L’nuey Executive Director
L’nuey Executive Director
Jenene Wooldridge, BA (Hons), CAPA, ICD.D
Jenene Wooldridge is Executive Director of L’nuey – the Epekwitk Mi’kmaq Rights Initiative. She is a proud member of Abegweit First Nation and passionate about her community. Jenene is committed to advancing the interests of the Epekwitnewaq Mi’kmaq and all Epekwitnewaq (Islanders). Prior to her leadership role with L’nuey, she served for over a decade in senior management with Abegweit First Nation.
She was named one of the top 25 most powerful women in business by Atlantic Business Magazine in 2021 and recently completed the ICD Rotman Directors Education Program and obtained ICD.D designation. In 2023, Jenene was the recipient of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal for her significant contributions as a Mi’kmaw leader and ongoing efforts promoting reconciliation across Epekwitk.
She has participated as a member of numerous Indigenous boards and initiatives, both regionally and nationally, and has led numerous comprehensive community planning exercises, helping First Nation communities set a strategic path to healthy, successful futures. In recent years Jenene has represented Mi’kmaq interests at numerous negotiation tables and has coordinated consultation and engagement efforts in her own community and many others.
She resides in Kuntal Kwesawe’kl (Rocky Point) with her husband and two children.
- What is discussed in Consultations?
The consultation process provides an opportunity for the Mi’kmaq to address concerns in regard to the protection of rights such as cultural and traditional practices, the use and occupation of the Mi’kmaq, Archaeological concerns.
- Who will represent the Mi’kmaq in Consultation?
The First Nations’ leadership/Councils are responsible for Consultations that happen through the Consultation Agreement. L’nuey Consultation Unit will serve and support the leadership and Epekwitnewaq Mi’kmaq in the Consultation process.
- What are “Aboriginal and Treaty rights”?
Aboriginal rights (commonly referred to as Indigenous rights) are collective rights of distinctive Indigenous societies flowing from their status as the original peoples of Canada. These rights are recognized and affirmed by Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.
Treaty rights are rights set out in either a historic or modern treaty agreement that define specific rights, benefits and obligations for the signatories that vary from treaty to treaty. These rights are recognized and affirmed by Section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982.
- What area do the Mi’kmaq claim title to on Prince Edward Island?
The Epekwitnewaq Mi’kmaq assert Aboriginal title over the entire island now known as Prince Edward Island, hereinafter referred to as “Epekwitk”, including the inshore and surrounding waters, and offshore islands.
- When is Duty to Consult triggered?
Duty to Consult is triggered when the Crown (the Federal or Provincial governments) conducts decisions or actions that potentially affect Aboriginal Title and rights, such as [INSERT AN EXAMPLE – i.e. land disposals or new road construction…]. The Crown must consult with the Indigenous People to gain their views and take interests into account.
Here on Prince Edward Island, the Epekwitnewaq Mi’kmaq must hold the Crown accountable if the Crown is contemplating an action or decision that may have an adverse impact on Mi’kmaq rights.
- Who is involved in the Consultation process with the Epekwitnewaq Mi’kmaq?
The L’nuey Consultation Unit, on behalf of the Epekwitnewaq Mi’kmaq, are authorized under the Consultation Agreement to coordinate the consultation process with the Crown but the decision making remains with the Mi’kmaq leadership.
- What is the Consultation Agreement?
The Consultation Agreement was signed on August 13, 2012, between Canada, Province of PEI and Mi’kmaq. The Agreement establishes a clear and efficient means for Canada and PEI to consult the Mi’kmaq on proposed actions or decisions that may adversely impact asserted or established Aboriginal and Treaty rights.
- What is “Duty to Consult”?
The Governments of Canada and Prince Edward Island have a duty to consult, and where appropriate, accommodate Indigenous groups when it considers conduct that might adversely impact potential or established Aboriginal or treaty rights.
- What is “Consultation”?
Consultation is a process to understand and consider the potential adverse impacts of anticipated Crown decision on First Nations, with a view to address them.
- Indian Act
The Indian Act is a Canadian federal law that governs in matters pertaining to Indian status, Indian Bands and Indian reserves.
The Indian Act authorizes the Canadian federal government to regulate and administer in the affairs and day-to-day lives of registered Indians and reserve communities and is accepted as being a highly discriminatory and paternalistic piece of legislation.
Through the Indian Act, the federal government maintains ultimate authority over Indian Band governance and use of reserve lands, as well as the determination of who is an “Indian” in accordance with the Act, through Indian status as defined by the Act.
While the Indian Act has undergone numerous amendments since it was first passed in 1876, today it largely retains its original form and is a foundational part of a long history of assimilation policies that were intended to terminate the cultural, social, economic, and political distinctiveness of Aboriginal peoples by absorbing them into mainstream Canadian life and values.
*definition adapted in part from Indigenous Foundations, UBC
