L’nuey — the Epekwitk (P.E.I.) Mi’kmaq Rights Initiative — has invited members of the Lennox Island and Abegweit First Nations to name a new rights process on the Island.
Submissions opened July 24 and will be accepted until 4 p.m. on Aug. 20.
The process will determine the heirs of Mi’kmaq treaties and Aboriginal rights and title, something crucial to undo damage done by the Indian Act, which removed their right to self-identification, said Richard Lush, engagement officer at L’nuey.
“Determination of identity is an important part of nationhood. As we implement our rights we need a process determining who is Mi’kmaq.”
As for why they are having the naming competition, it’s a matter of using too many terms — some in Mi’kmaq, some in English — to describe themselves and how they relate to one another, said Lush.
“We at L’nuey cannot say what to call the process, the direction must come from the nation.”
On July 27, Rush hosted a Zoom webinar for L’nuey with Zabrina Whitman, co-ordinator for Indigenous Affairs at Acadia University, for those wanting to learn more.
Those looking to participate in the naming can send their suggestions to [email protected] and those who do will be entered in a draw for L’nuey prizes.
