Peskotomuhkati chief, 79, battles a ticking clock in fight for formal recognition
Peskotomuhkati recognized in U.S. but 'legislated out of existence' in N.B., chief says
The Peskotomuhkati First Nation, also known as the Passamaquoddy, has sought recognition from the Canadian government for decades but has yet to see any firm action taken.
However, recent talks with the new provincial government in New Brunswick are giving hope to Chief Hugh Akagi.
The Peskotomuhkati, whose traditional territory includes the St. Croix River and Passamaquoddy Bay watershed,have two communities in Maine and one in New Brunswick, in the southwest. They live in both Canada and the United States, but are only officially recognized in the U.S.
Akagi said this is because of the "inconvenience" their existence creates for national boundaries, and a decades-long oversight on the Canadian side of the border.
"It's a little bit of magic, that we can be legislated out of existence," he said.
"Is it something that somebody forgot to make happen or was there a convenience or an inconvenience because we were seen as a border tribe. Border tribes are seen as problems.
"I don't think it was an accident when they said, 'Oh, the Passamaquoddy no longer exists because there are no Passamaquoddy registered in Canada.' So, Canada left us off the books and, as a result, we cease to exist."
In 2019, the Peskotimuhkati signed a formal agreement with the federal and provincial governments to begin the process of official recognition in Canada. However, no recognition has yet occurred.
"There are numerous reasons. We can call them excuses, we can call them legitimate, but a lot of it has to do with the government," Akagi said. When initially proposed, the government's commitments were very significant.
However, as talks went on, he said, they were "watered down."
CBC reached out to both the provincial and federal governments about the issue. Each issued brief statements.
"We continue to participate in bilateral and tripartite negotiations while the matter of recognition is negotiated between the federal government and the Peskotomuhkati," Keith Chiasson, New Brunswick's minister of Indigenous affairs, said in a statement.
Hugh Akagi represents the Peskotomuhkati First Nation, which straddles the Canada-U.S. border. (Jacob Moore/CBC)
Eric Head, a spokesperson for Indigenous Services Canada, said discussions with Peskotomuhkati First Nation on "potential formal recognition as a band under the Indian Act are ongoing." He described the discussions as confidential, and said it "would be inappropriate to provide further details" to the public.
"More information, including next steps, will be shared directly with the community when it is available."
One of the major issues that this lack of recognition causes is the absence of government funding. Akagi said the Canadian government does not view them as legitimate as they do not fit the structure the government uses to view and categorize Indigenous peoples.
"Their programs are all based on reserve thinking," Akagi said. "As a result, I don't fit that mould. I don't have access to their resources. So I have no funding for health to support my community. I have no funding for education, all of these things that the other communities have."
The Peskotomuhkati launched legal action against the government of New Brunswick before the change in government last fall. Akagi said he hopes that they will have a better relationship with the new government and that officials have been open to meeting with him so far.
Akagi, who is 79, has seen how slowly the wheels of government can grind. Asked during an interview with Information Morning Saint John if he was concerned that he might not see the day when the Peskotomuhkati are formally recognized, he said, "to be honest, again, it's not a concern."
That said, he would like to witness it himself.
"I am running out of time, but I don't have time to worry," he said. "I can only do what I need to do, what I have time to do. I've had incredible support as a nation. I've had incredible support from other nations. I've had incredible support from my own people. I've had incredible people come to the door."
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
With files from Information Morning
Eric Head
Eric Head works as Communications Officer for Indigenous Services Canada.- First name
- Eric
- Last name
- Head
- Title
- Communications Officer
- Telephone Number
-
- Alternate Number
- 438-467-8769
- Fax Number
-
- eric.head2@sac-isc.gc.ca
- Street Address
- 200 RENÉ-LÉVESQUE BLVD WEST (view on map)
- Country
- Canada
- Province
- Quebec
- City
- Montréal
- Postal Code
- H2Z 1X4
- Department
- ISC-SAC
-
- Indigenous Services Canada
- Organization
- MRMM-RMSM
-
- MEDIA RELATIONS AND MEDIA MONITORING
Hon. Keith Chiasson
- Minister of Indigenous Affairs
Constituency Office
| Mainline Phone | (506) 394-4038 |
| Address |
399 du Couvent Street, Unit 127 Tracadie E1X 1E1 |
Honourable Keith Chiasson
Minister of Indigenous Affairs
November 5, 2024
Honourable Keith Chiasson
Minister of Indigenous Affairs
P.O. Box 6000
Fredericton, NB E3B 5H1
Dear Minister,
Thank you for accepting to serve New Brunswickers as Minister of Indigenous Affairs. I know that your experience working in the social sector, in government, in the legislature and in community has given you the tools to deliver on the priorities of New Brunswickers. Your dedication and compassion make you an excellent fit for such an important file.
