1. Mi’kmaw Government Three levels Council of Elders Council of Local Chiefs Grand Council

2. Council of Elders Presided over by a local chief or Saqamaw. Villages were made up of nomadic clans or extended families. Each village had a council of elders as a ruling body. From this council, the Saqamaw was elected. Responsibilities: provide supplies (dogs/canoes) for the hunt provide food for emergencies serve as a role model for young men

3. Council of Local Chiefs Presided over by a District Chief or Nikanus. All of the local chiefs in a district met once or twice a year to discuss district matters. From the clans and local chiefs, one man was chosen to represent the district. There was one district chief or Nikanus for each of the 7 districts. Responsibilities: similar to those of the local chief, but with a larger constituency.

4. Sante Mawiomi (Grand Council) All of the 7 local chiefs (Nikanus) met once per year to discuss matters that would effect the Mi’kmaw nation. From this group of 7 Nikanus, one was elected to be grand chief or Kji’Saqamaw. During the Sante Mawiomi, decisions were made about hunting, fishing and villages or campsites (wumitki), matters of peace and war, marriages and spiritual matters.

5. Grand Council Cont. Other important ppl/places Putus…treaty holder and reader of the Wampum (guarded laws). Kji’Keptin…political advisor. Smagn’ss…shield bearer…protector of the people Mniku…Chapel Island…spiritual capital of Mi’kmaw Nation

6. Characteristics of a Chief Chiefs gained influence from gaining respect, not from exhibiting power. They were generous…they always gave gifts to hosts and to locals. Humble…altruistic…put others’ needs before their own. Skilled Hunter

7. Wabenaki Confederacy Loose confederacy of Nations Mi’kmaw, Maliseet, Penobscot, Passamaquoddy, Abenaki Formed in response to the Iroquoan Confederacy Likened to NATO

8. Grandmothers…Matriarchy Because women were considered life-givers, they had a special relationship with the earth and were given a very important position in Mi’kmaw society. They were very important to the decision-making process. Their opinions were always respected. Grandmothers had the most influence because they were life-givers and their age. Each district had a Grandmother, just as they had a chief. The Grandmother had more respect.