do not have schools in their communities and it is almost impossible to get someone fluent enough to teach in their communities.  The bands most in need are those in the south shore and valley areas.  The Mi'kmaw language there is virtually extinct and they don't have resources (financial, human or physical) to bring the language back.  In the south shore, the general feeling is, "What good is it going to do?"

       In Cape Breton, only one band has all the human resources and fluency in the community to be able to offer Mi'kmaw language as a first language.  School based programs and adult education programs are not enough to save our language.  For those that can speak Mi'kmaw fluently, it is essential to speak Mi'kmaw to children in the home.  Children must hear language spoken in informal settings before they can be expected to speak, read or write it.  Community based programs such as one adopted by Chapel Island will not be enough if adults don't speak Mi'kmaw to their chidlren.

       Initiatives such as those begun in Conne River and Chapel Island are strategies communities can adopt.  Time will tell how successful they will be.

       Another strategy that has potential for succeeding is the use of technology to bring language programs into the community.  Distance education, internet and fax should be utilized.

4.      Capacity of bands to deliver possible strategies.

       Funding presents a major problem for all communities.  There are ideas and dreams out there, but money is needed for equipment and to pay teachers.  Some initiatives were sparsely funded just recently though AFN's "Aboriginal Languages Program" through Heritage Canada.  By the time funding reached the grassroots, there was very little to tackle a huge need.  But the problem is not unique to this region.  Other regions of AFN are experiencing the same dilemma.

       Some bands have introduced initiatives towards retaining or reviving the language.  Where there is local control of education, they have been able to provide courses in their schools.  Refer to Part II where the study summarizes which bands provide programs and the type.

5.      Documentation of language resource materials.

      Resource materials that focus on the Mi'kmaw language are listed in Part I of this study.  The Centre of Excellence continues to add to this list.

6.      Support within each band for any proposed intervention strategy.

       Attempts were made to identify existing and potential support in the First Nation communities and surrounding areas.  Most bands have support from their Chief and council and other organizations wherever it is possible to start initiatives.  Refer to the findings section of Part II of this study for information.

7.      A possible role of the center to co-ordinate activities.

       The Centre of Excellence is committed to developing curriculum materials for schools or communities in Nova Scotia who are in the process of providing Mi'kmaw language courses for grades K-9.  The Centre can provide much help for band operated schools which have Mi'kmaw.  The Centre can help individual bands design and plan curriculum for their specific needs as well as in-service training for Mi'kmaw language teachers in methodology.

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