Importact Clarification of Fact Dear Members: From time to time articles or statements are expressed through newspaper, radio or television media, which convey messages that might appear to include the Ktaqamkuk Mi’kmaq Alliance as being part of, associated with or approves of such statements. One such article, specifically a letter to the editor written by Mr. Jasen Sylvester Benwah appeared in the February 1-7, 2005 edition of the Georgian Newspaper, Stephenville, NL and was published as follows: The Georgian, Stephenville, NL February 1-7, 2005 Letters to the Editor An important victory; struggle still underway Kwe’ (Dear) Editor, It warms our hearts to finally see the Inuit finally get their land deal. It will mean they will be able to control their destiny to restore the damage done by years of Colonial neglect, lack of respect and theft of land. We applaud them and the parties that helped make this happen. This is indeed a great time for all of us to celebrate. We hope that the momentum continues forward so that the Newfoundland Mi’kmaq (outside Conne River) can also finally join Canada and receive recognition under the Indian Act and be treated as equals to our brothers and sisters across the Mi’kmaq territories We await movement on the part of the Prime Minister and his cabinet to move this forward so the details can be worked out for the landless band and so that registration of all non-status Mi’kmaq of the province can begin as quickly as possible. 2005 can continue to be a historic year. Jasen Sylvester Benwah Chief of the Kitpu First Nation (Mi’lmaq Band) The above letter by Mr. Benwah leaves the impression that the Ktaqamkuk Mi’kmaq Alliance is included in the ‘landless band’ concept, which the Federation of Newfoundland Indians has been lobbying the federal government for the past three years and now also sought by the Kitpu Band. A response to Mr. Benwah’s letter appears on the following page. The Georgian, Stephenville, NL February 8-14, 2005 Letters to the editor ‘Landless’ band agreement not for everyone Dear Editor I am responding to comments made by Jasen Sylvester Benwah in his letter to the editor in the February 1-7 issue of the Georgian. In that letter Mr. Benwah appears to be speaking on behalf of all the non-status Mi’kmaq of the province with regards to seeking a landless band agreement with the federal government. Nothing could be further from the truth. The Ktaqamkuk Mi’kmaq Alliance is in no way associated with any organization, FNI, Kitpu or otherwise, which promotes any kind of landless band concept for the Mi’kmaq people. The KMA has already refused the landless band concept offered us by the federal government back in January 2004 at a meeting held in Corner Brook, NL. Mr. Benwah recently sent a copy of the Kitpu First Nations Band list to our organization, which lists the names, etc. of 722 adult members. That number hardly represents all non-status Mi’kmaq of this province. Mr. Benwah should specify in any future pronouncements exactly whom he represents. That most definitely does not include members of the Ktaqamkuk Mi’kmaq Alliance and he should stop trying to confuse the public with such misrepresentations of the interests of the KMA. Bert Alexander Chief Ktaqamkuk Mi’kmaq Alliance P. O. Box 20021 – Town Center Stephenville, NL A2N 3R8 www.kma.chebucto.org Back to the News and Events Page ©2003 - 2008 KMA - Ktaqamkuk (Taga-ma-goog)Mi'kmaq Alliance   Hosted by Your Community, Online!