MIINGIGNOTI-KETEAOAG is a partnership of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal People and organizations. Members of MIINGIGNOTI-KETEAOAG have gathered together to carry out research, public education and community outreach to address the impact of the Canada/United States border on Wabanaki Nations and Life. In the long term, the group wants to find ways for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples to live together in a peaceful and supportive relationship on Turtle Island/North America.
miingignoti (Mi'kmaq)
- the process of internal spiritual development and gathering strength
- becoming aware of the connection and integrity of all which is part of Creation
- realizing one's spiritual connection to Creationketeaoag (Wampanoag)
- the process of living the Life Principal
- how we live Life in Creation
- how we respect Lifemiingignoti-keteaoag
Coming together to maintain the integrity and Way of Life of Wabanaki Nations, and our relationship to Creation, according to the Life Principal.
Wars between England and the United States gave rise to the Canada/United States border. The border divides the traditional territories of the Wabanaki Nations. As per the Treaty of Ghent and the Jay Treaty, border was not meant to apply to Aboriginal Peoples. However, in recent years, the Canadian and United States governments have tried to impose border restrictions on Aboriginal People. Consequently, Aboriginal people are being treated as immigrants from another country in their own homelands.
The creation of the border has affected movement of the Wabanaki in their traditional territories; divided Families; and, disrupted the economic and cultural integrity of Wabanaki Life.
Other borders affect Aboriginal Peoples in North America. For example:
* the Quebec/New Brunswick border runs through Mi'kmaq territory. Life will be further disrupted if Quebec separates from Canada;* the Canada/United States border passes through the territories of the Haudenosauni, Anishinabe, Dakota, Blackfoot, Haida Nations and Confederacies;
* the United States/Mexico border divides the lands of the Kickapoo Indigenous Peoples.
Miingignoti-Keteaoag Infokit
Rule of Law and Wabanaki Sovereignty
He was refused entry back into Canada for six months in 1996 because his birthplace was in the United States. During this time, the family was separated.
After much protest and the work of Halifax immigration lawyer, Lee Cohen, gkisedtanamoogk was allowed to re-enter Canada on a temporary visitor's permit. gkisedtanamoogk and Miigam'agan both feel that he should not have to immigrate to live within their homelands.
Miingignoti-Keteaoag
PO Box 3565, Station B
via Fredericton, New Brunswick E3A 5J8Miigam'agan & gkisedtanamoogk
Esgenoopotitjotan, Gespegeoagig, Mi'kmakik, 'Oap'na'gig
via: "Burnt Church Reserve, Lagaceville, NB, Canada E0C 1K0"
Phone: (506) 776-8016
Fax: (506) 776-5137
Email: miigkis@nbnet.nb.ca
WWW: http://brooks.simplenet.com/gkis.htmlBarb Martin
Tel: 506-459-0906
Fax: 506-455-3169
E-mail: hanmar@nbnet.nb.caJudy Loo
Tel: 506-455-9068
E-mail: loodin@web.net