The Mi’kmaq

Grand Council

Traditional Grand Council•Traditionally was the sole ruling body of the Mi’kmaq

•Made up of Grand Chief, grand captain, putus, and the district chiefs.

•There were 7 different districts.

• This is where the discussion of issues related to the Mi’kmaq nation took place.

• Any disputes that arose among the 7 districts were taken to the Grand Council for consensus.

•A consensus could take many days and even be adjourned for another session until the situation was solved.

Traditional Gran Council Cont…….•There was no such thing as majority rules.

• Arranged marriages

•Grand Council provided opportunity for young Mi’kmaq to meet and socialize. Courting was a very big deal in Mi’kmaq customs along with arranges marriages.

• The Grand Council was a very strong entity traditionally.

•The influence and guidance passed down through the Mi’kmaq nation aided strongly in the survival.

Modern Grand Council• Before the Indian Act, the Grand Council was powerful.

•Addition of the Indian Act the role of the Grand Council has changed. •The Government began to only deal with the elected chief and band council, which reduced the power of the Mi’kmaq Grand Council.

•Now the main focus is on the spiritual needs of the community. •Meet 2 or 3 times a year around holidays.

More Modern Grand Council•The Grand Council now consists of the Grand Chief, grand, putus (assistant to Grand Chief), and the grand captain (and fellow captains).

• These captains are selected for life.

• A new captain will only be brought in if one captain dies or there is need for another.

•The Grand Council also works with groups like the Micmac Association for Cultural Studies. (MACs) and the Union of Nova Scotia Indians.

•Grand Chief presides the honorary chairperson or cultural representative.

•The present day chiefs serve in organizations like Union of Nova Scotia Indians.

•They also serve on boards and organizations.

Local Chief • Local Chief Presided over the council of elders of his own village. •Made sure supplies were available for hunting such as dogs and canoes. • Was geographically in charge of a band community, or village. • Was expected to be a skilled hunter and provide leadership to the young men of the community.

District Chief• In charge of one of the 7 districts. •He would preside over the council of local chiefs. •Job during council meeting was to consider issues could cause serious conflict between the districts of nation.• Geographically in charge of individual districts.•District chiefs were the eldest male. Very powerful yet humble.

Grand Chief• In charge of the 7 districts and also the Grand Council. •Responsible for the treaties, assigned hunting and fishing territories . •Represents the 7 districts. •Integrity and a sense of fairness were essential qualities .