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BACKGROUNDER
Miawpukek First Nation Land Transfer Agreement
Miawpukek First Nation is located 224 km south of Gander and has an on-reserve
population of approximately 800 and an off-reserve population of approximately
1,500. It is a Mi'kmaq community with an established history of providing a
sound and accountable governing structure, innovative community programming and
solid administrative practices.
The First Nation was registered under the federal Indian Act in 1984, and in
1987 a reserve was created at Conne River in the Bay d'Espoir area on
Newfoundland's south coast. The official name of the community is Aosamiaji'jij
Miawpukek Mi'kmawey Mawi'omi Reserve, which means �too small Conne River
Reserve.�
On February 2, 2002, the First Nation requested it be considered for an addition
to reserve. Formal negotiations began in May of 2004. Conditional Approval in
Principle for this Addition to Reserve was signed on February 27, 2004.
The Land Transfer Agreement provides for the transfer of land, from the
Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to Canada, to be set aside as reserve
land for the use and benefit of the Miawpukek First Nation. Once the land is
transferred and granted reserve status, the addition will expand the Samiajij
Miawpukek Reserve by approximately 2,331 hectares. This will allow for
additional housing development and the pursuit of economic development
opportunities.
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