by Hailey Isadore, Communications Team, KMKNO

Since August 2011, the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq Chiefs (Assembly) and the Social Development Administrators (SDAs) from all thirteen Mi’kmaq communities began working together to create a self government initiative for Social Assistance. This new format includes programs and services, training and employment, social housing and health services. Our goal for this new program will support effective and efficient case management by Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq SDAs, and most importantly, benefit the Mi’kmaq social recipients.

To ensure that this plan rolls out to communities smoothly, the team has developed three foundation initiatives: Policy Development, Software Development and a Financial Review of the existing Social Program, which we will explain.

1. Common Policy

Last fall, the SDA’s and the Social Project Manager at Kwilmu’kw Maw-klusuaqn Negotiation Office (KMKMO) worked collaboratively with the help of a contracted Policy Writer and begun developing a new Mi’kmaq Enhanced Social Program for the Mi’kmaq Social Program Delivery. This will be a policy used by all thirteen Mi’kmaw communities in Nova Scotia. It contains four interconnected elements: 1) Basic Social Assistance, 2) Housing, 3) Health, and 4) Training and Employment. The policy created will support Mi’kmaq governance and management.

2. Case Management System

Information discussions between all thirteen SDAs will help software developers to create a M ...