Our government is honoured that New Brunswickers gave us a mandate to implement a vision that so many New Brunswickers helped create. We have the privilege of being entrusted with a mandate to focus on New Brunswickers by working with them and listening to them to create a brighter future we all deserve. It is their expectation of us, and my expectation of you, that we deliver on the promises we’ve made. New Brunswickers need to know that they can trust us, and that we will focus on them.
It is an honour to serve the people of this beautiful province with you. This mandate letter is intended to communicate our government’s intentions and expectations of your portfolio, and to begin the process of accountability so New Brunswickers know for what they can hold us accountable.
Our platform focuses on the priorities that matter most to the people of this province. It reflects the stories and solutions shared by New Brunswickers and it is centred on what we can achieve together. In addition to our priorities, I will also share my expectations of how we act as a government, and as ministers.
GOVERNMENT PRIORITIES
- Healthcare
- Affordability and Housing
- Education
- Economic Development
- Environment
- Leadership You Can Trust
As Minister, you will contribute to all the pillar priorities. You are expected to support this work and are accountable to deliver on the priority areas under your portfolio as outlined below.
Measurable Outcomes
It is expected that you will work with staff to determine the appropriate measures / outcomes for the commitments below.
As Lead
PLATFORM THEME |
COMMITMENT |
Leadership You Can Trust |
Commit to rebuilding relationships with First Nations based on a nation-to-nation relationship that establishes trust and a shared understanding of treaty obligations. We will renegotiate tax agreements to ensure all parties have a fair deal. |
Healthcare - Healthcare for All |
Invite First Nations leaders to create a bilateral forum and ongoing process with the goal of achieving culturally safe and equitable healthcare for Indigenous people in New Brunswick. |
As Support
PLATFORM THEME |
COMMITMENT |
LEAD |
Healthcare - Healthcare for All |
Support, collaborate, and engage with First Nations healthcare leaders in achieving their Health Transformation design and implementation process. |
DH |
Healthcare - Mental Health |
Work in partnership with First Nations to co-create and implement mental health and addiction programs that meet culturally safe First Nation service and practice standards of care. |
AMH |
Environment |
Increase our conservation lands and waters from 10 percent to 15 percent and work with communities, First Nations, and experts to develop a plan to reach 30 percent. |
NRD |
HOW WE WILL WORK
Our government is committed to evidence-based decision-making across all departments. We will operate under an ‘open by default’ principle to improve transparency and trust in government.
We will “get out of the office” and engage authentically with New Brunswickers, communities, stakeholders, and experts inspired by the disability advocacy principle of “Nothing about us without us”.
We recognize that one size does not fit all – that some communities will need different things to thrive and our legislation, policies and programs should be designed to support those unique differences.
We will prioritize partnerships, trusting and empowering the people and organizations on the ground working most closely with New Brunswickers.
The Official Languages Act, which guarantees the equality of our official languages and linguistic communities, is an integral part of our culture, our history and our future as a province. I expect us all to work together to show leadership to enable New Brunswick to fulfill its role as a leader in official languages in the country and the world.
We commit to rebuilding relationships with First Nations based on a nation-to-nation relationship that establishes trust and a shared understanding of treaty obligations.
We will be a government that cares for all New Brunswickers and that does our best to bring people together. New Brunswickers have placed their trust in us, and we will work every day to hold that trust.
I expect all ministers to serve with the highest personal and professional integrity. As a Cabinet Minister, you must follow conflict of interest rules, and the conduct outlined in the Minister’s Handbook. Our Westminster system relies on cabinet confidentiality and solidarity.
I expect you to always respect your Cabinet and Caucus colleagues, as well as those MLAs who represent different political parties.
I also expect you to develop a professional relationship with your Deputy Minister and other officials in your department. I expect your officials to keep you fully briefed on matters pertaining to your portfolio. I request that you be accessible to such officials, to seek and hear their advice, their concerns, and understand they are there to serve our government in a non-partisan manner.
