KMA PARTICIPATES IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE Press Release Stephenville, NL May 19, 2006 Mi’kmaq Economic Development Forum Confirmed The majority of people who reside in the Bay St. George area, situated on the west coast of the province of Newfoundland and Labrador is of Mi’kmaq ancestry. The Mi’kmaq people here are on the brink of assimilation due to historical genocidal policies, mainstream society’s refusal to recognize Mi’Kmaq people and their traditional Territory and deep rooted racism. As a result of this assimilation, the Mi’kmaq people have maintained a low profile in all areas of their lives and most noticeably in the areas of culture and economic development. Fortunately, aboriginal leaders in the various bands and aboriginal women’s organizations have agreed to work together to develop cultural and economic development programs for the overall benefit of the aboriginal population. Following a traditional healing session attended by local aboriginal leaders it was decided that the starting point for such activities would be to hold an economic development conference and workshops. Consequently, a conference, titled the “Two Bays Mi’kmaq Economic Development Forum” will be held on Wednesday, May 24, 2006 at the Santa Maria Club, West Street, Stephenville, and will be attended by approximately 50 community members from the local Mi’kmaq bands and aboriginal women’s organizations. Invited presenters will include prominent aboriginal economic development specialists Chief John Thunder from Buffalo Point Reserve in Manitoba and Roger Obonsawin, Abenaki from Ontario. A local business owner, Odelle Pike from Dhoon Lodge will also present first hand knowledge about business opportunities and barriers to economic development in the Bay St. George area. Other presenters will include Barry Lomond and Barry Noftall who will present information on the benefits of cooperatives as business development organizations. Mi’kmaq bands and organizations sending delegates to the Forum include; Indian Head First Nations, St. Georges Band, Flat Bay Band, Ktaqamkuk Mi’kmaq Alliance (KMA), Port au Port Band, Benoit First Nations, the Indian Head Aboriginal Women’s Association and the Melgignat Mi’kmaq Women’s Group from the KMA. A final evaluation of the presentations and workshop sessions will be conducted to determine the plan of action required to generate Mi’kmaq economic development in the Bay St. George region. Also at 5:00PM on May 24th there will be an open house for any members of the Mi’kmaq community who wish to attend and meet the invited guest presenters and workshop facilitators. Bert Alexander Spokesperson Two Bays Mi’kmaq Economic Development Group ©2004-2008 KMA - Ktaqamkuk (Taga-ma-goog)Mi'kmaq Alliance   Hosted by Your Community, Online!