Mission Statement
We are a non-profit village council dedicated to the progressive development of the 99% Mi’Kmaw community encompassing Flat Bay E, W, and St. Teresa. Our commitment extends to representing the fourth-generation members residing within the community and across Canada/Nation. Our overarching mission is to uphold a self-governance structure and preserve cultural authenticity, all the while addressing service gaps. We actively engage in delivering tailored initiatives spanning Social Development, Health and Wellness, Community Development, and Creative Expressions. Additionally, we serve as mentors to other identified Mi’Kmaw community bands on the island portion of Newfoundland, ensuring a cohesive and supportive network.
Operational Management
“Our operational hierarchy is to avoid a hierarchical-pyramid structure as much as possible. Wherever possible, we strive to manage operations in a circle structure, where our decisions revolve around the needs of the members and culture”.
Click link to enlarge chart https://flatbayband.ca/fbb-wp/wp-content/uploads/FB_Org_Chart_Final_2020-1.png
Statement of Constitution
Since its establishment in 1971, the Flat Bay Band Inc has been at the forefront of governing community affairs and safeguarding the Mi’Kmaq rights of its members. In 2012, the organization embraced the name “No’kmaq Village,” symbolizing its commitment to representing both residents and members residing beyond its immediate borders.
With a core mandate focused on the protection of First Nation rights, the Flat Bay Band Inc employs direct representation channels to engage with both federal and provincial governments. Recognizing the profound ancestral connections of its Mi’Kmaw band members, the organization acknowledges them as integral and authentic constituents of the Mi’Kmaq Nations of Canada.
In its pledge to uphold the principles of equality and fairness, the Flat Bay Band Inc actively collaborates with other organizations. Through these partnerships, the organization aims to foster a collective effort in promoting justice and parity in the treatment of all members within the broader Mi’Kmaq Nations.
Principles
- The Flat Bay Band Inc., known as “No’kmaq Village,” maintains its legal name, The Flat Bay Band Inc., to underscore its age, credibility, and maturity as a band. The name “No’kmaq Village” represents a harmonious English-Mi’Kmaq mix translation, signifying the “Village of Relations” and honoring the interconnected Mi’Kmaq relationships uniting Flat Bay East, West, and St. Teresa’s communities into one Mi’Kmaq village.
- The Mi’Kmaq territory represented by the Flat Bay Band Inc. encompasses Flat Bay East, West, and St. Teresa’s, bordered by Fishell’s River to the West, Flat Bay River to the East, the Gulf of St. Lawrence to the North, and unspecified uninhabited boundaries to the South.
- Band membership is defined by individuals who, within four generations, acknowledge their ancestral Mi’Kmaq links and substantial connections to the village/community. This includes both residents and non-residents.
- The political process of the Band adheres to democratic principles as defined in section 3.
- Incorporated under the NL Corporations Act, the Flat Bay Band Inc. falls under federal responsibility as per the Canadian constitution concerning “First Nations.”
- Operating as a credible organization, the Flat Bay Band Inc. strives to avoid funding or legal encounters unless deemed necessary for the betterment of the Band or due to unforeseen circumstances beyond its capacity or control.
- The Flat Bay Band Inc. is not affiliated with the Qalipu First Nation Band but is a member of the Assembly of First Nations and maintains its relationship with the Grand Council since 2002.
Profile of the Flat Bay Band Inc:
- Comprising 99% Mi’Kmaq community members.
- All members are identified in the 1945 census within four generations.
- Operating under a self-governance model since habitation, without a federal core budget, and pursuing a special arrangement.
- No’kmaw Village is 51 years old, making it the oldest surviving band on the island portion of Newfoundland.
Expertise
No’kmaw Village, also known as The Flat Bay Band Inc., stands as a venerable institution with a rich history spanning 51 years, marking it as the oldest surviving band on the island portion of Newfoundland. Our impact on the indigenous communities has been profound, evidenced by our pivotal role in the establishment of significant entities such as Miawpukek First Nation, Federation of Newfoundland Indians, and Qalipu First Nation Band.
In our commitment to ensuring representation for remote and isolated Mi’Kmaw communities under the Qalipu First Nation Band’s Ward of Flat Bay, we championed the formation of the Burgeo Mi’Kmaw Band and the Three Rivers Mi’Kmaw Band. As proud members of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) since 2002, we maintain a robust relationship with the Grand Council.
Collaborating with the Miawpukek First Nation in 2020, we endorsed the inclusion of the Qalipu First Nation Band into the AFN. The Flat Bay Band Inc. holds the distinguished position of Chief Consultant for all identified rural Mi’Kmaw bands on the island, collectively forming the “Newfoundland Alliance of Rural Mi’Kmaw Nations.” These include the Burgeo Mi’Kmaw Band, Three Rivers Mi’Kmaw Band, St. George’s Indian Band Inc., Benoit First Nation, and Benoit’s Cove Band Inc.
Beyond our geographic boundaries, our extensive network allows us to mentor other organizations and Indigenous peoples successfully. Over the years, we have executed numerous initiatives and infrastructure programs, reaching far beyond our vicinity. Serving our members nationwide, we utilize virtual delivery methods and extend our influence as active mentors, contributing to province-wide activities.
As the oldest cultural mentor on the island of NL, The Flat Bay Band Inc. spearheads a multitude of initiatives annually, incorporating cultural methodologies into all programs and services. Since 2001, we have proudly hosted the inaugural powwow on the west coast of NL, drawing over 10,000 visitors globally.
In the realm of development, we are prominent contributors, engaging in diverse infrastructure projects ranging from commercial enterprises to providing homes for those facing homelessness or housing struggles. Maintaining our standing with the Corporations Act since 1972, we have not only passed all audits but also upheld an impeccable record, having never encountered negativity from funding sources or governmental bodies. Remarkably, The Flat Bay Band Inc. remains untouched by any litigation throughout its longstanding history.
How does the Flat Bay Band Inc earn revenue?
The revenue generation for The Flat Bay Band Inc. is a meticulously orchestrated process, navigating a budget ranging from $3 to 5 million annually. Unlike having a core funding structure, our financial sustenance hinges on securing provincial and federal grants. This entails a highly competitive process involving the creation of proposals, a responsibility shouldered by our adept Chief Executive Officer/Consultant.
In the pursuit of financial support, our CEO/Consultant faces fierce competition, contending with hundreds of applicants for each proposal. The enormity of the task is emphasized by the fact that thousands of proposals are crafted annually to secure funding. Remarkably, the current budget is sustained through approximately 50 successful agreements per year.
The key to our funding success lies in the exceptional expertise of our CEO/Consultant, whose proficiency shines in the competitive market. Her ability to craft proposals that stand out favorably amidst the competition is a testament to the organization’s financial stability.
It is crucial to note that all funding secured is subject to specific funding agreements, strictly earmarked for eligible activities and constrained by spending guidelines. This ensures that the allocated funds are utilized in a targeted and responsible manner, aligning with the organization’s objectives and priorities.