CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — Just one month after its official launch, P.E.I.’s Mi’kmaq Rights Initiative, L’nuey, has its first executive director.
Chief Darlene Bernard of Lennox Island First Nation and Chief Junior Gould of Abegweit First Nation, announced the appointment of Jenene Wooldridge to the position on Monday.
L’nuey, governed by the P.E.I. Mi’kmaq leadership, the Epekwitk Assembly of Councils (Lennox Island and Abegweit First Nation councils), was launched during the inaugural Epekwitk Mikmaq Nationhood Gathering in Charlottetown on Sept 28. It is responsible for negotiations, consultations and governance development related to the recognition and implementation of Mi’kmaq rights.
“L’nuey is an evolution; it is what we need now,” explained Chief Bernard. “It is our next step in working together as leaders, and as communities, to protect and implement our rights, and we now have a talented Mi’kmaq executive director to lead the work of the organization. This was so important, and I could not be more pleased to be welcoming Jenene Wooldridge to the role.”
Wooldridge has served for more than a decade in senior management with Abegweit First Nation. She graduated with honours from UPEI in 2004 and is a Certified Aboriginal Professional Administrator through AFOA Canada, the centre for excellence for indigenous management, finance and governance. She has participated as a member of numerous Indigenous initiatives, both regionally and nationally, and has led numerous comprehensive community planning exercises, helping First Nation communities set a strategic path to healthy, successful futures, the appointment notice reveals.
“It makes me proud to see such qualified members of our Mi’kmaq community coming forward now to fill these important roles,” said Chief Gould. “Jenene has provided invaluable leadership within the Abegweit First Nation administration for over a decade and I am very pleased that she will now be helping us achieve our vision for L’nuey.”
