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Mi’kmaq Ecological Knowledge Study Protocol
1st Edition
Mi’kmaq Ecological Knowledge Study Protocol
1
ASSEMBLY OF NOVA SCOTIA MI’KMAQ CHIEFS
The Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq Chiefs would like to recognize and commend the efforts of the following Mi’kmaq organizations who through their technical representatives, provided much guidance and support throughout the drafting stages of this Mi’kmaq Ecological Knowledge Study Protocol
The Confederacy of Mainland Mi'kmaq
Mi’kmaq Ecological Knowledge Study Protocol
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Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq Chiefs
Mi’kmaq Ecological Knowledge Study Protocol
As Ratified on November 22, 2007
Mi’kmaq Ecological Knowledge Study Protocol
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Foreword 5
Section I Introduction 6
Section II Definitions 7
Section III Interpretation 8
Section IV Mi’kmaqEcologicalKnowledgeStudy(MEKS)Methodology 8
Phase I PlanningandDesign 8 a)Communications 9 b)ResearchPrinciplesandProtocols–Mi’kmawEthicsWatch 9
Phase II DeliveryandImplementation 9 a)InformedConsentandConfidentiality 9 b)ProjectScoping 10 c)DevelopingaRelationshipandInterviewing 10 d)SufficiencyofMEKData 11 e)HistoricalResearchandGroundTruthing 11
Phase III FinalizingtheMEKSReportandDisclosure 11 a)MEKDataAnalysis 11 b)DisclosureandReportingofMEKData 12
Section V Amendments 12
Section VI Appendices 13 A)AMi’kmaqProtocolonMi’kmaqEcological KnowledgeStudiesinNovaScotia 14 B)ListofNovaScotiaMi’kmaqFirstNationBands andDesignatedContactPersons 15 C)AListofRelevantMi’kmaqOrganizations andDesignatedContactPersons 16 D)ResearchPrinciplesandProtocols-Mi’kmawEthicsWatch 17 Background 17 Principles/ObligationsandProtocols 18 ApplicationstoConductResearch 21
Table of Contents
Mi’kmaq Ecological Knowledge Study Protocol
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TheenclosedMi’kmaqEcologicalKnowledgeStudyProtocol(MEKSProtocol)representsanimportantmilestonefortheNovaScotiaMi’kmaqtomanagethecollectionanddistributionofMi’kmaqEcologicalKnowledgethroughoutNovaScotia.TheprotectionofMi’kmaqEco-logicalKnowledge1(MEK)hasbeenhighlightedasakeyissuethroughtheAssemblyofNovaScotiaMi’kmaqChiefs(the“Assembly”).TheAssemblyexistsasaninstitutionofgovernancefortheMi’kmaqofNovaScotiawithrespecttoissuesofcommoninterestandconcern.ItincludesrepresentationfromallthethirteenMi’kmaqBandslocatedthroughouttheprov-inceofNovaScotia.
ThepurposeoftheMEKSProtocolistoidentifytheessentialcomponentsofanMEKSinaccordancewiththeconcernsandaspirationsoftheAssembly.ByenactingthisMEKSProtocol,theAssemblytruststhatitwillcontributetothefollowingobjectives:acknowl-edgmentandrespectofMi’kmaqculturalpractices,valuesandtraditions;preservationofaMi’kmaqculturalidentity;anopen,transparentandaccountableMEKSprocessthatisreceptivetotheuniqueneedsoftheNovaScotiaMi’kmaq.
AlthoughthisMEKSProtocolwillserveastheprimarybasisforanyproposedMEKSinNovaScotia,itshouldnotbereadinisolationfromotherMi’kmaqregionalorprovincialprocessesregardingMEKS.Furthermore,theMEKSProtocoldoesnotoperateastoreplaceotherapplicableMi’kmaqresearchethicspracticesorproceduresthatexistormaybecreatedfromtimetotime.Wheresaidprovincialandregionalprocessesexist,thisMEKProtocolshallbeliberallyinterpretedforconsistencywithsaidregionalandprovincialprocesses.IfintheeventthatthereisaclearconflictbetweenthisMEKSProtocolandotherprovincialandregionalprocesses,thisMEKSProtocolshalltakeprecedenceandprevail.
TheMEKSProtocolisalsoaworkingorrollingdocumentthatthroughthecourseoftimewillundergofurtherdiscussionandchange.Therefore,whenundertakinganMEKSinNovaScotia,pleasecheckforthelatestreviseddocumenttoensurethatanyproposedMEKSpracticesareinkeepingwiththemostrecentpositionsandperspectivesoftheNovaScotiaMi’kmaq.
Foreword
1Throughoutthisdocument,Mi’kmaqEcologicalKnowledgeisintendedtoreflecttheconceptandmeaningofAboriginalTraditionalKnowledge.However,itshouldalsobenotedthatMi’kmaqEcologicalKnowledgeisalsospecifictotheuniquepractices,culture,valuesandtraditionsthattheMi’kmaqpeoplehavetoallcomponentsofthenaturalenvironment.
