The Confederacy is the common forum and united voice advancing Treaty and Aboriginal rights for the Lennox Island and Abegweit First Nations.
The Confederacy is a tribal council that provides advisory services to member First Nations Councils in five key areas: band governance; community planning; financial; economic development; and technical services.
The Confederacy serves as a provincial forum for the Lennox Island and Abegweit First Nations on political and policy issues.
The Confederacy bridges the gap between the Mi’kmaq and the Federal and Provincial Governments to support the Mi’kmaq people on PEI, focusing on three priority areas: the Partnership Agreement, the Duty to Consult and Aboriginal and Treaty rights issues.
The PEI Aboriginal Sports Circle supports grassroots participation in sport for Aboriginals in PEI. We recognize that active engagement in sport opportunities helps build healthier communities and individuals. The Aboriginal Sports Circle includes representatives from Lennox Island and Abegweit First Nations, and the PEI Native Council, and helps young Aboriginal Islanders participate in local, regional and national sporting events, such as sports camps and training, tournaments and coaching.
For more information about the program contact: Lynn Anne Hogan at lahogan@mcpei.ca or 902-438-2108
Aboriginal Sports Circle Coordinator: Contact information
The Child and Family Services Program consists of two components: the Mi’kmaq Family PRIDE Program and the Designated Band Representative. The Mi’kmaq Family PRIDE Program is a family support and prevention program offered to children, youth and families who live on reserve. The Designated Band Representative is a role defined within the PEI Child Protection Act and supported by a Joint Working Protocol between the PEI Department of Child and Family Services and the Confederacy. Our vision is to provide a holistic and culturally sensitive approach to individual, family and community wellness, and risk reduction through prevention services and protection support.
For more information about the program contact: Marilyn LeFrank, RSW at mlefrank@mcpei.ca or (902) 438-2109.
Admin; Family Therapists; Family Support Workers; Child & Youth Care Workers: Contact information
Economic development is necessary for a community to grow and prosper. The MCPEI Economic Development identifies and capitalizes on opportunities for the purposes of growth and prosperity of both the Abegweit First Nations and the Lennox Island First Nations communities. We focus our efforts on ensuring good governance, building capacity and using our land and resources.
Our Economic Development Program supports Aboriginal Peoples on the Island identify and create projects around renewable energies that generate both economic and employment opportunities and provide a sustainable living environment for generations to come. We can collectively build capacity by contributing our unique skills and talents to our communities, being open to learning opportunities and joining with other First Nations communities in partnership and business ventures. We believe with the right attitude – a business attitude – we can realize true change in our communities in one generation.
For more information about the program, please contact Kandace McEntee @ kmcentee@mcpei.ca or (902) 626-2882
The Education Program supports the Lennox Island and Abegweit First Nations and students under their care. Support is provided to address identified needs; providing advice and/or advocacy; and developing partnerships with educational stakeholders to ensure Mi’kmaq learners receive quality education and support services where needed.
The Director of Education is responsible for overseeing all education programs of the Confederacy and advancing partnerships and initiatives between it and educational stakeholders. An Early Childhood initiative implements programs and oversees recommended services for pre-school aged children to prepare them for elementary school. Our Transitions Coordinator supports successful transitions of Mi’kmaq learners.The First Nation Student Success Program supports students and staff of First Nation schools through assessments of Mi’kmaq learners to support academic needs; development of School Success Plans; and providing support to Band operated school staff and students in literacy, numeracy and administration.
For more information about the program, please contact Allan Gillis at agillis@mcpei.ca or call (902) 438-2107.
Transitions Coordinator: Contact information
The Employment Services program provides and administers employment-based programs and services to all Aboriginal people living on PEI including Status and non-Status First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples living on and off reserve across the entire province.
As a client-focused program, emphasis is on providing the supports clients need to return to work, and or training.
We partner with key players including: valuable employers, training institutions and government departments, to develop and roll out meaningful initiatives that are interesting, age related and support hands-on career exploration experiences, job opportunities, education and training choices.
Services are delivered in both urban and rural locations. Service sites are on Lennox Island and Abegweit First Nations, Charlottetown, and Summerside.
For more information about the program, please contact Sherri Barrett at sbarrett@mcpei.ca, or (902) 626-3209
Admin; Employment Councillors; Partnership and Business Developers: Contact information
Facebook: MCPEI Employment Services
Offering high quality, culturally appropriate and cost-effective, event planning services.
