Media Release - For Immediate Release

June 25 2010

MOU Will Expand Research Opportunities

Dr. J. Colin Dodds looks on as Ketpin Ron Knockwood of the Shubenacadie District Grand Council signs a Memorandum of Understanding promoting research initiatives involving Mainland Mik'maq

A Memorandum of Understanding signed today (June 25) between Mainland Mi’kmaq and the Gorsebrook Research Institute for Atlantic Canada Studies will open the door to new research initiatives across all faculties on campus.

Peter Twohig, Executive Director, Gorsebrook Research Institute, said the commitment to co-operate provides a framework that will facilitate research on topics important to the Mainland Mi’kmaq ranging from historical and cultural research to policies involving fishing and natural resources.

Mi’kmaq Keptin Ron Knockwood and Keptin Russell Julian signed the agreement of behalf of Grand Chief Ben Sylliboy. President Dr. J. Colin Dodds and Dr. Twohig signed on behalf of the university.

In addition to promoting research opportunities, the agreement calls for the partners to work co-operatively to enhance awareness of traditional aboriginal governance and practices through educational and outreach activities, to jointly foster educational opportunities in First Nations’ communities and to co-sponsor activities such as conferences, workshops and other events.

"Today marks the first step of a journey that will help provide an enhanced understanding of the Mi'kmaq people's in all parts of the province," said Keptin Knockwood. He mused that the work begun may one day end up as the early chapters on a detailed book about the Sante’ Mawio’mi, Sikepne’katik District (Shubenacadie District Grand Council).

Dr. Twohig called the agreement another piece in the university's serious engagement with the aboriginal people's of Atlantic Canada.

A steering committee to implements the goals and objective of the new agreement will be established. That committee will include two representatives from Saint Mary’s University and two from the Sante’ Mawio’mi, Sikepne’katik District.

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For More Information:

Steve Proctor
External Affairs
Saint Mary's University
(902) 420.5513
E-mail: steve.proctor@smu.ca
www.smu.ca

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