Native group seeks consultation over Charlottetown farm future

The chief of the Native Council of P.E.I. is disappointed her group was not asked to take part in discussions over the future of the experimental farm property in Charlottetown.

The Mi'kmaq Confederacy has held private planning meetings with invited parties only, including the City of Charlottetown and UPEI, to discuss a proposal for the property. It is holding a public unveiling of its plans for the 35-hectare green space in the centre of Charlottetown Friday. The P.E.I. Native Council, which represents off-reserve natives, wasn't invited.

"We have sent letters to some of the key stakeholders involved in the experimental farm saying that we as an organization want to be involved in any discussions and any potential developments opportunities that unfold," said council Chief Jamie Gallant.

In an email to CBC News, a spokesperson for the Confederacy called the council a service group like the Rotary Club, with no legislative or traditional authority.

A local residents group, Friends of the Farm, has also spoken out against the Confederacy's plans for the land.

The debate over what to do with the land and who should be allowed to do it began in 2002, when Agriculture Canada declared it surplus. It has since said the farm is no longer surplus, but the debate continues.