Three Levels of Government Mi’kmaq Three Levels of Government

Geographic Constituency   Local Council Chief District Council Chief Grand Council Chief Powers Duties Geographic Constituency Leadership Characteristics  

Local Council Chief Presides over the Council of Elders Council of Elders was usually made up of the heads of families or representatives Responsibilities consisted of: Making decisions within local areas Take care of supplies, dogs, canoes, hunting, emergencies (providing for villages) Were teachers and role models for the young Training hunters

Local Council Chief cont’d The Local Chief was always male and came from a prominent family They were of good character and they were very good hunters

District Council Chief Total of 7, 1 for each of the 7 Mi’Kmaq districts Presides over council of local chiefs Responsible for several villages/communities within his district Met during spring, summer or fall to settle problems such as peace and war Act as arbitrator - would listen to both parties and settle dispute

District Council Chief The responsibilities of the Chief included: Attending Local Council meetings Take care of problems among districts, villages, nations District Chief was eldest male of large powerful family Good hunters

Grand Council Chief Grand Chief is most important When he speaks, everyone listens. Presides over Grand Council Responibilities included: Defending territory Taking care of any orphaned children Help with providing food and supplies

Grand Council Chief The Grand chief had to have an exceptional character Was an excellent hunter 2 ways to become a Grand Chief: Hereditary (unless the father did not feel they were worthy of the position) Survive in woods for several days without food or water. Must make a camp for 2 people and wait to see if another person arrives. If this occurs, he is capable of being Grand Chief

The Modern Grand Council The Indian Act and the introduction of the elected chief and council, the role of the Grand Council has changed. Grand council now focuses on spiritual needs of community. Meets 2-3 times a year, usually around religious holidays. The grand council consists of the grand chief, the putus (grand chief assistant) and the grand captain together with the captains.

Modern Grand Council cont’d The captains who serve under the grand chief are selected for life. New captain occurs when a captain dies or there is a need for additional captains. The selection process involves the grand chief, the local priest and other concerned individuals. The responsibilities of the captains include: offering Mi’kmaq prayers to the sick and dying, assisting a bereaved family with the funeral arrangements. Captains duties vary depending on the need of their reserve.

Modern Grand Council cont’d The Grand Council also works with such groups as Micmac Association for Cultural Studies (MACS) and the Union of Nova Scotia Indians to address cultural issues in the community The Grand Chief often presides as honorary chairperson at meetings and may travel outside of the province as a spiritual or cultural representative for the Mi’kmaq people Grand Council and the position of Grand Chief are non-political but they are still viewed with great respect in the Mi’kmaq community

Answer key - Mi’kmaq Local Council Chief District Council Chief Grand Council Chief Powers Presides over Council of Elders Presides over local chiefs Presides over Grand Council and local and district councils Duties Made decisions for local areas, took care of supplies – dogs, canoes, hunting. Took care of emergencies, acted as teachers and role models, trained hunters Acted as arbitrator, attend local council meetings, took care of problems among districts, villages Defend territory, took care of orphaned children, help with providing food and supplies for community. Geographic Constituency Local area, village or community There is one for each of the 7 districts each made up of several villages, communities Responsible for all 7 Mi’kmaq districts Leadership Characteristics Male from a prominent family, good character, good hunters Eldest male from a large powerful family, good hunters Exceptional character, excellent hunters, hereditary, survive in woods and create a new camp