Your Host Team for the Decolonization Learning Journey
Jane Meader - Elder, BACS & MEd
Jane Meader was raised in the Mi'kmaw community of Membertou which is adjacent to the city of Sydney in Unama'ki (Cape Breton), Nova Scotia. Mi'kmaw is her first language, and she deeply holds and daily lives the traditional teachings and values that she has learned from Elders throughout the course of her life, beginning in early childhood. Today, she provides and participates in traditional ceremonies and gatherings at home and across North America. Jane has extensive, diverse experience in the professional educational arena and is a developer, writer and implementer for Mi'kmaw cultural activities and events for many schools throughout Nova Scotia. Jane obtained a Certificate in Early Childhood Education in 1980 from the Frobel Centre for Early Childhood Education, a Certificate in Northern and Native Education in 1996 from McGill University, a Bachelor of Arts Community Studies (BACS) in 2002 from Cape Breton University, a Bachelor of Education (BEd) in 2004 from St. Francis Xavier University, and a Masters of Education (MEd) from St. Francis Xavier University. Today, Jane continues to be a key educator in her home community of Membertou. She is the Mi'Kmaq Language Coordinator for the Membertou Band Council. She is also on the Mi'kmaw Language Advisory Committee for Mi'kmaw Kina'matnewey. In addition, she acts as an advisor to the Nova Scotia Department of Education in Mi'kmaw Studies and Treaty Education. She is a drummer and traditional singer, as well as an artist, craftsperson and makes traditional Mi'kmaw clothing.
Mary Beth Doucette - Assistant Professor & Purdy Crawford Chair, CBU's Shannon School of Business
Mary Beth Doucette is an Assistant Professor and Purdy Crawford Chair in CBU’s Shannon School of Business (Sydney, NS). She is also a Membertou band member and a doctoral student in management at St. Mary’s University (Halifax, NS). She has a B.Eng in industrial engineering from Dalhousie and an MBA in Community Economic Development from CBU.
With a focus on interactions between Mi’kmaw and Canadians, Doucette researches how people in organizations use policies and procedures to share knowledge in culturally informed ways. Doucette’s current research projects focus on ways in which reconciliation and decolonization are practiced in organizations. She likes to work with organizations like the Community Sector Council of Nova Scotia because they strive to integrate an Etuaptmumk/Two-Eyed Seeing lens throughout the entire organization. They do so by engaging with critical inquiry, relationship building, and capacity development at all levels.
CSCNS has proudly partnered with Unama'ki College to deliver this learning series.
As the vibrant heartbeat of Indigenous education at CBU for more than 40 years, Unama'ki College offers and environment that embraces the knowledge, wisdom and traditions of the Mi'kmaq. From faculty and staff that speak Mi'kmaw to academic courses delivered in Mi'kmaw communities, Unama'ki College has many offerings for Indigenous learners. Currently, CBU is the home away from home for more than 300 Indigenous students, as well as the alma mater of close to 1,000 Indigenous graduates. With research opportunities, engaging programs, and a strong community, Indigenous students come to CBU to build rewarding futures and careers paths.
This program is made possible through the support of the Nova Scotia Government, Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage and the Department of Labour & Advanced Education.