By Sanuda Ranawake Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Chief Mi’sel Joe of the Miawpukek First Nation. After 41 years, Chief Mi’sel Joe of the Miawpukek First Nation in western Newfoundland has announced his retirement from the position of administrative chief. Since being elected on Jan. 17, 1983, he has witnessed change and progress for first nations. In an interview with Saltwire, Joe said he’s happy about the progress made by first nations groups across Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador. “I think as a community we’ve come a long way in the growth of who we are and as a Mi’kmaq community.” Joe says he’s happy not only for his people, but for the system of governance they have established. Their membership was 822 on-reserve and 2,238 off-reserve as of 2022. Among…