Mi’kmaq Ecological Knowledge Study Protocol
Sincetimeimmemorial,theMi’kmaqhaveusedandoccupiedtheirtraditionalterritoryknownasMi’kma’kiwhichincludesNovaScotia,PrinceEdwardIsland,NewBrunswickandpartsofQue-bec,NewfoundlandandthenortheasternpartofMaine.Mi’kmaqPaleo-IndiansitesinNovaScotiaprovidearchaeologicalevidenceofMi’kmaqoccupationforover10,500years.Today,theMi’kmaqcontinuetouseandoccupyMi’kma’kiandshareadeepandprofoundrelationshipwiththeirtradi-tionallands.2
InMi’kmaqculturaltradition,theMi’kmaqutilizeNetukulimk–aMi’kmaweyconceptwhichincludestheuseofthenaturalbountyprovidedbytheCreatorfortheself-supportandwell-beingoftheindividualandthecommunityatlarge.NetukulimkalsoencompassesecologicalbeliefsthroughtheinterplayofcollectiveandindividualresponsibilitiesoftheMi’kmaqtothenaturalworld.Suchrelationshipswiththelandareholisticinnatureandconsidermanyaspectsofthenaturalandspiri-tualworld.Theseinclude,butarenotlimitedto,land/marineresourceuse,management,conserva-tionandMi’kmaqspiritualbeliefs.
Throughouthistoryandtoday,Mi’kmaqsubsistenceandspiritualpracticesencompassthenaturalworldinamannerthatis,attimes,distinctfromunderstandingsinherentinwesternsociety.TheMi’kmaqdonotperceivethenaturalandspiritualworldasseparateanddistinctspheres.Thislong-standingrelationshipthattheMi’kmaqhavemaintainedforcenturieswiththeirnaturalsurround-ingsisthefoundationforMEK.FortheMi’kmaq,MEKisnotjustsimplyanexerciseintheexami-nationofMi’kmaqlandandresourceuse;rather,italsoinvolvesauniqueapproachtothegainingofthisinformationthroughMi’kmaqculturalpracticesandtradition.
Secondly,MEKisnotstatic.ItisconstantlyreanalyzedandtestedthroughtheexperiencesofnewgenerationsofMi’kmaq.Thisexperienceconsidersandincorporatesnewandemergingresourceis-suesthusenablingreliableMEKdatatoemergethroughasharedexperience.Inlightofthisculturaldialogueorpractice,itisimportantthataguidingandinterpretiveframeworkbeadvancedtotakeintoaccounttheseuniquepractices,beliefsandperspectivesthrougharespectforculturaldifference.
Section I – Introduction
2Takenfromconfidentialsourcematerialfrom:TheConfederacyofMainlandMi’kmaq,MembertouCorporateInc.,andtheUnama’kiInstituteofNaturalResources.
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Mi’kmaq Ecological Knowledge Study Protocol
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2.1WithinthisMi’kmaqEcologicalKnowledgeStudyProtocol:
“Assembly”meanstheAssemblyofNovaScotiaMi’kmaqChiefswhichoperatesas aninstitutionofgovernancefortheMi’kmaqofNovaScotia.
“Consultant”meansacompany,grouporindividualthathasprimaryresponsibility toundertakeanddeliveraMi’kmaqEcologicalStudywithintheprovinceof NovaScotia.
“Consultation”meansanyCrownandMi’kmaqgovernment3discussion,negotiation ormeetingusedtojustifyCrowninfringementofAboriginalandtreatyrights.
“Government”meansanyfederal,provincialormunicipaldepartment,agentor representative.
“MEK”meansMi’kmaqEcologicalKnowledgeandincludesthecollectionand adaptationofknowledgethatMi’kmaqpeoplehavewithallcomponentsofthe naturalenvironmentandtheinterrelationshipsthatexistbetweenalllifeformsfrom auniquehistorical,culturalandspiritualperspective.
“MEKS Protocol”meanstheMi’kmaqEcologicalKnowledgeStudyProtocoland includesallattachedappendicesandamendmentsthatmaybemadefromtimetotime.
“Mi’kmaq Ecological Knowledge Study”meansallcomponentsrelatedtothe planning,collection,analysis,reportinganddistributionofMi’kmaqEcological KnowledgeinNovaScotia.
“MEK Report”meansanydocumentthatconsidersMEKdatapursuanttoany ProjectdefinedinthisMEKSProtocol. “Mi’kmaq Community”meansanyoftheMi’kmaqFirstNationBands,affiliated communitiesorotherMi’kmaqcommunitiesthatexistthroughoutNovaScotia.
“Mi’kmaq Participant”meansanypersonofMi’kmaqdescentwhohasagreedto participateinanMEKS.
Section II – Definitions
3Mi’kmaqGovernmentisintendedtomeananyofthethirteenNovaScotiaMi’kmaqBandsinwholeorinpart.
Mi’kmaq Ecological Knowledge Study Protocol
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“Netukulimk”meanstheMi’kmaquseoftheCreator’snaturalbountyforself-supportandwell-beingandtheinterplayofcollectiveandindividualresponsibilitiesthattheMi’kmaqhavetothenaturalworld.
“Project”meansanyundertakingthathastriggeredanMEKStooccur.
