2008 – the Mgnigng, also known as, the Circle of Officials, was formed through the signing of the Niganita’suatas’gl Ilsutaqann process (NI).
NIGANITA’SUATAS’GL ILSUTAGAN (NI)
Agreement Among the Mi’gmaq, Canada, and Québec
Over the years, the leadership of the Mi’gmawei Mawiomi has encouraged the principle that decisions should not be made hastily or without due deliberation. Much thought must be given before decisions are reached. This Mi’gmaq philosophy was turned into a legal document, entitled Niganita’suatas’gl Ilsutagan (NI) (“The thinking before the decision”), which was signed by representatives of the Gespe’gewa’gi Mi’gmaq, Canada and Québec on September 25, 2008. This document, and the discussions that led to its creation, established a solid foundation for negotiations based on Mi’gmaq values, beliefs, and traditions. The NI is an agreement that states that the three signing parties have agreed to work together on the pre-negotiations of the Gespe’gewa’gi claims process and further negotiations.
The Mgnigng formally engages with the federal and provincial Crown on issues related to the recognition, protection, and implementation of Indigenous and Treaty rights and title through bilateral and trilateral negotiations processes, and conducts the procedural aspects of the duty to consult and accommodate on behalf of its three member communities, based on the s. 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.
The Mi’gmawei Mawiomi appointed a Nutewistoq and Mgnigng to facilitate discussions and negotiations with various governments on behalf of the Mi’gmawei Mawiomi, based on mandates (instruction) and direction given to them by the Mi’gmawei Mawiomi, as represented by the Chiefs and Councils of Gesgpegiaq, Gespeg and Listuguj.
Mgnigng is our negotiations team and the Mgnigng Executive is the advisory arm to the negotiations team.
What does the Mgnigng do?
The Mgnigng will identify common issues and interests. They will assist in negotiations and help provide a variety of different views. The team meets prior to any negotiations.
They follow directions and mandates given by the Mi’gmawei Mawiomi (MM).
The Mgnigng does not decide what to negotiate, only the Mi’gmawei Mawiomi can.
It’s important to note that the Nutewistoq is not authorized to undertake any negotiations on behalf of the MM without an approved MM Mandate for that project. It is the sole responsibility of the Nutwistoq to develop and recommend a negotiating mandate to the Chief’s Executive Committee (CEC) for approval, for any projected negotiation session.
The Nutewistoq chairs and coordinates the Mgnigng.
Who is the official Mgnigng Executive team?
Executive Mgnigng Team
Clement Bernard, Nutewistoq, Lead Negotiator
Chastity Mitchell, Mgnigng Coordinator
Richard Jeannotte, Legal Advisor
Who is the official Mgnigng team?
Mgnigng Team
Clement Bernard, Nutewistoq
Tanya Barnaby, Executive Director
Richard Jeannotte, Legal Counsel
Terri-Lynn Morrison, Director of Ango’tmeq Nm’tginen
Donald Jeannotte-Anglehart, Communication and Citizen Engagement Officer
Chastity Mitchell, Mgnigng Coordinator
Mathieux Gray-Lehoux
Representatives for Canada and Québec.
Mgnigng Objectives
Engage with communities; inform, update and seek input, direction and mandates from the leadership in the Niganiljoqa’taqan (Framework Agreement) negotiations, communicate, consult and engage community members to help strengthen a common understand about the tripartite and to understanding community members interests in the reconciliation process we are in with Canada and Québec.
