The people of Conne River have recognized for many years that a move towards Self Government would allow for the realistic attainment of a Miawpukek Traditional Government.
In 1998, MFN submitted a Self Government proposal to the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development. Th Department’s assessment of the proposal under the Inherent Policy guidelines identified a number of issues to be addressed prior to consideration of formal Self Government negotiatons.
In 1999, the Department suggested a developmental phase with MFN as a means of jointly addressing issues. Both MFN and the Department of Indian Affairs agreed to work together on an innovative process to explore issues related to Self Government.
Through this partnership approach, useful work was completed and both parties felt that all issues were resolved and clarified and MFN was ready to move towards Self Government negotiations.
On September 12th, 2003 Saqamaw and Council passed a motion that formal Self Government negotiations commence.
Since this time, Miawpukek First Nation Negotiation Team have been diligently working with Federal and Provincial Government towards a Self Government Model.