“Proponent Company”meansacompany,grouporpersonresponsibleforundertakingaProject.
Section III – Interpretation3.1NothinginthisMEKSProtocoloranyrelateddiscussions,communicationsordocumentationshallbeinterpretedastoabrogate,derogate,orinanyway,affect,limitordetractfromtheexistingAboriginalandtreatyrightsthattheMi’kmaqpeopleindividuallyandcollectivelyenjoythroughoutNovaScotia.
3.2ForgreatercertaintytoSection3.1,nothinginthisdocumentshallbeinterpretedasConsulta-tionforpurposesofjustifyinganinfringementonMi’kmaqAboriginalorTreatyrightsthatexistormaybefoundtoexistinthefuture.
3.3ThisMEKSProtocolshallbereadtocomplimentanyMi’kmaqregionalorprovincialprocessesthatpertaintoMEKdatacollectionand,intheeventofaconflictbetweensaidprocess(s)andthisProtocol,thisProtocolshalltakeprecedenceandprevail.
Section IV – MEKS Methodology4.1MEKSmethodologyprovidesguidelinesandstandards4onsuggestedpracticesandproceduresrelevanttotheplanning/design,development,implementationandreportingstagesofanMEKS.
Phase I - Planning and Design
ThisPhaseincludesallpreliminaryworkspecifictothedevelopmentofanMEKS.AlthoughConsul-tantsmaydifferontheapproachorsubstanceofthecomponentscontainedwithinthisPhase,itisarequirementthatanMEKSbothconsiderandaddresseachofthefollowingelements:
4ThisMEKSProtocolprovidesbothstandardsandrecommendedguidelinesforallstagesofanMEKS.Forgreatercertainty,guidelinesshouldbeinterpretedasgeneral“rulesofthumb”or“bestpractices.”StandardsexistasrequirementsorobligationsthataretobefollowedatvariousstagesofanMEKS.
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A)Communications:
CommunicationisakeyactivitytothePhaseIcomponentoftheMEKS.AtthefrontendoftheMEKSprocess,theConsultantshalldraftaletteroutliningitsintentiontotheproposedMEKSprocess.Ataminimum,thislettershouldincludethefollowing:
informationontheProponentCompanyoutlinethenatureoftheProjectincludebackgroundinformationontheConsultantoutlinethepurposeoftheMEKSspecifytheproposedMEKSprocessandrelatedactivitiescommentontheintendeduseoftheMEKSproviderelevantcontactinformationprovideanopportunityforfeedback/input
ThelettershouldbesenttotheAssembly,UnionofNovaScotiaIndians,TheConfederacyofMain-landMi’kmaq,Kwilmu’kwMaw-klusuaqnandthepoliticalleadershipofeachMi’kmaqFirstNationBandthattheConsultantintendstocollectMEKSdatawithin.ForalistofrelevantcontactpersonsandMi’kmaqBandsseeAppendixB.
B)ResearchPrinciplesandProtocols–Mi’kmawEthicsWatch:
TheResearchPrinciplesandProtocolsprovidesaprescribedapprovalprocesstothecollection,analy-sisandreportingofresearchdatageneratedfromMi’kmaqFirstNationcommunitiesthroughouttheprovinceofNovaScotia.TheConsultantshouldconsidertheResearchPrinciplesandProtocolsasanadditionalresearchprocessrequirementintheearlyplanningstagesofanMEKS.ForacopyoftheMi’kmaqResearchEthicsProtocol,seeAppendixD.
Phase II - Delivery and Implementation:
ThisPhaseincludesallworkspecifictothedeliveryandimplementationofaMEKSinNovaScotia.Aspreviouslystated,althoughConsultantsmaydifferontheapproachorsubstancecontainedwithinthisPhase,itishighlyrecommendedthataMEKSbothconsiderandaddress,ataminimum,eachofthefollowingelements:
A)InformedConsentandConfidentiality:
BeforedatacollectionofMEKdatatakesplace,itishighlyrecommendedthattheConsultantfirstsecureinformedconsentwiththeMi’kmaqParticipant.Twokeyelementstoinformedconsentinvolveeducationandagreement.TheConsultantshouldensurethattheintervieweeisprovided
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informationanddemonstrateaclearunderstandingofthefollowing:
1)Education:
proposedprojectspecificspurposeofanMEKSuseofMEKSdataintheapprovalprocess(s)theMEKSisnotintendedtobeConsultationforthepurposeofjustifying
aninfringementonAboriginalandTreatyrights
2)Agreement:
thatparticipationisvoluntarywrittenConsentandReleaseformisexplainedandcompleted
B)ProjectScoping:
ThecollectionofMEKdataisbasedontheconceptofNetukulimk.Whendeterminingthestudyarea,theConsultantshouldtakeintoaccountthenatureofMEKdatawhichdemandstheinclusionofthefollowing:
MEKdataisprojectandtimespecificandassuchwillrequirerecentand updatedMEKdata
collectionofMEKSdatawithinabufferareamaybeconsideredtobemore extensivethantheproposedProjectfootprint
thecollectionofMi’kmaquseandoccupationsitesandtheirimportanceto Netukulimk
