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A delegation from our band attended the Mi’kmaq economic development conference held at the Santa Maria Club on Wednesday, May 24, 2006 in Stephenville. It was called: Two Bays Mi’kmaq Economic Development Forum.
The forum and its workshops were well attended with representation from Benoit First Nation, Indian Head First Nation, St. George’s Indian Band and Flat Bay Indian Band. Representation was also present from the Ktaqamkuk Mi’kmaq Alliance, Indian Head Aboriginal Women’s Association and the Melgignat Mi’kmaq Women’s Group.
Representative from the Penwa' Mawi-Amskwesewey L'nue'kati band included Ron & Irene Jesseau, and Peter Benoit & Bernadette Tellac. Jasen Benwah was able to attend the afternoon sessions.
Keynote speakers included Roger Obonsawin, an Abenaki businessperson from Ontario, Odelle Pike owner of Dhoon Lodge, Barry Lomond and Barry Noftall who explained the benefits of the cooperative model for the proposed Mi’kmaq economic development agency, and Chief John Thunder from the Buffalo Point Reserve in Manitoba.
This conference was a follow-up to the healing session that was held on March 25, 2006 where Mi’kmaq leaders cleaned the slate of any animosity amongst themselves.
This conference brings us one step closer to developing a permanent regional Mi'kmaq economic development organization for St. George's Bay. The next step will be the setting up of an intern committee to begin this work. We look forward to its creation with much anticipation.
Note: The conference was preceeded on the evening of May 23th at Spruce Pine Acres in Port au Port with a gathering of leaders, organizers and invited speakers. Following the conference of May 24th a general gathering of all interested Mi'kmaq took place at the same location until 7:00 pm.
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Copyright © 2006 Jasen Sylvester Benwah
