Tripartite Forum Agenda Announced

The executive committee of the Mi'kmaq - Nova Scotia - Canada Tripartite Forum held its first meeting today and agreed on a common agenda of action. The executive also formally affirmed the appointment of Alex Denny, Kji Keptin (Grand Captain) of the Mi'kmaq Grand Council, as chair of the forum.

The executive is made up of the thirteen Mi'kmaq Saqmaq (Chiefs) of Nova Scotia, the Kji Saqmaw (Grand Chief) of the Mi'kmaq, Ben Sylliboy, Jane Stewart, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Don Downe, Minister responsible for Aboriginal Affairs in Nova Scotia.

Consensus was reached to pursue nine agenda items through specific working committees: Treaties, Self-Government, Social Development, Education, Economic Development, Natural Resources, Health, Justice and Planning and Administration.

This comprehensive agenda reflects the goals of the forum, entered into by the Mi'kmaq of Nova Scotia, the Province of Nova Scotia and Canada on July 2, 1997, to jointly discuss, investigate, negotiate and implement solutions to substantive issues of mutual concern.

"All those that have worked so diligently since the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding in July of last year are to be congratulated for their commitment and effort in developing this agenda and getting discussions underway," Minister Stewart said. "This is an excellent example of the kind of activities referred to in Gathering Strength -Canada's Aboriginal Action Plan. I am confident that by working together in this forum, in the spirit of true partnership, based on respect and dignity, we can address issues of mutual concern, achieve consensus and find resolutions that will improve the lives of Aboriginal people in Nova Scotia."

"By participating in nation to nation negotiations within the Tripartite Forum, the Mi'kmaq of Nova Scotia are hopeful that real progress toward self-government can be made by establishing projects and programs which have a direct impact on the lives of our community members," said Chief Lawrence Paul, co-chair of the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi'kmaq Chiefs. "We now have the opportunity to enhance the future of our people while remaining true to the treaty relationship which is the foundation of our association with Nova Scotia and Canada."

"Nova Scotia is proud to be a party to this tripartite process and is committed to working with the Mi'kmaq Nations and the federal government," said Don Downe, Minister responsible for Aboriginal Affairs. "I am convinced that through the Tripartite Forum, the outstanding issues and concerns that face the Aboriginal community in Nova Scotia, will be addressed and solutions will be reached that will assist the Mi'kmaq community to achieve self-government."

The forum is funded through an agreement cost-shared by the federal and provincial governments.