Essissoqnikewey Siawa’sik – L’nuey Kina’matinewo’kuo’m - ESK Immersion School

Essissoqnikewey Siawa’sik – L’nuey Kina’matinewo’kuo’m na amskwesewy kina’matinewo’kuo’m puktaqi-l’nui’sutiey Kanata, ta’n etl-kina’mujik mijua’ji’jk weja’tekemk “Kindergarten” mi’soqo “Grade 4”.

ESK na kina’matinewo’kuo’m ta’n wiaqa’lujik msit mijua’ji’jk, jel tlia’ istuo’lti’tij.

Lnuikina’mujik mijua’ji’j aqq kekina’mujik maw ta’n telo’ltimk, aqq kujmukewey kina’matinewey, ta’n apoqnmakwi’tij wli-kina’masultinow, wulikutinow ewe’wmi’tij l’nui’suti.

Wula kina’matinewo’kuo’m apoqnmattow apaja’tunow L’nui’suti aqq l’nueyimk, ta’n mkite’ttaq mijua’ji’jk teli-l’nuwultijik.

The ESK Immersion School is Canada’s first fully Mi’kmaq-speaking school, serving students from Kindergarten to Grade 4 in a total immersion environment.

Housed in its own dedicated building, ESK is an inclusive and supportive school for all learners, including neurodivergent students.

Rooted in Mi’kmaq language, culture, and land-based learning, the school empowers children to learn, grow, and connect through their language.

It plays a vital role in revitalizing Mi’kmaq language and identity, fostering confidence and pride in young learners.

Ta’n L’nuey Etl-mawlukwatmumk (Mi’kmaq Curriculum Development Centre) (TLE)

TLE apoqnmatk ta’n tl-siawatten l’nuey kina’matinewey. Eltu’titl wi’katiknn aqq ta’n koquey nuta’tij nujikina’mua’tijik. “Language aqq Culture Consultant” apoqnmatk kujmukewey kina’matinewey, kwiluaji aqq pekisilaji ta’n nenimi’tij l’nuey, nkutey eltu’titl pepkijete’maqnn, aqq maw ika’taquwutijik. “Digital Graphic Designer” napui’kiket, nkutey knukwatikne’l aqq a’tukwaqne’l wi’katiknn. Kiwaski-wi’kikete’w ta’n apoqnmatk Mi’kmawey tli’suti we’wasin te’sikiskik, aqq kiwaski-wi’kikl wi’katiknn aqq pilue’l koquey ta’n nuta’tij Nujikina’mua’tijik.

“TLE”-aq na toq-lukutijik klo’tmnow aqq wji-apaja’tunow lnui’suti aqq l’nuey telo’ltimk.

Ta’n L’nuey Etl-mawlukwatmumk (TLE), the Mi’kmaq Curriculum Development Centre, is located within the Essissoqnikewey Siawa’sik – L’nuey Kina’matinewo’kuo’m (ESK Immersion School). TLE supports culturally rich, language-driven learning by developing and adapting resources for classroom use.

The team includes: Etlukutijik:
•    A Language and Culture Consultant who supports land-based learning, connects with knowledge keepers, and brings cultural teachings, like drum-making or planting traditional gardens into classrooms and outdoor learning spaces. 

•    A Digital Graphic Designer who creates engaging visual materials, such as alphabet boards and storybooks, by digitizing illustrations and pairing them with Mi’kmaw translations. 

•    A Translator who helps bring Mi’kmaq language into everyday lessons, creating translated books and classroom support guides for teachers.

Together, the TLE team plays a vital role in preserving and revitalizing Mi’kmaw language and culture in education.