Rick Simon -Tripartite Forum Executive Chair

New Executive Chair Announced for the Mi'kmaq-Nova Scotia-Canada Tripartite Forum

Membertou (NS) - Mr. Rick Simon is the new executive chair of the Mi'kmaq-Nova Scotia-Canada Tripartite Forum. The appointment was announced at a news conference in Membertou, Cape Breton, today by the 13 Nova Scotia Mi'kmaq Chiefs, the Federal Minister of Indian and Northern Affairs and Federal Interlocutor for Metis and Non-Status Indians, Andy Scott, and the Provincial Minister for the Office of Aboriginal Affairs, Michael Baker.

Mr. Simon, a member of Indian Brook First Nation, takes over this position after the death of the former Executive Chair, Alex Denny in December 2004. Mr. Simon brings a strong history of being involved with issues surrounding First Nations to this position. "I was honoured that the Chiefs put my name forward for this position. I only hope I can represent all parties involved in this important process as the new Chair", comments Mr. Simon. Mr. Simon's name was put forward by the 13 Nova Scotia Mi'kmaq Chiefs to take on this role.

Mr. Simon is currently in his 4th term as Regional Chief for Nova Scotia and Newfoundland with the Assembly of First Nations. Early in his career, Mr. Simon worked as a reporter with The MicMac News for 10 years, and was later founding editor of the Mi'kmaq Maliseet Nations News. Mr. Simon went on to become a Self-Government Advisor for The Confederacy of Mainland Mi'kmaq and one of the first employees for the Atlantic Policy Congress of First Nation Chiefs as a Policy Analyst.

"Mr. Simon's leadership abilities will be beneficial to the Forum," said Minister Scott. "His experience and knowledge will be an asset to his new role. I am confident the Forum will build upon its past accomplishments and continue to work together to discuss and resolve issues of mutual concern."

"I think the chiefs have chosen wisely in their selection of Mr. Simon as the new Executive Chair of the Tripartite Forum, " said Michael Baker, Nova Scotia's Minister of Aboriginal Affairs. "He has shown his ability to work with a wide variety of groups and has a strong background in dealing with First Nations issues."

The Mi'kmaq-Nova Scotia-Canada Tripartite Forum was formed in 1997 as a partnership between the Nova Scotia Mi'kmaq, the Province of Nova Scotia and the Government of Canada, to strengthen relationships and to resolve issues of mutual concern affecting Mi'kmaw communities.

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For more information:
Jeff Bishop - Communications Officer
Mi'kmaq-Nova Scotia-Canada Tripartite Forum
Office:902-895-6385
Mobile: 902-899-8890
jeff@cmmns.com