Metepenagiag Mi'kmaq Nation, unceded traditional Mi'kmaq Territory, New Brunswick - Indigenous Services Canada and Weso'tmk Samqwan Incorporated
Weso'tmk Samqwan Incorporated, an Indigenous organization focused on providing safe, reliable, and sustainable water and wastewater services, has signed a framework agreement with Indigenous Services Canada (ISC). The agreement sets the stage to transfer the support services for water and wastewater systems from the Government of Canada to Weso'tmk Samqwan Incorporated, marking an important step toward self-determination for First Nations in New Brunswick.
The Weso'tmk Samqwan Incorporated Framework Agreement was signed on Wednesday, February 19, by Chief Bill Ward of Metepenagiag and Chief George Ginnish of Natoaganeg, Directors of Weso'tmk Samqwan Incorporated, and Tammy Drew-Howse, Associate Regional Director General, ISC Atlantic Region. The agreement serves as a roadmap for transferring water and wastewater management services from the Government of Canada to Weso'tmk Samqwan Incorporated, clearly defining roles and responsibilities. It addresses key gaps in service standards, capacity building, regulations and funding, advancing the goal of self-sufficiency for Mi'kmaw First Nations.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to empower Mi'kmaw First Nations to manage essential services that are critical to their well-being. The agreement aligns with the Government of Canada's responsibilities under the 2021 Safe Drinking Water Class Action Settlement Agreement. It reinforces Canada's commitment to help ensure safe drinking water on-reserve through measures that strengthen infrastructure and support First Nation water laws and governance.
The next step is the co-development of a service delivery transfer agreement between Weso'tmk Samqwan Incorporated and ISC that will include long-term funding for the organization to fully deliver water and wastewater services. With the framework agreement in place, Weso'tmk Samqwan Incorporated will now focus on implementing the transfer process and building organizational capacity, with support from the North Shore Mi'kmaq Tribal Council and ISC.