Our Event Planning Services department offers a full-range of specialized planning services for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal government, corporate and community events in the Atlantic region that have an Aboriginal focus or component.
We have built a successful reputation for planning and facilitating local, regional and national meetings, workshops and conferences on a variety of topics including: health promotion; justice; frontline workers training; natural resources; education; child & family; capacity building; and cultural awareness, to name a few.
Does your department, organization or company host or plan to host events with an Aboriginal focus or component? Let us work with you to develop a solid plan for success.
Whether you’re looking for advice, or someone to take it all on, we can help!
The Health program manages a wide range of programs and services designed to support the health and wellbeing of Lennox Island and Abegweit First Nation members living on-reserve, including: Health Policy; Jordan’s Principle program; Indian Residential School program; and Health Promotion.
The Health program manages a wide range of programs and services designed to support the health and wellbeing of Lennox Island and Abegweit First Nation members living on-reserve, including: Health Policy; Jordan’s Principle program; Indian Residential School program; and Health Promotion.
To assure our work focuses on the true needs of PEI First Nation communities, we work closely with them to identify common health issues, concerns and priorities and the best ways to address them. Over the years, we have successfully helped them access more health services and supports; increase rights awareness; increase capacity to better manage their own unique health and safety concerns; and improve the overall members’ health.
We also advocate for First Nation communities to ensure their voices are heard at the provincial, regional and national level.
To learn more about what we offer and the advocacy work we do, contact Roseanne Sark at rsark@mcpei.ca or (902) 438-2117.
Residential School Program Coordinator; Health Promotions: Contact information
The Indigenous Justice Program works to create an environment that allows Aboriginal people to self-administer justice by building a traditional justice system based on holistic community values.
For more information about the program, please contact Lori St. Onge at lstonge@mcpei.ca, (902) 367-3681
Admin; Indigenous Justice Coordinator: Contact information
The Integrated Resource Management (IRM) division is responsible for providing technical advice and assistance for all aspects of resources and resource management including environmental issues. This is reflected by the world view of the Mi’kmaq that views Mother Earth holistically, and that all things are interconnected. Accordingly, the scope of work includes: Marine Fisheries; Food Social and Ceremonial Fisheries (FSC); Watershed Management; Species at Risk; Aquaculture; Hunting; Trapping; Forestry; Non Timber Forest Products (NTFP); Crafts; Culturally Important Wildlife; Fresh Water Fishing; Agriculture; Land Management; Land Use; Duty to Consult (DTC); Drinking Water; Wastewater Management; Wind and Solar Energy; Oil and Gas exploration; Climate Change; and other Environmental Issues as they arise.
We would be pleased to provide more information on any of these issues. Please contact Randy Angus at rangus@mcpei.ca, (902) 367-3660
GIS Data Manager; Fisheries Biologist: Contact information
The Intergovernmental Affairs Office is a branch of the Mi’kmaq Confederacy which deals with the initial purpose for the Confederacy’s creation – to serve as a forum to address Mi’kmaq Aboriginal and treaty rights with the Governments of Canada and Prince Edward Island. The office serves to bridge the gap between the Mi’kmaq Governments and the Federal and Provincial Governments by attempting to work in partnership to advance the cause of the Mi’kmaq on PEI. The IGA Office includes the MCPEI Consultation Unit, which fields hundreds of consultation notifications each year from the Federal and Provincial Governments and works to ensure that Mi’kmaq rights are not adversely impacted. The IGA office also works proactively with the other level of government to advance outcomes for the Mi’kmaq in a wide variety of subject matters, all of which are connected to the constitutionally protected rights of the Indigenous Mi’kmaq People.
Intergovernmental Affairs, Administration, Finance: Contact information
The Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI and Parks Canada regularly work together toward the accomplishment of their mutual goals.
Among those goals are the active engagement of PEI First Nations in the management of the Prince Edward Island National Park and National Historic Sites; and the presentation of Mi’kmaq history and culture – at Parks Canada sites and beyond.
Since 2005, the Mi’kmaq Confederacy and Parks Canada have co-funded and cooperatively managed a position dedicated to the accomplishment of their common objectives: the Manager, Strategic Initiatives, Mi’kmaq Confederacy – Parks Canada.
