Newfoundland Alliance of Rural Mi’kmaw Nations (NARMN)
The Newfoundland Alliance of Rural Mi’kmaw Nations (NARMN), established by the Flat Bay Band Inc. in 2018, represents a significant initiative within the Indigenous communities of Newfoundland, particularly among the Mi’kmaq. Here’s a detailed overview based on the provided information:
Overview of NARMN
Establishment: Founded in 2018 by the Flat Bay Band Inc., NARMN serves as a coalition of rural Mi’kmaw Indigenous bands in Newfoundland.
Composition: The alliance comprises historic, founding, and recognized Indigenous/Mi’kmaw bands that are primarily based in rural areas, away from major town centers and cities.
Activities: Member bands are actively incorporated and engage in various band/community activities, emphasizing the importance of active participation and community involvement.
Nature and Philosophy
Non-incorporated Alliance: Unlike formal organizations, NARMN is not incorporated. It does not possess by-laws, terms of reference, a cash flow, or a banking system. It is conceptualized as an alliance—a friendship and support circle adhering to the principle of “Being a Good Relative.”
Support and Cooperation: The essence of NARMN lies in mutual aid and support, following traditional ways of cooperation that eschew bureaucratic processes. This approach fosters a sense of community and shared responsibility among the member bands.
Role of Flat Bay Band
Leadership: Given its status as the oldest and most experienced band within the alliance, the Flat Bay Band assumes a leadership role. It offers guidance, support, and assistance to other member bands in times of need.
Collaboration and Skill Sharing: Recognizing the diverse skills and resources among the member bands, NARMN operates on a principle of mutual assistance. Each band contributes according to its capabilities, ensuring a collective effort towards the welfare of the Mi’kmaw communities in rural Newfoundland.
Significance
NARMN embodies a collaborative spirit rooted in Indigenous values and traditions. It highlights the importance of solidarity, mutual respect, and support among Indigenous communities, especially in rural settings. By leveraging the strengths and experiences of its members, NARMN aims to foster a supportive environment that respects traditional ways of being and cooperation beyond the confines of formal bureaucratic structures.
This initiative not only strengthens the bonds among the Mi’kmaw nations in Newfoundland but also serves as a model of Indigenous self-help and community-based support that could inspire similar approaches in other regions and contexts.
Founding Bands of NARMN
Flat Bay Band Inc.: The lead founding band, established in 1972, with territory from Fishell’s River to St. George’s.
Burgeo Mi’kmaw Band Inc.: Territory encompasses Burgeo/Ramea, formed in 2016 with endorsement from Flat Bay Band Inc.
Three Rivers Mi’kmaw Band Inc.: Covers the territory from Codroy to Mckays, established in 2020, also endorsed by Flat Bay Band Inc.
St. Georges Band Inc.: Territory includes St. George’s, Shallop Cove, Barachois Brook, and Mattis Point.
Benoit First Nation Inc.: Encompasses the Port au Port Peninsula, covering a total of 15 communities west of Campbell’s Creek.
Benoit’s Cove Band Inc.: Territory from Cooks Brook to Lark Harbour.
Functions and Activities of NARMN
NARMN bands actively support each other in various ways:
Resource and Information Sharing: Communication among bands primarily involves sharing resources, information, funding resources, successful proposals, operational documents, guides, and templates.
Sharing of Supplies and Equipment: Excess supplies, resources, and equipment are shared among the bands.
Collaboration and Partnership: Bands collaborate on services, initiatives, and bounce ideas and strategies off each other.
Learning and Support: Successes, lessons learned, and mistakes are shared to aid in future planning and support.
Political Support and Unity: The bands support each other politically, demonstrating unity and friendship.
Public Communication and Correction: They aim to correct misinformation in public forums and social media, focusing on general band practices. However, internal issues within bands are managed by their respective councils and members.
Meeting Invitations and Coordination
Meetings are organized based on topics of common interest. Specific bands with shared interests are gathered for planning meetings, while all chiefs’ meetings are called when topics involve broader concerns that affect all chiefs within and outside of NARMN, at regional, provincial, and broader levels.
NARMN exemplifies a model of Indigenous solidarity and cooperation, focusing on mutual support, sharing of resources, and collective planning for the well-being of future generations. Its approach underscores the importance of traditional values and community support mechanisms in enhancing the resilience and sustainability of rural Indigenous communities.
In conclusion, NARMN stands as a testament to the strength and resilience of Indigenous collaboration. By prioritizing traditional cooperation methods over formal bureaucratic structures, NARMN enhances the capacity of its member bands to support their communities effectively. This alliance not only strengthens the bonds among the Mi’kmaw nations in Newfoundland but also serves as an inspiring model for Indigenous and rural communities worldwide, demonstrating the power of unity, shared knowledge, and mutual support in preserving cultural heritage and advancing collective interests.