thesignificanceoftheinclusionandrecognitionofMi’kmaqhistorical, spiritualandculturalinformation
C)DevelopingaRelationshipandInterviewing:
ThisMEKSProtocoldoesnotrestrictordefinewhodoesaMEKS.However,itdoesrecognizethateveryMi’kmaqcommunityhastherighttodecidewhethertheyshouldparticipatewithaConsul-tantonaMEKS.WhenengagingaMi’kmaqParticipantthroughanMEKSinterviewprocessanumberofareasshouldbeconsideredintermsofdevelopinganapproachtothecollectionofMEKdata.Ataminimum,theseareasshouldincludethefollowing:
interviewsareconductedintheInterviewee’slanguageofpreferenceinterviewsshouldbeconductedattheplaceofpreferencetotheinterviewee
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Mi’kmaq Ecological Knowledge Study Protocol
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theinterviewershouldhaveappropriatematerialsincludingmapsand recordingdevices
tokensofAppreciationandGratitudetheinterviewershouldbeknowledgeableandrespectfulofMi’kmaqculturalnormstheinterviewershouldtakeintoaccount“responseburden”firstandsecondhandaccountsshouldbeconsideredinthecollectionofMEKSdata
D)SufficiencyofMEKdata:
ItisimportantthattheConsultantensurethatanadequateamountofMEKSdataiscollectedwith-intheproposedstudyarea.ThecollectionofMEKdataisdependentonanumberoffactors.WhenconductingaMEKS,theConsultantshallmakeeveryefforttouncoverMEKdatafromatargetgroupofMi’kmaqParticipants.Thetargetgroup,ataminimum,mustincludeMi’kmaqParticipantswhohavespecificMEKknowledgeorhaveconductedlanduseactivitiesintheproposedstudyarea.ItisrecommendedthattheConsultantensurethatappropriatetime,fundingandresourcesareavail-abletoaccountforthecollectionofsufficientMEKdata.IntheeventthattheConsultantisnotabletocollectasufficientamountofMEKdata,thereasonsorpotentialcausesforthiscircumstancemustbeoutlinedintheMEKReport.
E)HistoricalResearchandGroundTruthing:
TheMEKSmustincludeahistoricalreviewofMi’kmaqactivitybothwithinandsurroundingtheproposedstudyareaandan“ontheground”sitevisit.Ataminimum,theseactivitiesshouldincludethefollowing:
historicalresearchfromprimaryandsecondaryresourcematerialsandoralaccountssitevisitsidentifyingandconfirmingMEKdatadueregardtosafetyissues
Phase III - Finalizing the MEKS Report and Disclosure:
ThisPhaseincludesallworkspecifictotheanalysisofMEKdata,reportinganddisclosureofMEKinformation.ItisrecommendedthataMEKSbothconsiderandaddress,ataminimum,thefollow-ingtwokeyelements:
A)MEKDataAnalysis:
whenreportingMEKdata,theConsultantsshalluseaGISsoftwareprogramwhendeterminingthesignificanceofMEKDatatheConsultantshallhavedue
regardtobothscientificandMi’kmaqculturalpracticeandtradition
•
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••
Mi’kmaq Ecological Knowledge Study Protocol
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theConsultantutilizethefollowingfactorswhendeterminingthe significanceofMEKdata: -theuniquenessandnatureofthelandorresourceuse/occupation -theculturaluseorspiritualmeaningofthelandorresourceuse/occupation -theavailabilityandtheimportanceofthelandorresourceuse/occupation
B)DisclosureandReportingofMEKData:
MEKSReportfindingsshouldcontainMEKbaselineinformationsuchasthe typeofuseandspeciesincludingnumberspresent
onlyMEKofsignificancebeoutlinedinthereportthroughtheuseofaGISconsiderationanddueregardshouldgrantedtoconfidentialityofaMi’kmaq
Participant’sMEKdatatheMEKSshouldprovidesuggestionsonmitigationorremediationofpotential
impactsinamannerthatreflectssoundenvironmentalpracticefromascientific andMi’kmaqculturalperspective
theMEKSReportshouldbedistributedinatimelymannertotheMi’kmaqpolitical organizationsasoutlinedinAppendixC
theMEKSReportmustaccountfortheexplicitreservationandprotectionof IntellectualPropertyRightsthattheMi’kmaqindividuallyandcollectivelyenjoy inNovaScotia
theConsultantshallmakeexplicitreferenceintheMEKSReportthatitisnot intendednorisittobeinterpretedasconstitutingConsultationforthepurpose ofjustifyinganinfringementontheexistingAboriginalandTreatyrightsof theMi’kmaqinNovaScotia
•
•
••
•
•
•
•
Section V – Amendments6.1ThisMEKSProtocolcanbeamendedatanytimebyresolutionthroughmajorityvoteatadulyconvenedAssemblymeeting.
6.2IntheeventthatanamendmentismadetothisMEKSProtocol,thesaidamendmentshallberecordedintheAssemblyminutesandacopyofthemotionshallbeattachedtotheMEKSProtocolasanAppendix.
