BACKGROUNDER
Miawpukek First Nation Self-Government Negotiations

Miawpukek First Nation (MFN) is located 224 km south of Gander and has a population of approximately 800 living on-reserve and a population of approximately 1,500 living off-reserve. MFN is a Mi'kmaq community with an established history of providing the community with a sound and accountable governing structure, innovative community programming and solid administrative practices.

The self-government framework agreement is the next logical step in ensuring that MFN can work towards obtaining the tools and flexibility it needs to fully engage in a government-to-government relationship with Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador, to develop the social and economic potential of the community, and to make a significant contribution to the future of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Formal self-government negotiations began in December of 2004 and MFN has established a solid community-based consultation process. The community is engaged in all aspects of the self-government process, and mandated its leadership to be fully involved in the negotiations and to act as a liaison between MFN membership and the negotiators. The consultation process is broad and inclusive, with members of MFN living on and off reserve being given opportunities to participate in the consultation process.

Consultation sessions were organized both in and outside of Conne River to explain the process, the various stages of negotiations, and to receive input from Miawpukek members. A MFN Self-Government Steering Committee representing various components of the community is in place and is the main interface for community members to provide their input into the negotiations process.

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