The Manager plays an active role in all aspects of the Confederacy – Parks Canada relationship including promoting effective communication on consultation or engagement issues and developing and managing, for the partners, projects which aim to achieve their mutual goals in a variety of areas.
For more information, please contact Jesse Francis at jfrancis@mcpei.ca or (902) 438-2105.
Don MacKenzie
Don MacKenzie was born and raised in Charlottetown. He graduated from the University of Prince Edward Island with a Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in biology, and obtained his law degree from Dalhousie University.He practiced law at the Charlottetown firm of Foster Hennessey MacKenzie for 15 years. During that time he worked on many files related to the Mi’kmaq community, including matters on behalf of both the Lennox Island and Abegweit First Nations.
He joined the Confederacy in 2006 as its Legal/Band Government Advisor and also assumed the role of Director of Intergovernmental Affairs the following year. He was appointed to the Executive Director position by the MCPEI Board of Directors in January of 2014.
In addition to taking over the responsibility for the general oversight of the organization, Don continues to undertake the roles of legal counsel and lead negotiator on Aboriginal and treaty rights matters.
Tracey Cutcliffe
Tabatha Bernard
Born and raised in Lennox Island PEI, Tabatha has experienced the change in First Nations’ communities that has brought opportunity as well as responsibility for program administration and management.
Tabatha brings to the MCPEI an understanding of First Nations’ programs. She has over seven years experience in administration of First Nations’ employment and training programs for Lennox Island. Prior to joining the MCPEI, Tabatha worked as the Employment Director for the Lennox Island Band. While working for the Band, Tabatha was elected to the Lennox Island Band Council in 2001.
Tabatha is a proud mother of four, grandmother of three beautiful grandchildren, and a dedicated professional. She has embraced the opportunity to work for all PEI Mi’kmaq as a Human Resource Advisor and Executive Assistant.
Marilyn LeFrank
Kandace McEntee
To be completed
Allan Gillis
Allan Gillis joined the Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI in 2009 as the organization’s Director of Education. Allan is a graduate of the University of Prince Edward Island and completed a Masters Degree in Curriculum and Teaching at Fordham University, New York City.
Allan has considerable experience in the field of education. He taught for six years in New York City and upon his return to PEI, was employed as the Director of Education with the Lennox Island First Nation for fourteen years where he administered all areas of education within the First Nation.
As the Mi’kmaq Confederacy of Prince Edward Island Director of Education, Allan works closely with the Abegweit and Lennox Island First Nation to address identified needs or in a capacity of providing advice and/or advocacy. As well, the Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI Education Program is mandated to develop partnerships with the PEI Department of Education, Early Learning and Culture, the PEI Department of Workforce and Advanced Learning, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, as well as other educational stakeholders to ensure Mi’kmaq learners receive a quality education and support services where needed.
Allan has been a champion for Aboriginal education within Prince Edward Island and may be contacted at the Summerside office of the Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI.
Sherri Barrett
Sherri has degrees in Psychology, Human Resources and Human Services, training in Reality Therapy, and has many years of group and family facilitation. Sherri is a certified trainer in Life Skills Training, a facilitator for Developing Capable People with experience in cross cultural training. and TRE provider
Sherri has spent much of her professional and personal life assisting individuals overcome barriers and to realize their full potential.
Her strong belief in life-long learning has been developed through over 25 years in the field of human services/social development. She has worked with many individuals from varied backgrounds and life experiences including individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities.
Sherri joined the Mi’kmaq Confederacy in 2005 and is the Director of Employment Services.
Using a holistic and motivational approach Sherri promotes building self esteem, inspiration, encouragement and the celebration of accomplishment.
Irene Gallant
Irene Gallant is the Director of Finance for the Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI. She joined the Mi’kmaq Confederacy team in August, 2002. Irene has twenty years experience in the Accounting and Office Management field and is a member of the Aboriginal Finance Officers Association of Atlantic Canada. Irene has two teenage boys and resides in Summerside, Prince Edward Island.
Roseanne Sark
Roseanne Sark is a member of the Lennox Island First Nation and has been employed with Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI since October 2004; positioned as the Director of Health. Roseanne has a degree in Sociology/Anthropology with a minor in History from Carleton University. She is Certified in Reality Therapy; Certified in Conflict Resolution from the Centre for Conflict Resolution Studies at UPEI and has recently received Reiki Level I.