Mi’kmaq Ecological Knowledge Study Protocol
SeeAttached
Section VI – Appendices
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Mi’kmaq Ecological Knowledge Study Protocol
APPENDIX A
ASSEMBLY OF NOVA SCOTIA MI’KMAQ CHIEFS
Resolution Respecting: A Mi’kmaq Protocol on Mi’kmaq Ecological Knowledge Studies in Nova Scotia
WhereastheAssemblyofNovaScotiaMi’kmaqChiefs(hereinafterthe“Assembly”)existsasanin-stitutionofgovernancefortheMi’kmaqofNovaScotiainrespectofissuesofcommoninterestsandconcerns;
And WhereastheAssemblyis,inpart,responsibletocommunicatetoCanadaandNovaScotiathecommonpositionoftheMi’kmaqofNovaScotiaonmattersofconcerntoalltheMi’kmaqpeopleinNovaScotia;And WhereastheAssembly,bymotionatadulyconvenedmeetingonJanuary25th2007,haveidentifiedtheneedtoundertakeaMi’kmaqProtocolspecifictothedesign,developmentandimple-mentationofMi’kmaqEcologicalKnowledgeStudies(MEKS)withintheprovinceofNovaScotia;
And WhereastheoverallobjectiveoftheProtocolistosetupstandardsandunderstandingsonitemsthattheAssemblyconsiderstobeproperMEKSinNovaScotia;
And Whereasforsaidpurpose,theAssemblyhasmandatedthecompositionofacommitteeoftech-nicalrepresentativesfromthevariousMi’kmaqorganizationsthroughoutNovaScotia;
And WhereasthetechnicalcommitteehasjointlydevelopedtheattachedMEKSProtocolforcon-siderationandapprovalbytheAssembly;
Now Therefore The Assembly Resolves That:
TheattachedMEKSProtocolisformallyadoptedbytheAssemblyofNovaScotiaMi’kmaqChiefs.PassedatOldOrchardInn,Wolfville,NovaScotia,this22nd,dayofNovember,2007.
MovedBy:ChiefWilbertMarshall,ChapelIsland(Potloteck)FirstNation
SecondedBy:CouncilorIanKnockwood,Proxy,Shubenacadie(IndianBrook)FirstNation
Decision:CarriedbyConsensus.
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Mi’kmaq Ecological Knowledge Study Protocol
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Acadia First Nation Band RR#4Box5914-CYarmouth,NS,B5A4A8Telephone(902)742-0257Fax(902)742-8854ContactPerson:ChiefDeborahRobinson
Annapolis Valley First Nation Band P.O.Box89,CambridgeStationKingsCo.,NS,B0P1G0Telephone(902)538-7149Fax(902)538-7734ContactPerson:ChiefBrianToney
Bear River First Nation Band P.O.Box210,BearRiver,NS,B0S1B0Telephone(902)467-3802ContactPerson:ChiefTheresaMeuse
Eskasoni First Nation Band Eskasoni,NS,B0A1J0Telephone(902)379-2800Fax(902)379-2801ContactPerson:ChiefCharlieDennis
Glooscap First Nation Band P.O.Box449Hantsport,NS,B0P1P0Telephone(902)684-9788Fax(902)684-9890ContactPerson:ChiefShirleyClarke
Shubenacadie (Indian Brook) First Nation Band MicMacPostOffice,IndianBrook,NS,B0N1W0Telephone(902)758-2049Fax(902)758-2017ContactPerson:ChiefJerryF.Sack
Membertou First Nation Band111MembertouStreet,Membertou,NS,B1S2M9Telephone(902)564-6466Fax(902)539-6645ContactPerson:ChiefTerranceJ.Paul
Millbrook First Nation Band P.O.Box634Truro,NS,B2I5E5Telephone(902)897-9199Fax(902)893-4785ContactPerson:ChiefLawrencePaul
Paq’tnkek First Nation Band RR#1Afton,AntigonishCounty,NS,B0H1A0Telephone(902)386-2897Fax(902)386-2043ContactPerson:ChiefM.GerardJulian
Pictou Landing First Nation Band Box55,Site#6PictouLandingNS,B0K1X0Telephone(902)752-4912Fax(902)755-4715ContactPerson:ChiefAnnFrancis-Muise
Chapel Island (Potlotek) First Nation Band Box538ChapelIsland,NS,B0E3B0Telephone(902)535-3317Fax(902)535-3004ContactPerson:ChiefWilbertMarshall
Waycobah First Nation Band P.O.Box149,Whycocomagh,NS,B0E3M0Telephone(902)756-2337Fax(902)295-3398ContactPerson:ChiefMorleyGoogoo
Wagmatcook First Nation Band P.O.Box30001,Wagmatcook,NS.B0E3N0Telephone(902)295-2598Fax(902)295-3398ContactPerson:ChiefLesterPeck
APPENDIX B
List of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq First Nation Bands and Designated Contact Persons
Mi’kmaq Ecological Knowledge Study Protocol
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Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq Chiefs72ChurchRd.Truro,NS.B2N6N4ContactPerson:JaniceMaloney
