RESERVE CREATION PROJECT FOR THE NATION MICMAC DE GESPEG
Since its official recognition as a band in 1973, the Nation Micmac de Gespeg has been calling for and expressing the need to establish a land base in the Gaspé region through the acquisition of reserve land.
The current Council maintains this position and has made it a priority for the Nation and its members. As part of this endeavor, the Council formed the Reserve Creation Committee in order to carry out the project and ensure representation of its members.
THE PROJECT
The Reserve Creation Committee is seeking feedback from members of the community to make sure the reserve project is representative of a collective vision. It is you, members of the Nation, who are at the heart of this project.
Therefore, this page will serve as a hub to provide community members with important information on the process and engagements related to the Reserve Creation Project.
A reserve is a parcel of land set aside by the Canadian government for use and benefit of First Nations, as defined by the Indian Act. A reserve can serve as a land base where community members reside. Community members with registered Indian status may ‘own’ land on a reserve through Certificates of Possession (or “CPs”), though this does not entail full legal possession, as these remain Crown land.
However, there is no obligation for members of a community to live on reserve, and their status is not affected by their location or residency. In fact, some reserves are used simply for activities like fishing and hunting, while others are used for economic development opportunities for the benefit of the community and its members. Importantly, reserves can also serve to physically, emotionally and spiritually connect community members to their traditional territories
WHAT IS A RESERVE?
ENGAGEMENT ACTIVITIES
Our goal is to solicit the opinions, desires and wishes of members for a land base for the benefit and use of the community. The engagements that will be held this fall will seek your feedback on the reserve creation project and on the potential opportunities that may arise as a result, including residential, cultural, communal, touristic and economic development.
You are invited to participate in a series of consultations that will take place this fall, which will include information sessions, a survey and engagement sessions held in order to gather your input on the creation of a reserve for the Nation Micmac de Gespeg.
COMPLETED
Information Sessions
The consultation process began with a series of information sessions
Please book your spot by contacting us at: info.reservegespeg@gmail.com or by phone at 514-954-2555 ext. 27259.
Gespeg
Gespeg Community Hall, 34 Montée Corte-Réal
– Supper served at 5PM
– Session held in French
– Session broadcasted via Zoom
Montreal
Plaza Antique, 6086 rue Sherbrooke Est, Montréal – Parking available
– Supper served at 5PM
– Session held in French
– Session broadcasted via Zoom
Virtual Session
– Session in English
– A link will be shared by email
Community Survey – OPEN
To better understand the position of community members regarding the reserve creation project, we are asking members to fill out a short 10-minute survey. The survey will be open from October 20, 2022 to November 30, 2022.
If you would like to receive a hardcopy of the survey, please contact us as soon as possible by telephone (514-954-2555 ext. 27259) or by email (info.reservegespeg@gmail.com). It is also be possible to complete the survey over the phone, if needed.
Engagement sessions on the reserve creation project
The engagement sessions aim to better understand your position and opinions regarding the reserve creation project, and the potential opportunities that may arise as a result.
You will be able to join us online or in-person, depending on your preference. We are also organizing population-specific sessions, notably with Elders, youth, and businesspeople.
Virtual engagement sessions will take place in order to bring all members together to build a shared vision for this project. Consider registering to an in-person AND the virtual sessions.
To participate in one of the engagement sessions, please reserve your spot by filling out the form below.
You can also register to participate at info.reservegespeg@gmail.com or by phone at 514-954-2555 ext. 27259.
When : Wednesday, November 23rd, 2022
Where : Gespeg community hall, at 34 Montée Corte-Réal.
What :
o Session with Elders : 1pm to 4pm – snacks and beverages provided
o Session with the general population : 5pm to 9pm – a meal will be served at 5pm.
When : Sunday, November 20th, 2022
Where: Plaza Antique, 6086 Sherbrooke St. East, Montreal (parking available)
What :
o Session with Elders : 9am to 12pm – snacks and beverages provided
o Session with the general population : 2pm to 5pm – snacks and beverages provided
Following this consultation process, a report will be published in the spring regarding the results of the engagements, and the next steps will follow as part of the reserve creation project.
Where : A link will be shared by email
When:
o Session for businesspeople: Monday, November 28th, 7pm to 9pm
o Session for youth and young adults (14-25 years old): Tuesday, November 29th, 7pm to 9pm
o Session with the general population : Thursday, December 1st, 7pm to 9pm
What are the steps following the consultation?
Q&A For more info on the reserve creation project
Do you have a question?
If you have questions on the PROJECT itself, fill out the form below to send your questions directly to Nadia Robertson and Céline Cassivi, co-presidents of the Reserve Creation Committee.