Roseanne is part of numerous committees and where she contributes to the well being of First Nations here in PEI. She now serves as the Co-Chair for the Health Policy Planning Forum (HPPF) a Provincial Tripartite Health Forum established under the Mi’kmaq /Federal/Provincial Partnership Accord. Chair of the Regional Housing and Infrastructure Network; and Chairs the Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI Health Advisory Committee.
Her motto is “Live life today, why wait until tomorrow”.
Lori St. Onge
Lori St. Onge has been the Director of Indigenous Justice for the Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI since 2007. She graduated from the University of PEI with a Masters in Business Administration, Bachelor of Arts and a Diploma in Public Administration. She also holds a certificate in Human Resource Management, Conflict Resolution and Circle Keeping. Lori is also a trained Gladue writer.
Lori is an advocate for restorative justice. A process which focuses on the rehabilitation of offenders through reconciliation with victims and the community. She is a proud Mi’kmaq woman and a member of the Lennox Island First Nation Band.
Lori sits on numerous committees and boards including the RCMP Commissioner National Aboriginal Advisory Committee. She has been a mentor for the In.Business Program, a mentorship program for Indigenous youth, since 2015. She was appointed to the PEI Human Rights Commission in 2017. Lori was the recipient of the Joan Taavon Award, an international award for her commitment to missing and exploited children.
Randy Angus
Randy has over 40 years experience in the Maritimes fishery and aquaculture industry. He has extensive experience in working with both the public and private sectors in resource management, and has a diverse background that covers a variety of species and organizations. He has worked in the administration of research and hatchery facilities, and has over 6 years of experience in Community development, 6 years climate change research, and sustainable development projects.
He has experience in planning, negotiating, and financing multi-partner projects. He also has experience in regional development projects, and negotiations with all levels of government.
A firm believer in life long learning, Randy looks forward to new opportunities and activities. He enjoys contributing to the Confederacy team in the protection, enhancement and strengthening of the Mi’kmaq Nation in Prince Edward Island.
Jesse Francis
From 2001-2005, on secondment from Parks Canada, Jesse Francis assisted in the development of the Lennox Island Aboriginal Ecotourism programme. As Ecotourism Manager, he was involved in various aspects of the program including; planning, development, implementation and management. From 1997-2002, he worked for Parks Canada as an interpreter.
Jesse is the Manager, Strategic Initiatives, Mi’kmaq Confederacy-Parks Canada. Jesse resides in Wellington with his wife and their three children.
Tammy MacDonald
Tammy MacDonald has been with the Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI since February 2005. As the Director of Research and Outreach; Consultation Negotiation Coordinator, she ensures all ancient, historical and traditional or “Living Memory” Mi’kmaq cultural and resource use of all PEI’s land and waterways are taken into account in proposed Federal and Provincial Government projects, on PEI. In her Outreach role, Tammy also creates and coordinates Mi’kmaq Educational Cultural Workshops for Government, academic, or private organizations, and is the Social Media developer for the Mi’kmaq Confederacy.
As an historian, Tammy is passionate about sharing accurate historical knowledge with as wide an audience as possible. As an Islander, she is passionate about celebrating the cultural diversity of this beautiful province.
Chief Matilda Ramjattan
Chief Matilda Ramjattan was elected Chief of the Lennox Island First Nation on 01 June 2013. Chief Ramjattan obtained a degree in Business Management with an emphasis in computers from Lexington, Nebraska, USA. Matilda has specialized training in the emergency management field including: Basic emergency management; ICS 100, 200; EOC, Emergency Public Information; and Project Management Certificate from UPEI. Matilda has worked in several different areas of health, such as a Medical Transcriptionist for Medical Group in Nebraska; Community Health Link in Massachusetts, in Mental Health. Matilda has served as an executive on the Board of Directors of the Aboriginal Women’s Association and is currently a Co-chair of the MCPEI Board of Directors.
Matilda has volunteered for many events, like teaching songs in Mi’kmaq, and is a member of the Sunrise Singers women’s drum group. She is active in her church, the Summerside Community Church, as a House Group leader, which she holds on Lennox Island. Matilda is also an Aboriginal Entrepreneur. She and her husband, Allan, own and operate a computer sales and service business, Megadealsrus, in Summerside.
Matilda is a Band member of Lennox Island, where she resides with her husband. She is the mother of two, Carol and Gerry, and the proud grandmother of seven granddaughters: Amber, Aayliah, Abigail, Autumn, Annabella, Audrina, Alanna, and a brand new grandson, Martin Gerard North Star, born August 22, 2014.
