KMA Vision Quest

Working for the People

Web release of May 2003 Winnipeg trip.

In May 2003, Chief Bert Alexander attended the "Vision Quest" Conference held in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The purpose of the trip was to attend the conference sessions, which dealt with issues related to aboriginal community and business development and hopefully, meet some aboriginal leaders who had been successful in developing their own respective communities.

For Chief Alexander, the trip could not have been more successful. During his week-long stay, he was a guest at the home of Gerard and Mavis Brake whose hospitality was greatly appreciated. The chief remarked that it was great to have spent time with Gerard and his family.. Gerard is a member of the KMA and he is originally from Barachois, Bay St. George, Nfld. He is also the President and CEO of Brake Securities Inc. of Winnipeg.

While in Winnipeg, Chief Alexander met with several Grand Chiefs including Grand Chief Francis Flett, Grand Chief Denis Whitebird, and Grand Chief Margaret Swan. Chief Alexander also met with a number of other prominent chiefs including Chief John Thunder of Buffalo Point Reserve and Chief Morris Shannacappo among others.

Chief Alexander was honored to have been invited to attend the Southern Chiefs Conference which was chaired by Chief Shannacappo. Chief Alexander was also honored to have been asked to address the assembly. In his presentation to a number of grand chiefs and approximately 26 chiefs representing thousands of aboriginal people, Chief Alexander brought greetings from all members of the KMA and told the story of our people and that we all share common bonds and common problems. Chief Alexander was moved to hear the closing prayer by Chief Shannacappo in which he prayed for the Mi'kmaq people of the KMA. And closed with the words "They're our people too".

Chief Alexander also attended several other important meetings. One of these was with Duncan Jessiman and Barbara Shields of the law firm Aikins, MacAullay and Thorvaldson.. The firm is almost 125 years old and is staffed by approximately 100 lawyers. The firm has a long and distinguished record of settling claims on behalf of aboriginal peoples in Canada. Their web site address is www.aikins.com. They have been particularly successful in settling land claims and preliminary talks took place regarding land claims for the KMA in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Another highlight of the trip for Chief Alexander was being invited to attend and participate in the closing activities of the Vision Quest Conference. After having attended several of the workshop sessions, this was the crowning touch for the Chief, especially when he was asked to address the 700 plus guests at the closing ceremonies. Again he spoke of our people and brought greetings and thanks for having been so well received and welcomed by the leaders and people of Manitoba.

This initial trip to Winnipeg was an eventful one and a most valuable one for our organization and for people. In addition to the many aboriginal leaders Chief Alexander met, he also had an opportunity to meet with the president and CEO of Manitoba Hydro as well as the Manitoba Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation.

Part II will follow shortly.

Thursday, Dec. 11, 2003

Back to the Wigwam

Hosted by

Your Community, Online!