Islanders express strong support for Mi’kmaq people

Islanders want more information and greater public education about Mi’kmaq issues, according to a recent survey.

MQO Research also found out that Islanders are supportive of the Mi’kmaq and issues such as reconciliation, self-government and the recognition of Aboriginal and treaty rights.

The survey, conducted between April 11-16, was commissioned by the Mi’kmaq Confederacy of P.E.I. and is accurate to plus or minus 4.9 percentage points 19 times out of 20.

“We were particularly impressed by the commitment of individual Islanders to the reconciliation process,’’ said Matilda Ramjattan, former chief of the Lennox Island First Nation.

“But we also see that Islanders want to gain a greater understanding of what it is and what role they can play.’’

Eighty-three per cent of Islanders expressed support for reconciliation efforts and believe individuals and governments must play a role.

An even greater number, 86 per cent, believe reconciliation would benefit from greater public education as only 37 per cent believe Islanders understand what reconciliation is.

Coun. Jacob Jadis of Abegweit First Nation said it is clear Islanders want more information about self-government and Aboriginal and treaty rights.

“Our people want our Mi’kmaq governments to assert our rights and to pursue self-government,’’ Jadis said. “There is an important job for all orders of government to ensure that Islanders have an accurate understanding of these important issues because misinformation presents a risk to all involved.’’

Most decided Islanders expressed support for self-government negotiations and the recognition of rights (27 per cent and 35 per cent, respectively). However, some Islanders (43 per cent and 46 per cent, respectively) believe they need more information before forming an opinion.