by Zabrina Whitman, Policy Analyst, KMKNO

Mi’kmaq identity has been a priority topic for the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq Chiefs and has guided work at Kwilmu’kw Maw-klusuaqn Negotiation Office (KMKNO). One of our five foundational pillars is “to revive, promote and protect a healthy Mi’kmaq identity”. The KMKNO approach to discussing Mi’kmaq identity has been directed by the communities, has asked ‘what cultural components are important for future generations’, and is framed around Mi’kmaw values and responsibilities.

Since 2008, we have engaged community members through community sessions, youth competitions, focus groups and workshops. We have learned a lot over these 9 years, as discussed in previous articles that can be found on our website. Yet, there is still a lot of work to be done and questions that remain unanswered. Starting this month, we are going to provide monthly updates to Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq on the development of an enrollment process. These articles will not only provide information, but will also discuss challenges and will ask questions that need to be answered. We hope that you will give us your feedback and thoughts! Upcoming discussions and questions will focus on language, the difference between terms like “Nation” and “Community”, grandfathering people in, and how to overcome the impacts that the Indian Act has had on our identity and culture.

This month is an overview of how community members, over the last several years, have answered the ...

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