A unique gathering of Mi’kmaq leaders took place in Stephenville on Saturday March 25th and it was probably the first of its kind held in the local area in many decades. The gathering was scheduled following initial meetings with leaders of several Mi’kmaq bands, organizations, and local business development specialists, who met to discuss the possibility of the various Mi’kmaq groups and organizations in the area working together specifically in the area of economic development.
Despite the fact that there may be outstanding issues to be resolved between representative Mi’kmaq organizations, it was agreed that the leaders of these organizations need to work together as one unified group for the economic benefit of all Mi’kmaq people in the Bay St. George/Port au Port region. It also was agreed that the first step in this process would be to have a gathering of Mi’kmaq leaders to participate in a traditional healing ceremony. Chief Misel Joe of Conne River had been invited to attend and had agreed to conduct the healing session, but unfortunately had to cancel due to travel commitments.
Those who participated in the ceremony included: Leonard Muise, Group Facilitator, Terry Muise, who led the healing and talking circle ceremonies, Gertie Mai Muise, an Aboriginal Trainer and Traditional Drummer, who conducted the workshop sessions and led the group in traditional songs, Mother Earth Guardian Frank Russell representing the Indian Head First Nations Band, Jasen Benwah, Chief of the Benoit First Nation Band, Vice-Chief Howard Skinner representing the St. Georges Indian Band, Anne Hart, acting head of Melgignat Mi’kmaq Epit Women’s Group and Bert Alexander, Chief of the Ktaqamkuk Mi’kmaq Alliance. The Muise family, originally from St. Georges has been prominent in fostering the reestablishment of Mi’kmaq culture and traditions in the local area.
The almost day long session concluded with each participant sharing his or her own personal reflections on having attended the gathering and each one agreed that the results of the workshop and healing ceremonies had greatly exceeded their expectations and had been very successful.
It was agree that the next step in the process would be to organize a one-day capacity building seminar/conference and the assistance of various organizations in the area would be requested. Participants would include 4-5 individuals from each local Mi’kmaq group and a high profile keynote speaker from an outside successful aboriginal economic development organization. Anyone wishing information may contact any of the individuals named above.
Submitted by:
Bert Alexander
March 30, 2006
709 643-9679
Photo from the event:
Copyright © 2006 Benoit First Nation