The Grand Council is the historic government of the Mi’kmaq. It is governed by three executive members – the Kji Saqmaw (Grand Chief), the Kji Keptin (Grand Keptin), and the Putus. Each district then has a certain number of Keptins assigned. The Kji Saqmaw represents the Mi’kmaq nation at key events and is the national voice of the Mi’kmaq when interfacing with other governments. The Kji Keptin advises on political affairs and takes a coordinating role of all the Keptins, ensuring they perform their duties well and uphold the principles of the Grand Council or Sante Mawio’mi. He also takes on the responsibility of war time chief when needed. The Putus is the keeper of the treaties, a counselor, and is trained to read the various wampum belts. Keptins support their communities in a variety of ways, including by presiding over important events such as deaths, weddings, births and so forth; and by representing their community and/or region’s interests at Grand Council meetings. These meetings help determine policy stances and areas of priority for the Grand Council.
On June 24, 1610, Grand Chief Membertou was converted to Catholicism and willingly baptized, alongside 20 of his immediate family members. Over the next 70 years, Mi’kmaq leaders and community members would convert to Catholicism and the first Treaty signed between Mi’kmaq nation and a foreign power was with the Vatican and the Holy See. As a result of this conversion, and given the hereditary nature of the Grand Council executive roles, the Catholic faith is a central tenet of the Grand Council role, though present day roles include both secular and religious duties and responsibilities. This is the history behind the Grand Council motto, “Protect the nation and keep the faith.”