Call for Expressions of Interest for Cultural Programming in Basin Head

OVERVIEW

The Epekwitk Assembly of Councils, operating as the Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI (“MCPEI”), is seeking expressions of interest from experienced individuals or groups (“candidates”) to collaborate on cultural programming and events that celebrate Mi’kmaq culture in Epekwitk (PEI) at Basin Head, PEI, throughout the summer of 2025. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Basin Head Marine Protected Area.  The candidates will work under the direction of the Senior Program Coordinator for MCPEI’s Integrated Resource Management team. 

MCPEI is a Tribal Council that was first established on April 2nd, 2002. As a non-profit organization, MCPEI provides technical support, capacity development, programming, and advisory services to its member First Nations – Abegweit First Nation and Lennox Island First Nation.

Within MCPEI, the Integrated Resource Management (IRM) team provides technical advice and assistance to member First Nations on various aspects of resource management.  Our dedicated team takes pride in tailoring our expertise to areas that are important for the sustainable development of First Nations communities. We help strengthen communication and relationships between First Nations communities, government, municipalities, businesses, and environmental organizations to promote and support sustainable management of resources.

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OBJECTIVES

The cultural programming at Basin Head will aim to promote an understanding of Mi’kmaq culture, celebrate diversity, and engage the local community (Indigenous and non-Indigenous) in meaningful ways. By way of example, it is expected that the cultural programming will:

  • Showcase and honor Mi’kmaq traditions, arts, and heritage.
  • Provide educational opportunities for attendees to learn about Mi’kmaq culture.
  • Foster dialogue and connection between Mi’kmaq and non-Mi’kmaq community members.

ANTICIPATED SCOPE OF WORK / RESPONSIBILITIES

  • To provide cultural programming at Basin Head on weekly basis from July 3, 2025 to August 29, 2025 (nine cultural programming sessions in total). The cultural programming sessions may take place in the morning hours or in the evening hours. Each cultural programming session will take approximately 1-hour.
  • Additional cultural programming at Basin Head will also occur during the afternoons of July 13 and 27, and August 10 and 24. Each cultural programming session will take approximately 2-hours.
  • By way of example, cultural programming may include, but is certainly not limited to (and potential candidates should feel free to identify other proposed cultural activities in their submission):
    • Traditional Mi’kmaq performances and cultural activity, such as music, dance, storytelling, basket weaving, drum making, canoe building or other cultural expressions;
    • Interactive workshops or demonstrations that highlight Mi’kmaq arts, crafts, or culinary traditions; and
    • Educational activities that inform and raise awareness and appreciation of Mi’kmaq culture.

Timeline:

  • Submission deadline: June 6, 2025
  • Interviews / further discussion with MCPEI: June 9 -12, 2025
  • Candidate selection: June 13, 2025

Budget

Submission budgets must be no more than $20,000 CAD, inclusive of all expenses including, but not limited to, mileage, taxes, and materials. Candidates are encouraged to provide detailed cost breakdowns and alternative pricing options to maximize the impact of the event within the allocated budget.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience and expertise in organizing cultural events, particularly those focused on Mi’kmaq culture.
  • Creativity and innovation in programming and presentation.
  • Cultural sensitivity and respect for Mi’kmaq traditions and protocols.
  • Demonstrated ability to engage and educate diverse audiences.

SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

Interested candidates are invited to submit their submissions before via email to David Stirling at dstirling@mcpei.ca by June 6, 2025, 5:00pm AST.

Submissions should include a detailed project plan, budget, an overview of the candidates experience and qualifications (with attention to the required experience set out above), references, and any additional supporting materials.

MCPEI encourages submissions from all qualified candidates.  Preference will be giving to Mi’kmaq candidates who meet the required qualifications.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

By making a submission, each candidate agrees that:

  • No contract is formed in submitting a submission for MCPEI’s review.
  • MCPEI has sole discretion to select any candidate(s) for an interview.
  • MCPEI may cancel this EOI invitation at any time without liability.
  • MCPEI may amend this EOI Process at any time without liability.
  • MCPEI may waive any irregularities in any candidate’s submission, request clarification and additional information on any submission, and to re-advertise for EOIs if, in its sole discretion, it is desired.
  • MCPEI may check references of any candidate beyond those provided in the submission.  
  • MCPEI may verify, with a third party, any information set out in a candidate’s submission.
  • MCPEI takes no responsibility for the accuracy of the information supplied during the EOI process by any official, employee or agent of MCPEI.
  • MCPEI is not responsible for any expense incurred by any candidate in preparing or submitting submissions or in providing any additional information necessary for the evaluation of submissions.