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TRIPARTITE FORUM
June, 2004
Partnership for One Goal
For the first time, in the Mi'kmaq - Nova Scotia - Canada Tripartite Forum, Mi'kmaq and government members from the seven working committees worked together to develop goals to improve the lives of Nova Scotia Mi'kmaq. During a two-day facilitated session in Wagmatcook, on June 10 and 11, participants began developing a strategic plan.
The session is a follow-up to a previous session in January where several key issues for the Mi'kmaq people were identified. The issues included: Mi'kmaw language, jurisdiction, youth, skills development and community involvement.
Recognizing the broader relationship among the issues the Mi'kmaq Chiefs and government officials encouraged the working committees, culture & heritage, education, economic development, health, justice, social, and sport and recreation to work together.
The purpose of the strategic plan is to unify all committees to address the key issues.
Don Julien executive director for The Confederacy of Mainland Mi'kmaq is a member of the officials and the justice working committees. Mr. Julien stated, "The session was an opportunity for the committees to share resources and to show their commitment towards improving the lives of Mi'kmaq."
Smaller groups will look at the work from the session and develop the final strategic plan document.
Economic development working committee member, Tracy Menge felt the session was a great reminder, "that we are all working towards a common purpose; a better Mi'kmaq community. " Ms. Menge is an economic development officer for the Eskasoni First Nation.
Tripartite Forum meetings always welcome community members and were pleased to have special guests Grand Chief Ben Sylliboy, Grand Keptin and Tripartite Forum chair Alex Denny and other Elders from the community.
Guest presenter, Dan Christmas also provided a presentation on the history of the Tripartite Forum and an introduction to the Made - in - Nova Scotia Process.
Mr. Christmas' presentation and pictures from the assembly are available on the Tripartite Forum website at www.tripartiteforum.com.
The Tripartite Forum was formally established in 1997 as a partnership between the Nova Scotia Mi'kmaq, Province of Nova Scotia and Government of Canada to strengthen relationships and resolve outstanding Mi'kmaw issues of mutual concern. The Tripartite Forum is a strong vehicle to address issues that affect the lives of all Nova Scotia Mi'kmaq.
Download Dan Christmas' presentation here