The following ethnographies were researched and compiled by Mi'kmaw students hired through Aboriginal L.I.N.K.S. Each is a compendium of information about Nova Scotia reserves with regard to physical description including size, location, and proximity to other towns or villages; what businesses and other concerns comprise the reserves, including private businesses and band operated businesses; services and facilities available in the communities; and the names of the people who make up the band councils, administration, and educational institutions.
In Delgamuukw v. British Columbia, the Supreme Court of Canada affirmed the inherent meaning of Aboriginal tenure (or title) and acknowledged its role in constitutional analysis. The message from the modern framers of the constitution of Canada and the Lamer Court is that Aboriginal law, tenure and rights as well as treaty rights constitute a distinct constitutional order in s. 35(1) of the Constitution Act, 1982, with its own implicate architecture, sources, traditions, and texts, that require constitutional equality with the other parts.
Mi'kmaw people depended on the land for their sustenance and as such were a nomadic people who lived and travelled throughout Mi'kma'ki according to the time of year and the seasonal pattern. Mi'kma'ki was divided into seven districts:Kespukwitk, Sipekni'katik, Eskikewa'kik, Unama'kik, Epekwitk aq Piktuk, Siknikt, and Kespek. Consequently, in an effort to maintain orderly conduct and good relationships between families, travel throughout Mi'kma'ki was based on respect for those whose hunting territory one may be travelling through.
This report is written as a result of the many dialogues and discussion with NWMO, and Mawiw's focus group. The focus group was formed following the initial NWMO presentation held in July of 2009 in Fredericton. This introductory meeting with NWMO was a presentation to Mawiw's board members, Chiefs, technicians, Mawiw executive, and band councillors. Our task within the focus group was to ensure all information provided by NWMO was properly analysed and discussed as to allow for proper feedback to be included in this final report.
"The NSMDC ASETS program is an agreement with Human Resources and Skills Development Canada which provides funding for employment programs and services that help Aboriginal people prepare for, obtain and maintain employment."
The Union of New Brunswick Indians Board of Directors authorized the establishment of the UNBI Training Institute in 1994 as a key component of the UNBI's activities. Its purpose is to provide post-secondary and other educational opportunities for the people, and by the people, of the First Nation communities. At present the UNBI Training Institute is delivering courses such as Diploma in Early Childhood Education, and a Certificate in Home & Community Care as a Personal Support Worker.