Treaty and Aboriginal Rights Research Centre of Nova ScotiaBox341Shubenacadie,NS.B0N2H0Telephone(902)758-1953Fax(902)758-1759ContactPerson:JamesMichael
Unama’ki Institute of Natural Resources 4123ShoreRd.P.O.Box8096Eskasoni,NS.B1W1C2Telephone(902)379-2163Fax(902)379-2250ContactPerson:LisaYoung
The Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq840WillowSt.Box1590Truro,NS.B2N5V3Telephone(902)895-6385Fax(902)893-1520ContactPerson:MichaelCox
Union of Nova Scotia IndiansBox961Sydney,NS.B1P6J4Telephone(902)539-4107Fax(902)564-2137ContactPerson:KimberlyPaul
Eskasoni Fish And Wildlife Commission4123ShoreRoadEskasoni,NS.B1W1A6Telephone(902)379-2024Fax(902)379-2159ContactPerson:TomJohnson
Kwilmu’kw Maw-klusuaqn (Mi’kmaq Rights Initiative)72ChurchRd.Truro,NS.B2N6N4Telephone(902)843-3880Fax(902)843-3882ContactPerson:JaniceMaloney
APPENDIX C
A List of Relevant Mi’kmaq Organizations and Designated Contact Persons
Mi’kmaq Ecological Knowledge Study Protocol
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APPENDIX D
Research Principles and Protocols - Mi’kmaw Ethics Watch
Background
Wla wjit Mi’kmaq kisutmi’tij Sante’ Mawio’mi 1999 ek. Wla nekmokw Sante’ Mawio’mi ika’lapni maw ni’kmnew koqoey.
DonJulian,ExecutiveDirector,ConfederacyofMainlandMi’kmaqEleanorBernard,ExecutiveDirector,Mi’kmawKina’matneweyDr.MarieBattiste,AcademicDirector,AboriginalEducationResearchCentre,Professor,DepartmentofEducationFoundations,UniversityofSaskatchewanStephenJ.Augustine,CuratorofEthnologyEasternMaritime,CanadianMuseumofCivilizationLindsayMarshall,AssociateDean,Mi’kmaqCollegeInstitute,CapeBretonUniversityErikZscheile,LegalAdvisor,ConfederacyofMainlandMi’kmaq
Nike’wlaNipniku’s11,2000naelkitmi’tijEskinuapimkta’nkisutaqSante’Mawio’miwjitMi’kmaq.Wlanike’ninenewikasultiekkisi-te’tmektlwisin“Ethics”Eskinuapimkweja’tekemknatlwi’tisnen“Ethics”Eskinuapimk.
AMi’kmaqEthicsCommitteehasbeenappointedbytheSante’Mawio’mi(GrandCouncil)toestablishasetofprinciplesandprotocolsthatwillprotecttheintegrityandculturalknowledgeoftheMi’kmawpeople.TheseprinciplesandprotocolsareintendedtoguideresearchandstudiesinamannerthatwillguaranteethattherightofownershiprestswiththevariousMi’kmawcommunities.Theseprinciplesandprotocolswillguaranteeonlythehigheststandardsofresearch.Interpretationandconclusionsdrawnfromtheresearchwillbesubjecttoapprovaltoensureaccuracyandculturalsensitivity.
AtChapelIslandonJuly25,1999,theSante’Mawio’miestablishedacommitteetostudyanddevelopprinciplesandguidelinestoprotectMi’kmaqpeopleandtheirknowledge.ThecommitteestudiedtheissuesinvolvedinresearchamongIndigenouspeoples,anddevelopedasetofstandardssothatMi’kmaqpeoplemightbeinformedofresearch-itsbenefitsandcosts,betreatedfairlyandethicallyintheirparticipationinanyresearch,andhaveanopportunitytobenefitandgainfromanyresearchconductedamongthem.TheseprinciplesandguidelinesarenowbeingdisseminatedbroadlytoeachoftheMi’kmawcommunitiesfortheirreview,discussion,andratification.
[Note:TheauthorofthisdocumentistheMi’kmawEthicsWatch.]
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Principles
Mi’kmaqpeoplearetheguardiansandinterpretersoftheircultureandknowledgesystem-past,present,andfuture.Mi’kmawknowledge,culture,andarts,areinextricablyconnectedwiththeirtraditionallands,dis-tricts,andterritories.Mi’kmaqpeoplehavetherightandobligationtoexercisecontroltoprotecttheirculturalandintel-lectualpropertiesandknowledge.Mi’kmawknowledgeiscollectivelyowned,discovered,used,andtaughtandsoalsomustbecollec-tivelyguardedbyappropriatedelegatedorappointedcollective(s)whowilloverseetheseguidelinesandprocessresearchproposals.Eachcommunityshallhaveknowledgeandcontrolovertheirowncommunityknowledgeandshallnegotiatelocallyrespectinglevelsofauthority.
Mi’kmawknowledgemayhavetraditionalownersinvolvingindividuals,families,clans,associations,andsocietieswhichmustbedeterminedinaccordancewiththesepeoples’owncustoms,laws,andprocedures.
