MAWIW Council Inc. was first formed as a Chiefs’ Lobby Group in 1989 to advocate for a more equitable share of resources for First Nations in New Brunswick. MAWIW was then incorporated in 1992.
Communities Served
MAWIW serves as a tribal organization that provides program advisory and administration services for its three member communities: Elsipogtog, Esgenoôpetitj, and Neqotkuk (Tobique).
Elsipogtog First Nation is a Mi’kmaq community and is the largest First Nation community in New Brunswick with approximately 3,200 members living both on and off reserve. Elsipogtog is adjacent to the Village of Rexton and approximately 85 km northwest of Moncton.
Esgenoôpetitj First Nation, also Mi’kmaq, is located approximately 50 kilometres from Miramichi. It has a total registered population of 1,819 with approximately 1,274 people living on the First Nation.
Neqotkuk First Nation is the largest of the. Wolastoqey communities and currently comprises approximately 40% of the total, on-reserve Wolastoqey population. Neqotkuk is also the second largest First Nation in New Brunswick. It is located 40 km south of Grand Falls, New Brunswick along Highway 105. Combined, these three communities represent the majority of First Nations in New Brunswick.
Vision
Working together.
Mission
Improving the overall wellbeing of the three largest First Nation Communities in New Brunswick through health initiatives, economic development, education, and environment, by respecting and sustaining our culture and traditions for our current and future generations.
Mandate
MAWIW’s focus is to protect our Aboriginal Rights and treaties by monitoring changes in federal and provincial government policies, initiatives, and court cases that pertain to our people. MAWIW also lobbies for funding and services, promotes training, education, and employment opportunities, and protects access to lands and resources.
