Mi’kmaq asserting their rights

When it comes down to it, most would agree that Don McDougall got a good deal when he purchased the Mill River golf course, campground and fun park from the provincial government nearly two years ago. Western P.E.I. got a good deal, too, in that McDougall then set out on an aggressive renovation project which has reestablished the former provincially-owned property and the former Rodd Mill River Resort as the centerpiece of Western Prince Edward Island tourism industry. The Mill River product was tired and floundering and McDougall provided the spark that moved it forward, with plenty of provincial support along the way. That provincial support benefits the whole region, not just the Mill River Resort. Despite a widely held belief that the provincial government was too generous in the transaction, that is not the contentious part of the transaction. Because Crown land was part of the sale, the provincial government had a responsibility, an obligation, really, to consult with the Mi’kmaq of Prince Edward Island. Following a judicial review, Justice Gordon Campbell ruled on June 25 that the province had met or exceeded its obligations. The Mi’kmaq beg to differ and, on Thursday, Mi’kmaq leaders announced they are appealing the judicial review decision to the P.E.I. Court of Appeal. “We understand that the road to protecting our constitutionally entrenched Mi’kmaq rights may very well be a long one, but we are committed to standing up for the Mi’kmaq of this province,” Lennox Island First Nation Chief Matilda Ramjattan explained their resolve. Win or lose in this round, the Mi’kmaq are clearly demonstrating that the provincial government must respect Mi’kmaq rights and properly consult with them. So, for further reference, the provincial government knows it cannot treat those rights lightly. While this legal challenge works its way through the courts, it’s business as usual at the Mill River Resort, and, well, it should be. This is a matter between the Mi’kmaq and the province.

Back to school

After two months of summer sun, the clothes that students wore to school last June are probably worn out or too small. Besides, styles have changed. The clothing industry makes sure of that. Going back to school is big business, and not just for clothing suppliers. Nearly new notebooks and chewedon pencils just don’t seem to cut it anymore. There are school lunches to get ready, sports equipment needs, calculators, and other requirements. When classes resume next week, the class of 2018 will have moved out and the graduating class of 2031 will occupy seats in kindergarten classrooms across the province. Out with the old; in with the new. Time flies and everything changes. More important than a new pair of sneakers or a scribbler, though, is the learning environment. Here’s hoping that school staff makes the school environment as welcoming and as conducive to learning as possible, and that students arrive re-energized and eager to learn. Make the most of every moment because time flies.