Anyresearch,study,orinquiryintocollectiveMi’kmawknowledge,culture,arts,orspiritualitywhichinvolvespartnershipsinresearchshallbereviewedbytheMi’kmawEthicsWatch.(Partner-shipsshallincludeanyofthefollowing:researchers,membersofaresearchteam,researchsubjects,sourcesofinformation,usersofcompletedresearch,clients,funders,orlicenseholders.)
TheSante’Mawio’miistheauthorizedbodyoftheMi’kmaqpeopleandthushastodelegateauthor-ityastohowtheWatchiscomposed.
Allresearch,study,orinquiryintoMi’kmawknowledge,culture,andtraditionsinvolvinganyre-searchpartnersbelongstothecommunityandmustbereturnedtothatcommunity.
TheMi’kmaqEthicsWatch(Committee,etc.)shallconductafairandtimelyreviewofallresearchconductedamongMi’kmaqpeopleandshallmaintaincontroloverallresearchprocesses.
Obligations and Protocols
Forresearchers/students/agencies/organizations/corporationsconductingresearchinvolvingMi’kmaqpeopleandwhoseresearch/inquiryentersthepublicdomain(theses,dissertations,publishedjour-nals,books,technicalreports):
AllresearchontheMi’kmaqistobeapproachedasanegotiatedpartnership,takingintoaccountall
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theinterestsofthosewholiveinthecommunity(ies).Participantsshallberecognizedandtreatedasequalsintheresearchprocessinsteadofas“informants”or“subjects”.
Allresearchpartnersmustshowrespectforlanguage,traditions,standardsofthecommunities,andforthehigheststandardsofscholarlyresearch.
Allresearchscholarsshallassumeresponsibilitytolearntheprotocolsandtraditionsofthelocalpeoplewithwhomtheydoresearchandtobeknowledgeableandsensitivetoculturalpracticesandissuesthatensurerespectandaccommodationtolocalnorms.
Allresearchpartnersshallprovidedescriptionsofresearchprocessesintheparticipant’sownlanguage(writtenandoral)whichshallincludedetailedexplanationsoftheusefulnessofthestudy,potentialbenefitsandpossibleharmfuleffectsonindividuals,groupsandtheenvironment.Researchersmustclearlyidentifysponsors,purposesoftheresearch,sourcesoffinancialsupportandinvestigatorsfortheresearch(scholarlyandcorporate),taskstobeperformed,informationrequestedfromMi’kmaqpeople,participatoryresearchprocesses,thepublicationplansfortheresults,andanticipatedroyal-tiesfortheresearch.AllconsentdisclosuresshallbewritteninbothMi’kmaqandEnglish,depend-ingonthecommunitynorms.Nocoercion,constraint,orundueinducementsshallbeusedtoobtainconsent.Allindividualsandcommunitieshavetherighttodeclineorwithdrawfrompartici-patingatanytimewithoutpenalties.
Allresearchinvolvingchildren(undertheageof14)orinformationobtainedaboutpersonalhisto-riesofchildrenwillinvolveinformedconsentofparentsorguardians.
Allresearchpartnersshallinformparticipantsintheirownlanguageabouttheuseofdatagatheringdevices-tape,videorecordings,photos,physiologicalmeasurements,andhowthisdatawillbeused.Theyshallalsoprovideinformationontheanonymityorconfidentialityoftheirparticipation,andifnotpossible,toinformtheparticipantthatanonymityisnotpossible.Participantsshallbeinformedofpossibleconsequencesoftheirchoicetoremainintheresearchandtheirrighttowithdrawcon-sentorparticipationintheresearchatanytime.
Allresearchpartnersshallprovideeachpersonorpartnerinvolvedintheresearchwithinformationregardingtheanticipatedrisksinvolvedintheirparticipation,andanyanticipatedbenefits.
Allresearchpartnersmustbedulyinformedofeachresearchstepalongthewayandbeprovidedwithinformationabouttheresearchprocessandthedistributionofresultsandinformation.
Allresearchpartnersshouldattempttoimpartnewskillsintothecommunity,e.g.datacollection,wheneverpossible,advisableordesirablebythecommunity.
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AllresearchscholarsshallinviteMi’kmawparticipationintheinterpretationand/orreviewofanyconclusionsdrawnfromtheresearchtoensureaccuracyandsensitivityofinterpretation.
Allresearchscholarsshouldconsideravarietyofresearchprocesses,includingqualitativeandpartici-patoryresearchmethodsandmovebeyondthedominantquantitativemethodstoempowerindig-enousvoicesandskills.
Mi’kmawey L’nui Skmaqn (Obligations for Mi’kmaw Ethics Watch)
TheseprincipleshavebeeninitiatedbytheSante’Mawio’mi:
TheMi’kmawEthicsWatchshallcomefromlocalcommunityrepresentativesauthorizedtoreviewethicprinciples,standards,protocols,practicesofresearchconducted,knowledge,andheritage.
Eachcommunityshalldecidelevelsofauthoritylocally,andwhoshallspeakforthecommunity.
MembersoftheWatchshallworkcollaborativelytoavoidmisuseofinformationsuppliedbyindi-vidualswithoutpermissionofthecommunity.
