governance toolkit

Principle: Meaningful Information Sharing case study #02 Community: Miawpukek First Nation

OPPORTUNITY In this way, it was the community that determined that Miawpukek First Nation (MFN) are Micmac people living a robust exploratory discussion stage would best pre- on the south coast of Newfoundland. In 1998 they indicated pare them to build consensus on whether entering for- to the Government of Canada their desire to move toward mal self-government negotiations was appropriate. self-government negotiations. Recognizing the nature and PRINCIPLE IN ACTION scope of achievements of the community within its short It took Miawpukek and their partners at least ten years existence as an Indian Act band, departmental officials pro- to implement the full process of community consulta- posed a unique exploratory discussion process. This process tion and begin to experience the benefits associated was implemented in late 1999 and continued through to with meaningful information sharing and the increased spring 2001. capacity to take charge of their own affairs. The exploratory discussions showed that while there Early on, careful selection of representatives was was genuine interest in self-government, there were important. Stated agreement on stakeholders' roles, also many issues that members wanted to more fully responsibilities and skills proved invaluable in commu- understand before moving toward formal negotiations. nity consultations during the developmental phase and There was a strong desire for meaningful information later in formal self-government negotiations. All key sharing where ideas could be exchanged frequently, project stakeholders, whether they were independent openly and in all directions. There was a clear commit- consultants, DIAND headquarters or regional office ment by many to involve themselves in working representatives, or community representatives, demon- groups and committees to fully explore, assess and strated a deep commitment to the initiative's goals and understand the implications of such a fundamental adopted methods of communication. change in community governance and jurisdiction. There were two goals for the consultations: 1) to pro- vide a means to successful negotiations and implemen- tation of self-governance, and 2) to increase the capaci- NCFNG ty for governance itself across the community. is a national, independent, First Nations-controlled organization dedicated to supporting First Nations A community consultation work plan was developed as they work to implement their inherent right to through a cooperative partnership involving the self- self-governance. The development of a set of shared government working team members, the band and principles that clearly articulate our approach to DIAND representatives. The work plan goals included: effective governance is one way in which we support • Conduct an environmental scan that work. This NCFNG Effective Governance Case • Identify and inventory operational barriers Study profiles a best practice in the principle • Identify and establish relationships with other “Meaningful Information Sharing”. groups that will be affected by Miawpukek self- To learn more about this case study, contact: government process Miawpukek First Nation • Identify negotiating issues to be addressed before www.mfngov.ca self-government negotiations begin • Build community consensus and membership To learn more about the NCFNG: awareness of issues, options and procedures [email protected] Toll free: 1 866 922 2052 SUCCESS FACTORS bers were kept informed through postings on the MFN The Miawpukek work team identify a number of key website, regular mail outs and media press releases in processes and principles that provided support to their the local press and community radio station. activities. CHALLENGES A COMMUNITY-LED PROCESS: Miawpukek has The Miawpukek faced and successfully addressed a demonstrated a genuine commitment to building its number of challenges during the course of the work own future through a sustained effort to keep the ini- including the following. tiative at the “grass roots” level. This has been done by • Ensuring authentic community engagement was ensuring the full participation of the First Nation com- accomplished through the investment of a great deal munity, generating relevant community-based research, of time and effort. The process needed to be flexible focusing on community needs and practical problems, and frequent rescheduling was required to accom- and validating the process with community members. modate the greatest number of participants. They have also articulated a set of socially and • The inclusion of off-reserve membership in discus- culturally relevant expectations of governance, and sions and planning was important in order for the openly addressed any entrenched fear and suspicion interests of all Miawpukek to be fairly represented. among First Nations related to government actions • Significant time was invested to make certain that and intentions. information on the process was both easily under- BUILDING THE FOUNDATION: Several critical stood and readily accessible. The lack of self-govern- strategies were employed by the self-government work- ment resource material in plain, accessible language ing team in order to reach the long-term objectives. caused initial delays. These strategies included reaching a common under- NCFNG GOVERNANCE LESSONS LEARNED standing and agreement among all project partners Meaningful Information Sharing is critical for a nation to about the key issues, ensuring that community partici- realize its vision and only occurs when the exchange of pation would become a cornerstone of all project- information happens frequently, openly and in all related activities, and learning from existing directions. governance systems. The Miawpukek recognized that governmental reform CONSULTATION WORKSHOPS: A series of work- without community buy-in is unlikely to produce sig- shops was designed to provide community members nificant, long-term results, and that community buy-in with historical and contemporary information required depends on real investments by government in educa- to assess the self-government initiative, the opportuni- tion and engagement (listening) with the whole of the ty to explore the implications of self-governance from community. They set as priorities the attainment of a political, program and financial perspectives, and pro- common understanding and agreement among all proj- vide input and direction to the self-government ect partners, and that the identification of key issues exploratory initiative. and the exploratory work should be pursued in a part- COMMUNITY CONSULTATION: In addition to nership approach. The Miawpukek built a strong foun- community workshops, an Open Council Session, dation to their work by ensuring that community par- community meetings, and community open houses ticipation would become a cornerstone of all project- were held in order to reach more community members related activities. with information about MFN band programs, depart- LINKS AND MORE INFORMATION mental activities and expenditures. Community mem- Miawpukek First Nation Self Government www.mfnselfgovernment.com The First Nations currently negotiating self-gov- Miawpukek First Nation Proposal, ernment arrangements with Canada believe that www.mta.ca self-government negotiations must be driven by Miawpukek Human Resources the grass roots people and must proceed at a www.mhrnl.com pace comfortable to the grass roots people. Miawpukek First Nation Community Story — Miawpukek Negotiation Discussion www.rural.gc.ca/decision/conne/conne_e.phtml#f2#f2