Justin (Cipenuk Aluhk) Brooks
About
Justin Brooks is a Wolastoqiyik man from Sitansisk First Nation in Fredericton, New Brunswick. He is the proud father of 4 and grandfather to 2. Justin holds a bachelor's degree in sociology and a master's degree in leadership studies.
He currently serves as the Director of Indigenous Initiatives at the ßÉßɱ¬ÁÏ, where he works to influence policies that support the success of Indigenous students. Deeply passionate about his community, Justin plans to return home to teach at the University of New Brunswick and run for the office of Chief upon completing his doctoral work in Public Administration.
Dissertation
My disertation explores the process of self-governance agreements between the Sitansisk First Nation of Fredericton, New Brunswick, and the government of Canada.
Currently, Sitansisk is experiencing a financial downturn due to multiple factors, including the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. Section 35 of the Constitution Act of 1982 recognizes that Indigenous peoples within Canada have an inherent right to self-governance, creating an opportunity for the community to draft laws and legislation that could steer community development toward financial and community sustainability.