Chignecto Research is an independent research firm that specializes in historical
land-based research. Chignecto Research has investigated Mi'kmaq, Maliseet
and Passamoquoddy ties to more than 200 parcels of land throughout
the four
Atlantic Provinces, and potential Algonquin use and occupation of
several
sites in Ontario. Our approach to researching historical and Aboriginal
land and resource matters is both focused and functional. Chignecto Research
uses a two-pronged approach to historical research. The first part is to develop
and/or update background or context documents provide the foundation of information
for each province. The second part of the approach is to use a staged analytical
framework for site-specific research that results in recommendations when
there is a reasonable degree of certainty over the existence (or nonexistence)
of Aboriginal interests.
The Chignecto Research project team combines in-depth knowledge of Aboriginal
and land-based issues in the Atlantic Region, extensive experience in conducting
historical research, and reliable research skills to ensure that results are
thorough and complete. The principals are familiar and experienced with treaty
and land issues including settlement, the needs and objectives of the federal
government, and the interests of various Aboriginal communities throughout
the Atlantic Region. The team includes the following:
Dr. Raymond Blake, Ph.D., who is the principal researcher of Chignecto
Research. Dr. Blake is currently the Director of the Saskatchewan Institute
of Public Policy at the University of Regina, and is the former Director of
the Centre for Canadian Studies at Mount Allison University in New Brunswick.
Born and raised in Newfoundland, Blake has a Bachelors degree from Memorial
University and his Masters and Ph.D. in history from York University.
Gerry Kerr is the former Regional Director General of both
Ontario and Atlantic Regions of the Department of Indian Affairs and Northern
Development (DIAND) and now runs a private consulting firm with Higham specializing
in First Nations management and development.
John Higham, M.Sc. is the former director of the Rural and
Small Town Programme at Mount Allison University before joining Kerr in private
practice. Previously, Higham was Manager of Environment, Operational Policy,
and Funding Arrangements in two regions of DIAND.
Tracey Wade, M.Sc. is a full-time planner and researcher
with Chignecto. With a Masters degree in Rural Planning and Development, Wade
has worked in a university research setting at Mount Allison, with DIAND,
and now in a private consulting and research context.
