Miawpukek Mi’kamawey Mawi’omi is a First Nation Reserve located at the mouth of the Conne River on the south coast of the island of Newfoundland. Over the years the community has seen a steady growth in Government, Social reforms, Health, Education, Economic Development, Culture and Traditions. We believe that we will “secure our future by investing in our past.”
Miawpukek Mi'kamawey Mawi'omi
Miawpukek Mi'kamawey Mawi'omi - Council of the Conne River Mi'kmaq
Conne River Indian Reserve, NL
Here is the song written and recorded by Paula Drew in Honor of the Hunger Strikers and the numerous community members who fought for our community on this day in 1983.
Beautiful song!
APRIL 18,2024
TODAY MARKS THE 41st ANNIVERSARY OF THE “HUNGER STRIKE.”
In April 1983, Miawpukek First Nation had gone a full year without operating funds. The community receives its operating funding from the Federal Government; however, the funds could only be administered through the Provincial Government.
It was the provincial government's policy to skim a sizeable amount of the top of the funding for “administrative purposes” before releasing the funds to our community. We did not agree with this process as the funds being awarded to the province could develop programs and services for our community. We wanted funds to flow from the federal government directly to MFN; however, we had been unsuccessfully negotiating this issue for over a year.
Nearly 100 community members traveled to St. John's to support the fight against the provincial government and support the nine community members on a hunger strike. The hunger strike was the last resort to make the government listen to us. The support provided by those who traveled to St. John’s gave strength to the brave men who fought for a better community.
The Hunger Strike lasted nine days.
The Hunger Strikers:
Saqamaw Misel Joe
Andy Joe
Billy Joe
Ches Joe (Deceased)
Aubrey Joe
Mike Benoit (G)
Wilfred Drew (Deceased)
George Drew (Deceased)
Rick Jeddore
Today is also the official release of “The Forgotten Warrior’s documentary film directed by Noel Joe and produced by Roger Maunder of Up Sky Down Films and will be airing on CBC Gem today.
To mark this special event, the TCR Department will be hosting a Hunger Strike Commemoration Event today starting at 4pm at the community centre along with the film screening for The Forgotten Warriors documentary for the Hunger Strikers and those community members that traveled to St Johns in 1983.
forgottenwarriorsnl.com
When is this suppose to be on
The film is amazing and so beautiful.
Just finished watching it. Well done.
IMPORTANT NOTICE!
April 18/24
Due to unforeseen and unfortunate circumstances payroll has been delayed.
We will be rectifying the situation as soon as possible and appreciate your understanding.
Andrew John
General Manager
Ty hope I get it before tomorrow
Befor the day got payment coming out this evening
yes by
Yup got my pay stub too just waiting for payment
COMMUNITY NOTICE
April 17/24
There are 25 seats left for the Hunger Strike Commemoration and Film Screening Event for those community members that traveled in St. John’s in 1983 in support of the hunger strike.
First come first serve. We WILL NOT be checking Facebook.
Please reach out to Colleen Lambert at 538-7115