NARMN Consultants
Chief Consultant – Liz (LaSaga) MacNeil
Assisting Consultant – Pam (Bennett) McLeod
For More Information about NARMN
Email Liz LaSaga-MacNeil at flatbayband@gmail.com or Pam Bennett-McLeod at pambennettmcleod.flatbayband@gmail.com For NARMN
Affiliated Band Information
Flat Bay Band Inc. – Email Chief Joanne Miles at jrjkmiles@gmail.com
St. Georges Indian Band Inc. – Email Chief Rhonda Sheppard at rhondasheppard77@gmail.com
Three Rivers Mi’Kmaw Band – Email Chief Peggy White Green at p-white@live.ca
Burgeo Mi’Kmaw Band – Email Chief Elaine Ingram at elaineandjerry7@hotmail.com
Benoit First Nation – Email Chief Jasen Benoit at jasen.benoitfirstnation@gmail.com
Benoit Cove Indian Band Inc. – Email Chief Terri Green at terri.greene@gmail.com
Marine Institute at Memorial University
The collaboration between the Flat Bay Band Inc. and the Marine Institute at Memorial University on projects such as Restorative Justice Initiatives and Supportive Reporting, Firefighter Training and Fire Department Support, and Micro Research highlights a multifaceted approach to community development and education. Each of these projects serves a unique purpose in enhancing community resilience, safety, and research capabilities.
Restorative Justice Initiatives and Supportive Reporting: This project likely focuses on creating a justice system that emphasizes repairing the harm caused by criminal behavior. It’s a holistic approach that works towards diversion as well as the rehabilitation of offenders through reconciliation with victims and the community at large.
Firefighter Training and Fire Department Support: This project aims to enhance the capabilities of local fire departments, likely focusing on both basic and advanced firefighting techniques, emergency response, and possibly marine firefighting given the Marine Institute’s expertise.
Micro Research: This project could involve small-scale research initiatives that focus on a wide range of topics, from marine biology and ecology to community-based research methods. The Marine Institute’s involvement suggests a focus on marine and coastal environments, leveraging the institute’s resources, expertise, and facilities to support research that benefits the community, enhances local knowledge, and contributes to sustainable management of marine resources.
The collaboration between the Flat Bay Band Inc. Memorial University and the Marine Institute at exemplifies how educational institutions and community organizations can work together to address local needs, leverage academic resources for community benefit, and build capacity in critical areas such as justice, emergency response, and research.
Professor, Research Chair: Safety, Security,
and Wellness Marine Institute
Memorial University of Newfoundland
– Rose Ricciardelli
For More Information
Email Dr. Rose Ricciardelli at rricciardell@mun.ca
Qalipu First Nation Band
The information provided outlines the relationship and distinctions between the Qalipu First Nation Band and the Flat Bay Band Inc., as well as their respective roles and affiliations within the broader context of the Mi’Kmaw communities and the Assembly of First Nations (AFN). Here’s a summary of the key points:
Distinction Between Qalipu First Nation Band and Flat Bay Band Inc.:
The Flat Bay Band Inc. is not part of the Qalipu First Nation Band. While both entities are connected through their historical efforts in forming the Federation of Newfoundland Indians, which eventually led to the establishment of the Qalipu First Nation Band in 2012, they operate independently.
The Qalipu First Nation Band does not oversee, dictate, or fund the Flat Bay Band Inc. Their connection is primarily through shared heritage and genealogical links among their members.
Representation and Membership:
Qalipu First Nation Band represents status individuals on the island portion of Newfoundland (outside of Conne River), including many from Flat Bay or with links to the area.
The band is organized into “Wards” to group members from various Mi’Kmaw communities, with the Flat Bay Ward representing members in Flat Bay and Bay St. George South.
Ward System and Community Representation:
The Ward system clusters certain areas under specific wards, such as Burgeo and Bay St. George South under Flat Bay, to manage representation and community interests.
To address the challenges of representing a vast and isolated catchment area, the Flat Bay Band Inc. endorsed the formation of the Burgeo Mi’Kmaw Band Inc. in 2016 and the Three Rivers Mi’Kmaw Band Inc. in 2020, ensuring local representation for these communities.
Assembly of First Nations (AFN) Membership
The Flat Bay Band Inc. has been a member of the AFN since 2002 and has a respected relationship with the AFN and Grand Council.
Flat Bay, alongside the Miawpukek (Conne River) Band, played a crucial role in facilitating the Qalipu First Nation Band’s membership in the AFN in 2020, with Chief Joanne Miles of Flat Bay being an active leader within the AFN.
This summary highlights the organizational structures, affiliations, and efforts towards representation and advocacy within the Mi’Kmaw communities and the broader First Nations political landscape.
For More Information
Email Chief Joanne Miles at jrjkmiles@gmail.com or leave a message at 709-647-1370