Shane Snook
PLATFORM
"I have great hopes for our people and for our communities. We have come a long way in recent years, just imagine where we will be in years to come! I believe it is important for us to protect and honor our heritage; let us all practice our ethics and follow the Grandfather Teachings. I believe it is important to continue to grow and to adapt; let us welcome the information age that connects us and embrace green technology."
LIST OF ISSUES
Ethics
The importance of ethics is at the very core of our culture, as evidenced by the Grandfather Teachings. Truth, Love, Respect, Courage, Honesty, Humility and Wisdom are all the foundation of our heritage. I believe we need to truly embrace these teachings in all things, and I know from experience this is easier said than done. How can we preach their value if we don't practice them and experience the benefits first hand?
A strong focus on ethics in our community will help us to mature and grow together, as well as garner a greater respect with other peoples and with government. I believe we need to lead by example, and be the change we wish to see in our world.
Grand Council
One of concerns I intend to address is the matter of the Mi'kmaq Grand Council. For those of us unaware, as I was, the Mi'kmaq Grand Council descends from our traditional national leadership organization. As times have changed their role has become predominantly focused on culture and spirituality, and they still represent a very important and powerful entity in our nation. This council not only does not support our band, but have even spoken out against it. This raises many red flags!
I want to repair this relationship. How can we continue as the newest and largest band in Canada without the support of our own nation? I want to engage the council, listen in earnest to their concerns, and seek their guidance.
Culture
We are in the midst of a great reawakening, recovering and relearning our heritage and culture in leaps and bounds. This is of course of great importance, it is who we are. I fully support our continued growth and learning, with the caveat that we should be cautious. While we are so eager to learn it is imperative for us to do our research so that our knowledge is as accurate as possible and so that we may offer credit where it is due.
With the recovery of our language blossoming as it is, it should come as no surprise that it's a high priority for a great number of people. This is a wonderful opportunity to regain what was nearly lost, and while the process of having our language placed on school curriculums is an excellent goal there are a growing number of alternatives for us to share among ourselves during the lengthy process.
Environment
Protecting the environment has always been a core part of our heritage, and now more than ever we need to be diligent and forthright. A few hundred years ago our land was pristine; now our society has landfills and industrial exhaust, it pumps sewage into lakes and ponds and the ocean. There are charred husks of vehicles strewn throughout quarries and back roads. More and more natural land is being turned into parking lots and malls and roads.
It is important for us to stand against the major issues that our environment faces, such as the impending threat of fracking. It is also important that we address the root cause of many threats to the environment, the beliefs and values of our society. The incredibly wasteful way that has become normal must change.
Green Energy
We live in a world ruled by dollars and cents, so the state of the economy and our place within it is always something to be considered seriously. We also live in a world where power has become a fundamental part of society. I believe that we can address both of these mandates as well as support our focus on a better environment by pursuing Green Energy initiatives.
There are a number of sources of green energy available, and with technology advancing as it is there are likely more to come. The most challenging part of this endeavor is getting started. I not only believe that this kind of investment - which will provide an asset that generates steady and reliable revenue - is important to our long-term financial success; I also believe that as a people who strongly support protecting the environment that it is our responsibility to show society a better way.