L’nui-Kina’masi

"El-new-we Gin-naa-ma-see"

L’nui-Kina’masi represents a holistic approach to career, teaching, education, and learning.

 

Through Employment and Training, Apprenticeship, Post-Secondary, and Entrepreneurship and Supplier Development, these programs are designed to help build the capacity of community members through education, training, apprenticeship opportunities, business development, and work experience. Working together, these services help connect community to opportunity.

Membertou Entrepreneurs & Business Owners

Membertou entrepreneurs and business owners are encouraged to connect and share where they are in their business journey. This area focuses on strengthening business supports and services by learning more about the needs, challenges, successes, and goals of local entrepreneurs.

 

The aim is to create stronger pathways to opportunities within the community and support long-term business growth.

 

“Book a time, send me a message, or reach out directly to set up a quick coffee or call. I want to hear about your business — your needs, challenges, successes, and what’s next.”
~ Alex Paul

Alex Paul

 

Director of Employment Training Apprenticeship Entrepreneurship and Supplier Development

 

alexpaul@membertou.ca
902.564.6466 ext. 3302 (office)
902.565.6897 (mobile)

Apprenticeship & STAIRS Program

The Apprenticeship & STAIRS Program supports Membertou community members by coordinating education, training, apprenticeship, and employment-related services. Through case management, partnerships with training institutions, employers, and funding agencies, the program helps participants access the guidance, resources, and financial supports needed to complete training and move toward employment.

 

Support through STAIRS may include assistance with tuition, travel, equipment, and other learning needs, while also helping participants navigate education and employment opportunities. The program also includes academic support, graduate and employment incentives, financial administration, data tracking, and service delivery aligned with Membertou’s Quality Management Systems.

 

Programs Supported

  • Membertou Apprenticeship Program
  • Social Training Assistance Initiative Reinvestment Strategy (STAIRS)
  • Related employment, skills development, and essential skills supports

Edwin Kabatay

 

Case Manager (Apprenticeship & STAIRS Program)

 

edwinkabatay@membertou.ca
902.564.6466 ext. 2630 (office)

Anna Marshall

 

Case Manager (STAIRS Program)

 

annamarshall@membertou.ca
902.564.6466 ext. 2631 (office)

Ta’n Etli-tpi’tmk

Ta’n Etli-tpi’tmk provides individualized case management support to help clients reduce barriers and move toward their personal goals. The program is centered on building confidence, strengthening skills, supporting continued education, improving job readiness, and creating meaningful connections to Mi’kmaw culture. It is designed to meet people where they are and support progress one step at a time.

 

Supports may include referrals to community resources and organizations, cultural learning opportunities such as cooking, beading, land-based workshops, crafts, and storytelling, as well as training opportunities like First Aid, Food Handlers, and short or long-term education and training. Services can also include job readiness supports such as interview preparation, resumes, licences, and related fees. The focus is on improving quality of life and providing the right support system for each person’s path forward.

 

Community members are welcome to connect for case management, assessment, and case planning to begin identifying goals and next steps.

Anna Marshall

 

Case Manager (Ta’n Etli-tpi’tmk)

 

annamarshall@membertou.ca
902.564.6466 ext. 2631 (office)

Programs Supports and Services

Post-secondary supports are available to help students navigate each stage of their academic journey. Services include counseling and advising on institution selection, admission applications, program choices, and course planning. This area also helps maintain student records, confirm funding eligibility, and provide liaison support between students, institutions, and the Band. Ongoing encouragement and guidance are part of ensuring students feel supported throughout their studies.

 

Funding administration is also provided through the Membertou Post-Secondary Student Support Program (MPSSSP), which offers financial support to Membertou band members attending post-secondary institutions.

Devann Sylvester

 

Post-Secondary Navigator

 

psnavigator@membertou.ca
902.564.6466 ext. 2450 (office)

Summer Student Work Experience

The Summer Student Work Experience program helps students identify and secure employment opportunities that match their skills, interests, and availability.

 

The service supports job matching, application guidance, and the hiring process while working with both students and employers to create positive placements.

 

The goal is to help students build workplace readiness, develop skills, and explore future career paths through meaningful summer employment.

Breezy Christmas

 

STEP UP Coordinator (Summer Student Work Experience)

 

breezychristmas@membertou.ca
902.564.6466 ext. 2460 (office)

Mi’kmaq Employment Training Secretariat (METS)

The Mi’kmaq Employment Training Secretariat (METS) supports First Nations individuals in preparing for, securing, and maintaining employment. Its vision is equal access to and participation in the labour market for Nova Scotia First Nations communities, while recognizing employment potential and creating benefits for both individuals and employers.

 

Schooling/Training:

METS funding is available for eligible programs within Nova Scotia, including NSCC and select approved private colleges such as METI, CBBC, and Island Career Academy.

Self Employment Assistance (SEA)

The Self-Employment Assistance program helps unemployed Indigenous clients start a business when their business concept is viable and approved. Supports may include living expenses, tuition for entrepreneurship courses or programs, and other eligible supports such as dependent care.

Skills Development (SD)

Skills Development helps Indigenous clients gain the skills needed for employment. This can include upgrading and literacy courses, life skills training, occupational training, skills courses, and apprenticeship-related learning. High school, university, and correspondence programs are not included.

Employment Assistance Service (EAS)

Employment Assistance Service supports organizations in delivering employment services to unemployed or soon-to-be unemployed Indigenous clients. Services may include:

  • Counselling
  • Career action planning
  • Job search skills
  • Job finding clubs
  • Labour Market Information
  • Case management and follow-up
  • Cultural awareness
  • Language
  • Resume Writing
  • CPR/First Aid
  • WHMIS

Employment Maintenance Program (EMP)

The Employment Maintenance Program helps unemployed or at-risk Indigenous clients strengthen their current skills through short-term training interventions. It is intended to support individuals whose jobs have been affected by technological or workplace changes. Training may include computer technology, skill upgrading, and work-related sessions such as communication, work ethic, and interpersonal skills. The program is not intended to replace an employer’s responsibility to train their own employees.

 

If you want this tightened further, I’d recommend one more pass to make the tone more web-polished and consistent across every section, because the current source page mixes first-person, third-person, and program language.