Chief Brian Francis
Chief Brian Francis was first elected Chief of the Abegweit First Nation in August 2007. He was re-elected in 2011 and 2015.
Chief Francis was born September 28, 1957 in Lennox Island, Prince Edward Island. After receiving his early education in Lennox Island and Summerside, he completed four years of apprenticeship training and became a journeyman carpenter. He was the first Aboriginal person in PEI to receive his inter-provincial red seal trade certificate.
In 1983, he accepted the position as Education Coordinator with the Abegweit First Nation, providing advice and guidance to Aboriginal students. From 1983-1988, he returned to school on a part-time basis with the Maritime School of Social Work. In 1988, he began his career with the Government of Canada when he accepted a position with the Department of Veterans Affairs in Charlottetown. He served in various capacities with the Federal Government, including eight years as Employment and Issuance Officer and six years as an Employment Counsellor with Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC). In 2002, he accepted the position as Aboriginal Coordinator with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and served in that position until his election as Chief and Band Administrator for Abegweit First Nation in August 2007.
Among his proudest accomplishments is the signing of the Canada-PEI-Mi’kmaq Partnership Agreement.
Chief Francis and his wife Georgina have three children, Kateri, Shawn and John Ryan. The couple resides in Rocky Point, Prince Edward Island.
Councillor Daren Knockwood
Councillor Jacob Jadis
Councillor Janet Banks
Councilior Mary Moore-Phillips
Councillor Richard Guimond
Email: mail@mcpei.ca Toll-free: 1-877-884-0808
Communications and Outreach programming contact: Tammy MacDonald 902-626-2882; communications@mcpei.ca
@MCPEIFamilyPRIDE
@MCPEIPRIDEProg
News
RESTORATIVE JUSTICE AGREEMENT SIGNED BETWEEN FISHERIES AND OCEANS, THE PUBLIC PROSECUTION SERVICE AND THE MI’KMAQ CONFEDERACY OF P.E.I. PEI – April 10, 2018 The Government of Canada is committed to working with the Mi’kmaq Confederacy of Prince Edward Island (MCPEI) to support Restorative Justice efforts. Today, the MCPEI, the Lennox Island First Nation, the […]
...moreProviding a general introduction to justice issues for people who work with Indigenous clients in the Atlantic Canadian justice system, the Guide is entitled “Bringing Balance to the Scales of Justice” In the first half, this excellent resource provides an overview of the post-colonial experiences of Indigenous people in Atlantic Canada, and explores the […]
...moreSee photos for details: Chief Francis and Chief Ramjattan meet with Minister Lawrence MacAulay and MP’s Sean Casey and Wayne Easter to discuss matters of importance for the Mi’kmaq Governments and the Government of Canada. Chief Ramjattan and Chief Francis meet with Senator Griffin and Senator Downe in […]
...moreEvents
The Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI Employment Services, Abegweit First Nation and Lennox Island First Nation, are excited to announce that guest speakers Shaun Loney, author of “An Army of Problem Solvers,” and Darcy Wood, CEO of Aki Foods and Aki Energy, will be sharing their experiences creating social enterprises, at our upcoming Social Enterprise Engagement […]
moreIt’s almost Aboriginal Awareness Week and time to break out the BBQ’s! Everyone is welcome! Aboriginal Awareness Week – 22-25 May 2018 – See you there! See poster for details:
moreFINAL ENGAGEMENT SESSION: for the PEI Adoption Act Review – open vs. closed adoptions. Off-reserve session will be 24 May 2018, from 6:30 -8:30 pm Location: Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI, Charlottetown office, main boardroom – 199 Grafton Street, Polyclinic Building, Suite 501 For more information: Backgrounder Adoption Act Review
moreSocial Media
Mi'kmaq ConfederacyFollow
It's a beautiful, bright and sunny day; What better way to celebrate than coming to Day 3 of our Aboriginal Awareness Week BBQ's! Mi'Kmaq Family Resource Centre, Charlottetown, at 12 - See you there!
The day might have started out gloomy, but it's Day 2 of Aboriginal Awareness Week and the BBQ's still on at Chief Francis' residence in Rocky Point! Join us there for lots of yummy food, starting at 5:30pm.
First BBQ of Aboriginal Awareness Week! Come down to Scotchfort and join the celebration!