Planning and negotiation training sessions took at the World Trade Centre in Halifax May 24-26.  The sessions, including mock negotiations, were conducted under the guidance of experts from St. Mary’s University.
Those pictured taking part in the negotiation training are (left to right) Nancy Boudreau, Lauretta Welsh, Brad MacRae (instructor), Marjorie Gould, Clarence Smith, Chief Lindsay Marshall, Allan Bernard, Darren Googoo, Chief Morley Googoo,  Suki Starnes and Barry Evans.

The current five-year funding agreement, averaging $30 million per year, is scheduled to expire March 31, 2002.  The agreement states that negotiations for the next generation agreement will begin during the fourth year.  The Board mandated that a negotiation team begin working to develop the background and work plan needed for such an important undertaking.  This workshop served as a launchpad for those activities.

Many ongoing Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey activities  will provide information for the negotiations.  The Capital Committee will provide information about physical and financial requirements.  Strategic and operational plans will provide a framework for identifying needed resources while committees such as those dealing with special educational will help complete the picture.

All participants had high praise for the sessions.  After two days of theory and practicums, the third day was devoted to holding mock negotiations simulating sessions with Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey and the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development.

This entry was posted on Thursday, June 1st, 2000 at 11:22 am and is filed under General.