Our Mandate

The Mi’kmaq Chiefs have engaged two lead negotiators who have a mandate to:

▪  Design, develop and prepare the necessary administrative and corporate structures to enable the transition to Mi’kmaq control and management of income assistance for Mi’kmaq families living in Mi’kmaq communities.
▪  Plan and negotiate agreements and laws with Canada and Nova Scotia to recognize Mi’kmaq jurisdiction over income assistance on reserve and to adequately resource the participating Mi’kmaq communities to deliver programs and services to Mi’kmaq families.

The two lead negotiators are relying on the advice of the Mi’kmaq Social Development Administrators, community elders, the elected chiefs and councils and the Mi’kmaq Grand Council to advance negotiations with Canada and Nova Scotia at the RIRSD (Recognition of Indigenous Rights and Self-Determination) Main Table. 

In conclusion, the Mi’kmaq expect Canada to uphold the honour of the Crown including that Mi’kmaq people are treated with respect and as full partners in Confederation, with their rights, treaties and agreements including a self-government agreement on income assistance are recognized and implemented. Furthermore, the honour of the Crown is reflected not just in the substance of the positions taken, but on how those positions are expressed as the Honour of the Crown is always at Stake when dealing with the Mi’kmaq.

Vision, Mission, Goals & Objectives

Our objectives include the following:

1. Ensure that every person who applies or is approved for support is treated with dignity, respect, and fairness always.

2. Collaborate with Mi’kmaw communities to support the delivery of enhanced social assistance programs and services for eligible persons and economic families living on reserve.

3. Assist and facilitate the implementation of the Mi’kmaq Social Governance Application (MSGA), our common client data base and case management system, at the community level.

4. Ensure that personal information collected through the MSGA, is protected, respected, and used for advancing the short and long term needs of persons, economic families, and the communities they live in.

5. Reduce poverty among eligible persons and economic families living on reserve and advance a basic standard of living to improve health and quality of life.

6. Support the on-going collaboration with Mi’kmaw social development administrators, case managers, and other band level staff to advocate and build Mi’kmaq self-government over enhanced social assistance.

Mi’kmaq Negotiation Team