TheMi’kmawEthicsWatchshalloperateonthebasisofself-determinationofeachcommunityandconsidertherisksandbenefitsofresearchandtherightsofindividualsandcollectivestoberecog-nizedandprotected.
TheMi’kmawEthicsWatchshallconsiderthecredentialsandintentionsofeachresearchproject,itssensitivitytoMi’kmawcultureandheritage,andconsiderhowtheresearchcanbenefitthecommu-nity.
TheMi’kmawEthicsWatchshallconsiderproblemssurroundingthepurchaseorpublicationofprivatematerialsandremovalofartifacts.Privatepapers,photographs,orartisticproductionsareprotectedundercopyright.Onecannotlegallycite,reproduce,publish,referto,ordistribute,docu-mentswithoutpermission,fromtheauthors,heirs,orinstitutionsthatholdcopyright.
Anyresearchinvolvingthecollectionofhumangenes,Mi’kmawgeneticmaterial,orinvolvingtheHumanGenomeDiversityProjectshallberejectedorconsideredonlyastoitsbenefitstotheMi’kmaqpeople.
TheMi’kmawEthicsWatchshallincreaseeffortstoeducateeachcommunityanditsindividualstotheissues,concerns,benefits,andrisksofresearchinvolvingMi’kmaqpeople,heritage,environment,andpromoteethicalconductandconformityconcerningprotocolsandguidelinesfordoingresearchinandaboutIndigenouspeopleswithsomekindofdisciplinaryactionagainstthosewhodonot
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comply.
TheMi’kmawEthicsWatchshallconsiderthecontextoftheresearchbeingrequestedandtheissuesofpowerandcontrolthatinfluenceresearchtopics,questions,andresults.
TheMi’kmawEthicsWatchshallencourageresearcherstoconsultwithandinterprettheresearchfromthetribalperspectiveandtomakeresearchandresultsavailabletoMi’kmaqpeopleintheirownlanguage(s)and/ororthographies.
Applications to Conduct Research
Shall include:
1.Nameofresearcher(s)and/orsupervisor(s)andrelateddepartment(s).Nameofcontactperson(s)andcontactaddress(indicatesummeraddressesifpertinent).
2.Anticipatedstartdateoftheresearchstudyandexpectedcompletiondate.Includeanticipatedfieldresearchdates.
3.Titleofstudy.
4.Abstract(100-250words),givingabriefstatementofthehypotheses(orbriefstatementofre-searchquestionsandsignificantproposedresearch)tobeexamined.
5.Fundingsource:indicatethesourceofresearchorstudyfunds,andwhethergrantfundshavealreadybeenprovided.
6.Participants:describetheproceduresforrecruiting,selecting,andassigningparticipants.
7.Consent:describetheprocessbywhichparticipantsconsenttoparticipateintheresearchproject;thatis,howwillparticipantsbeinformedoftheirrightsasparticipants,andbywhatmeanstheywillsignifytheirunderstandingofthoserightsandconsenttoparticipate.Anyresearchinvolvingchil-drenshallrequireparentalinformedconsent.
8.Language:describehowlanguageandculturaldifferencesofMi’kmaqpeoplewillbeaccommo-datedincommunicatingorderivingconsent.Describeprocessfordeterminingandusingappropri-ateprotocolsandtraditionsforenteringintoMi’kmawterritoriesandhomes.
9.Methods/Procedures:indicateifanyaspectsofthestudyinvolverisktotheparticipantsortotheMi’kmaqpeoplecollectively.Describeanyrisktotheperson/personsasaresultofthefindingsbeing
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reportedorpublished.
10.Riskordeception:indicateifanyaspectsofthestudyinvolverisktotheparticipantsortotheMi’kmaqpeoplecollectively.Describeanyrisktotheperson/personsasaresultofthefindingsbeingreportedorpublished.
11.UsefulnessandBenefits:describeanybenefit(s)fortheindividualMi’kmaqpersonortotheMi’kmawNationasawholeasaresultofthisstudyoritspublishedreportorfindings.
12.InterpretationofResults:explainhowthedatawillbeanalyzedandwhetheranyMi’kmaqpeoplewillbeinvolvedin,consultedwith,orinformedabout,theinterpretationprocessofanalyzingthedataorthepresentationofitsfindingsandconclusions.
13.Storageofdata:detailhowthedatawillbestoredtoensuresafetyandconfidentialityofthepar-ticipantsinthestudy.Howlongwillthedatabekept?Willthedatabeusedagaininanotheraspectofthestudy?Willtheparticipantshavetherighttoconsenttothisnextphaseofthestudy?
14.Confidentiality:describewhatmeasureswillbetakentoprotectMi’kmaqparticipantsandthirdpartyprivacy(confidentialityandanonymity).
15.Publicationandroyalties:describeanticipatedpublicationsorplansforpublicationfromthisresearchandhowanyroyaltiesfrombooksaleswillbesharedwiththeparticipantsofthestudy.
Send application to:
Associate Dean Lindsay MarshallMi’kmaqCollegeInstituteCapeBretonUniversity,Box5300Sydney,NovaScotiaB1P6L2Telephone:(902)563-1827Fax:(902)563-1693