Annual Meeting for KMA March 2005 Membership Deadline for the KMA Anyone wishing to join the Ktaqamkuk Mi’kmaq Alliance – KMA will have until May 31, 2005 to submit his or her application and documentation confirming Mi’kmaq ancestry. The deadline was announced at the second Annual General Meeting of the KMA, which was held in Stephenville on March 9th and attended by several hundred members. Highlights for the past year included: Progress in the class-action lawsuit filed in July 2003 Development of an internal communications network Initiated a community-based needs analysis project Continued to gain respect and support of aboriginal leaders across Canada. Developed a strategic plan to gain equality and justice for KMA members Commenced preliminary discussions for potential partnership agreements Continue to build infrastructure for current and future growth. Brian V. Murphy, of the law firm Monaghan, Murphy and Watton, of Corner Brook, legal counsel for the KMA, attended the meeting. Mr. Murphy is also co-counsel in the class-action lawsuit along with Jerry Wetzel, a Grand Falls/Winsor lawyer. Mr. Murphy presented a summary of the court case to date and outlined the remaining steps to be taken up to the date of trial. Mr. Murphy also explained in detail that anyone who accepts and signs a ‘landless band’ agreement with the federal government should not expect to receive benefits or compensation, which may be gained through the class-action lawsuit currently in progress. Several hundred members have left the ranks of the KMA to join another band on the promise that they will also receive the same benefits as KMA members. Several motions were passed at the meeting including: Any person who resigns or who has resigned from the KMA to join another band will not be reinstated in the KMA. The KMA does not support programs sponsored by the Federation of Newfoundland Indians (FNI), therefore, any KMA member who accepts FNI funding in the future or who continues to receive FNI funding will be advised that their membership in the KMA is terminated. At the 2004 annual general meeting, members approved a $10 temporary annual renewal fee. A motion was passed to place members who are in arrears as at February 28, 2005, on a Delinquent Members List and these members will not be eligible for any KMA programs or benefits. Members showed overwhelming support in protecting traditional lands and strongly oppose the burning of Tired Derived Fuel at Abitibi’s mill in Stephenville. The Mi’kmaq people are here to stay and we are prepared to take whatever action is necessary to insure that our voice will be heard. We want to be included in any decisions that affect the future of our people. Bert Alexander Chief Ktaqamkuk Mi’kmaq Alliance March 10, 2005 (709) 643-9679 Back to the Wigwam ©2003-2008 KMA - Ktaqamkuk (Taga-ma-goog)Mi'kmaq Alliance   Hosted by Your Community, Online!