Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nation Chiefs

Held at the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre

Written by Chief Benwah

I left for Membertou First nation Mi'kamq reserve on the evening of Wednesday the 26th of January and I arrived back in Stephenville on Friday, January 28, 2005.

At the APC All Chiefs Forum held from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon, that was unable to attend due to extreme delays with Marine Atlantic's ferry, the following letter was recieved by those present:

January 27, 2005

To: The Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nation Chiefs

Honorable Chiefs,

To all of you I say that I am humbled to be in your presence today and to be given this opportunity to speak. I must mention that we see our traditional Chief for Ktaqamkuk (Taga-ma-goog), Misel Joe as a great source of inspiration, and strength for us. We will rely on his wisdom and guidance. We have great respect for our cousins in (me-ab-u-gak) Miawpukek. We will strengthen ties with them and reach out to our people throughout the Mi’kmaq nation.

I represent a forgotten people within a forgotten people. Our people were without a voice for a long time. It was not always the case; the Mi’kmaq of the Port au Port Peninsula took an active role in the Mi’kmaq movement 25 years ago. Somewhere along the line someone dropped the ball and we were left unrepresented until this past year when our people decided that enough was enough. There was a false start over 2 years ago, but I will not discuss our mistakes, I want to discuss our future.

I proudly represent our people in our fight for justice and equality. We are an independent band with 1000 members who are expecting to be recognized with our full federal status this year and if the creator is willing, we will finally join confederation, we will finally fall under the precepts of the Indian Act:

So we can have a voice that will be heard,
that we can get equality with our brothers and sisters across our territory,
So we can bring back our culture and language, thus filling a large void in our hearts and souls,
So we can eventually move out from under that same Indian Act and govern ourselves, have our land, resources, and our treaty rights.

We have supported our brothers and sisters in the FNI in brokering this deal with the Feds for the Mi’kmaq of Taqamkuk (Dah-hum-gook). Those of us living outside of (me-ab-u-gak) Miawpukek must be second class citizens no more.

Those of you who wish to know more about whom we are, where we come from and experience a sense of where we want to go are welcomed to contact me, our band council at any time. We will gladly tell you our story. We would gladly welcome a visit from any of you. I can tell you that we were supposed to be assimilated into the mainstream European society. Until recently our people have been ashamed of whom we were and we kept ourselves hidden. We have lived isolated until recently, we have been subject to resettlement, forcibly taught English and looked down upon for a very long time. We have been called jack-a-tars and Newfie Indians. We were not supposed to have hearts burning for our culture and language - but we do. As part of our moving forward we must be reacquainted with the spirit world, with our culture, with our language and with Mother Earth.

We are delighted that the FNI has led the charge on behalf of the Newfoundland Mi’kmaq whereby we will be recognized with full Status sometime this year; however we have concerns that discussions regarding the landless band and registration process may take place with the federal government and the FNI exclusive of our input. I am therefore asking the Atlantic Policy Congress to support our First Nation in this matter to ensure that the best interests of our community and of all Newfoundland Mi’kmaq are always represented. This can obviously best be achieved by making sure that we are included in every stage of the discussion and negotiation processes from this point forward.

We look towards a long term alliance with Atlantic Policy Congress and the nations it represents for wisdom, guidance and support. We wish to be an active, productive member nation of the APC.

Nmúltes

Jasen Sylvester Benwah

Chief

I did get a chance to have a meeting with John G. Paul, Executive Director between the two workshops I attended, to discuss the local Mi'kmaq community and the APC's role in our future. The result is a possible future meeting with Our Traditional Chief Misel Joe, John G. Paul, APC Executive Director and our regional Chief for Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, Rick Simon with our council here in our community.

I attended The Mi’kmaq Maliseet Atlantic Health Conference that was held at the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre on the Membertou First Nation reserve.

During the convention I attended the following two workshops:

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM Workshop B: Atlantic Aboriginal Health Research Program - Room: 1 Presenters: Carla Moore/Fred Wein
2:45 PM - 4:15 PM Workshop B: MLSN – Youth Justice Program – Room 1 Presenters: Paula Marshall, Tanya Johnson

Overall, and in spite of the delays and scheduling problems that I encountered - I rate the trip a success because we were able to get the attention of the APC and relay our wish to gain membership. Followup meetings will help to develop this further and hopefully make it a reality.

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