Members of the Executive Council and their staff are responsible to contribute to a respectful workplace environment at GNB. A respectful workplace values diversity and inclusion, courteous conduct, equality, positive communication, and professional working relationships. Neither GNB nor I will condone or tolerate any form of harassment in the workplace.
We are going to lead with a balanced approach. That means we will watch the bottom line and deliver fiscal responsibility while we improve the services that New Brunswickers need, like health care and education and an affordable place to call home.
I look forward to the results we will achieve together for New Brunswickers. Thank you for joining me in service to our beloved province.
Sincerely,
______________________
Premier
Honourable Susan Holt
c.c.: Clerk of the Executive Council and Head of the Public Service
MLA for Tracadie
Minister of Indigenous Affairs
—
Keith Chiasson was first elected as
the Liberal member for the riding of Tracadie-Sheila in September 2018.
He serves as a member of the Standing Committee on Economic Policy and
as critic for Local Government and Local Governance Reform.
From
2014 to 2018, Mr. Chiasson held the position of Chief of Staff for the
Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development and for the
Minister the Environment and Local Government.
Mr.
Chiasson has a degree in political science from the University of
Ottawa. He studied several years at the Université de Moncton.
After
travelling around Canada for a few years, he settled in Tracadie with
his family to work mostly in the social field. He also served as PSSC
Chair for École La Ruche and as coordinator for the États généraux de la
jeunesse, held in the Acadian Peninsula.
Contact
keith.chiasson@gnb.ca
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Thursday, 6 June 2024
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From: David Amos <david.raymond.amos333@gmail.com>
Date: Fri, Jun 7, 2024 at 1:59 AM
Subject: Fwd: Your post titled " Bear the Tinker" has been put behind a warning for readers
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Cc: <Akagih@nb.aibn.com>, <Cynthia.Howland@qonaskamkuk.com>, <maggiedana@wabanaki.com>, <John.Ames@qonaskamkuk.com>, <orihwa@gmail.com>
YO Higgy in light of what the Liebranos want to teach the kids in school what could possibly offensive about my blog about a friend?
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Leonard Peltier Released From 49 Years of Wrongful Incarceration
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 18, 2025
Sumterville, FL – This morning, Leonard Peltier was released from over 49 years of wrongful incarceration. Mr. Peltier is an enrolled citizen of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians and will reside on his tribal homelands in North Dakota.
Upon Peltier’s request, NDN Collective is bringing him home to the Turtle Mountain community. NDN Collective and partners built upon five decades of organizing and led the advocacy that secured Peltier’s release. Tomorrow, the organization is hosting a celebratory event and community feed to welcome Peltier back to his homelands.
“Today I am finally free! They may have imprisoned me but they never took my spirit!” said Leonard Peltier. “Thank you to all my supporters throughout the world who fought for my freedom. I am finally going home. I look forward to seeing my friends, my family, and my community. It’s a good day today.”
Photo by Angel White Eyes for NDN Collective
“Leonard Peltier is free! He never gave up fighting for his freedom so we never gave up fighting for him. Today our elder Leonard Peltier walks into the open arms of his people,” said Nick Tilsen, NDN Collective Founder and CEO. “Peltier’s liberation is invaluable in and of itself – yet just as his wrongful incarceration represented the oppression of Indigenous Peoples everywhere, his release today is a symbol of our collective power and inherent freedom.”
Photo by Angel White Eyes for NDN Collective
“This moment would not be happening without Secretary Deb Haaland and President Biden responding to the calls for Peltier’s release that have echoed through generations of grassroots organizing,” said Holly Cook Macarro, Government Affairs for NDN Collective. “Today is a testament to the many voices who fought tirelessly for Peltier’s freedom and justice.”
###
NDN Collective is an Indigenous-led organization dedicated to building Indigenous power. Through organizing, activism, philanthropy, grantmaking, capacity-building, and narrative change, we are creating sustainable solutions on Indigenous terms.
Phone: +1 (605) 791-3999
Address: 408 Knollwood Dr.,
Rapid City, SD 57701
TO REQUEST AN INTERVIEW CONTACT
press@ndncollective.org
"I Am Finally Free!": Indigenous Leader Leonard Peltier Released After Nearly 50 Years Imprisoned
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