Chief Leroy Denny, the Lead Chief of Social for the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs (Assembly), is pleased with the work that the Mi’kmaq Social Development Administrators (SDAs) from all 13 Mi’kmaw communities in Nova Scotia have completed on the new Mi’kmaq Enhanced Social Program. Their achievements have created steps towards supporting the transition of Mi’kmaw self-governance over a newly developed Mi’kmaw Social Program within the province.
Chief Leroy Denny stated, “our Social Development Administrators are collaborating on creating a new common policy for our Mi’kmaq-based social program. This new policy will provide additional supports to children, families and Elders once implemented. We are confident that these changes will help our people and reduce poverty.”
The new Mi’kmaq Common Social Policy will include basic social assistance, social housing, some health costs, and access to training and employment opportunities. The SDAs also created another important component which is the development of a client information system – which will enable the SDAs to do case management with clients.
“The policy and new case management system will support our independent approach to working with our people in a more one-on-one way, instead of simply handing out cheques every two weeks,” said Chief Denny. “This is part of our transition to a program delivery model equal to other jurisdictions but also very focused on our people”.
On September 25, 2020, the Assembly approved the creation of a new Mi’kmaq public institution to support the governance and administration of a Mi’kmaq controlled social based delivery system.
The creation of a new public institution is an important step in the move of the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia to greater independence and autonomy as a Mi’kmaq Nation. The Nova Scotia Chiefs are looking forward to shaping this new public institution with advice from leadership, Elders, and Social Development Administrators.
Mi’kmaq governance over a new social program continues to be one of the Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs’ main priorities.
“Our Social project team has been working closely with the Indigenous Services Canada team to guide this transition with positive results,” continued Chief Denny. “We are also aware that the threat of the Federal authority linking provincial income assistance rates on-reserve is still there, so our plan will continue to be a priority until agreements are reached with Canada”.
Chief Leroy Denny concluded “all thirteen Mi’kmaw communities are engaged in this important process and are represented by their Social Development Administrators and Chiefs in these discussions. We all recognize the importance of completing this work to create the changes we want for our people, as it impacts them and their daily lives.”
The Social project team will be meeting in all 13 Mi’kmaw communities over the next twelve months to share information on the enhanced social governance initiative. They will also continue gathering input from Chiefs and Councils, Grand Council, and policy stakeholders as they move this important work forward. All meetings in communities will be planned accordingly, considering the state of the COVID-19 pandemic and health protocols.
By: Jean Knockwood, Social Project Manager KMKNO