NEWS RELEASE - August 30, 2002 Kippens, NF MI'KMAQ JOIN FORCES After many years of neglect and blatant discrimination by all levels of government, the Mi'kmaq people of Newfoundland and Labrador who have not yet achieved federal status are finally uniting as one people and one voice. The Ktaqamkuk Mi'kmaq Alliance was established several months ago when the Federation of Newfoundland Indians refused to discuss issues which had been impacting a large number of its members. Consequently, there was no other option than to form a new organization to represent the best interests of the people who no longer felt they were represented fairly by the FNI. The Ktaqamkuk Mi'kmaq Alliance is not associated or affiliated with the Federation of Newfoundland Indians in any way. Chief Jake Davis of the Sip'kop Mi'kmaw Band of St. Alban's has confirmed in writing that they are joining forces with the Ktaqamkuk Mi'kmaq Alliance in efforts to gain equal rights with other First Nation's Bands in Canada. In a recent letter, Chief Davis also stated that the Sip'kop Mikmaw Band supports the Alliance in its objective to obtain those same equal rights. He further stated "We also agree that it is important that the Mi'kmaq of this province speak as a unified voice when dealing with the provincial and federal governments. That would include supporting each other in public statements and demonstrations." In other developments, the recently formed Bay St. George South First Nations Mi'kmaq Band of St. Fintan's is also part of the Alliance and it too has been registered in the province as a non-profit Indian Band along with the Ktaqamkuk Mi'kmaq Alliance itself. The Alliance has been registering members at the rate of approximately 100 per week and it is the largest Mi'kmaq Band in the province. The Alliance is accepting only those individuals who have valid documents, which prove they are of direct Mi'kmaq ancestry but at the same time assists anyone whom is interested in becoming a member. The Alliance has begun a number of initiatives aimed at providing not only for various types of funding for members such as educational and business start-up requirements but also job opportunities for members. The Alliance is holding its next band meeting at 7:00PM on Thursday, September 12, 2002 at Our Lady of Mercy Parish Center in Port au Port. At that time members will be updated on the progress of these initiatives as well as information to keep members informed of band activities and development. The Alliance is also promoting membership for those who posses valid documentation including those individuals who wish to transfer from bands under the Federation of Newfoundland Indians. However, those who are current members of existing bands have until September 30, 2002 at the latest to join the Alliance. This deadline has been imposed to avoid possible complications resulting from discussions between the FNI and the federal government under the format presented in the 2002 Mi'kmaq Regime, something which the Alliance wants no part of. The Mi'kmaq Alliance has taken a strong position regarding its objectives with the federal government and its lawyers are presently preparing a position statement on this matter. The Alliance also intends to take a strong and vocal position on other issues particularly those that impact the environment in any way including pollution and the transfer of crown land to private interests specifically land which has been traditional Mi'kmaq hunting and fishing areas. The Alliance opposes any transfer of crown land to private interests and it is presently investigating the reported transfer of approximately 3000 acres along Robinson's River. Bert Alexander Chief Ktaqamkuk Mi'kmaq Alliance Back to the Wigwam ©2003-2008 KMA - Ktaqamkuk (Taga-ma-goog)Mi'kmaq Alliance   Hosted by Your Community, Online!