WEBEQUIE FIRST NATION – Maori visitors from New Zealand are scheduled to attend Matawa First Nations Annual General Meeting (AGM) that commences on July 31, 2012 in Webequie First Nation.
“This is a great opportunity for the Matawa communities to gain support and learn from other indigenous peoples across the globe. The Maori will be making presentations to us about land claims and how they regained jurisdiction over their territories in New Zealand. We will also be discussing lands and resources,” said Chief Johnny Yellowhead.
In May 2012, Chief Yellowhead of Nibinamik First Nation visited New Zealand to meet the Maori and learn about their education system and how they have reclaimed their language and culture.
“It was a very enlightening experience to have travelled half way around the world to find that we have so much in common with other indigenous peoples. We have a lot to learn from each other and I am looking forward to their visit.” said Yellowhead.
“Our community is having the annual festival days during the Matawa AGM so there will be lots going on. We won’t be focused so much on the ROF as we will be on our common community issues. We are very excited and honoured to be the host community for the Matawa AGM this year and welcome our Maori visitors and all the people joining us for the Matawa AGM,” said Chief Cornelius Wabasse of Webequie First Nation.