Does this proposed agreement cover all Mikmaq within the province, and if not, why?
This agreement is open to all eligible Mi’kmaq of the province. However, there are two groups who are not currently participating in the process. In 2003, these two Mi’kmaq groups, the K’taqmakuk Mi’kmaq Alliance (KMA) and the Sip’kop Mikmaw (SMA), jointly commenced litigation against the federal and provincial governments for recognition as bands under the Indian Act, reserve creation, access to federal programs and services and compensation. In 2004, both the KMA and the SMA were invited to participate in the discussions with Canada alongside the FNI. At the time both groups confirmed that they were not interesting in pursuing negotiations and that they would be continuing with their litigation. Their application to the court for class action certification was denied on February 6, 2007 and their appeal of this decision is set to be heard on January 8, 2008. As this matter is still before the courts, we are unable to comment further at this time. However, the Government of Canada bel
