Treaty Day Celebration

A statement committing the provincial and federal governments to work together with the Mi'kmaq in Nova Scotia to strengthen and improve their partnership was signed today in Halifax during a ceremony marking Treaty Day.

Signing the statement at Province House were Premier Russell MacLellan, Jane Stewart, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, and Grand Chief Ben Sylliboy.

The statement acknowledges and affirms the longstanding treaty relationship between the Crown and the Mi'kmaq. It was more than 270 years ago a treaty based on peace and friendship was signed between the British and the Mi'kmaq. The statement said those values served as the foundation of all treaties that are some of the basic building blocks in the creation of the country.

A number of presentations were also made during the ceremony.

The Grand Chief Donald Marshall Sr. Memorial Elder Award was given to Ivan W. Knockwood of Indian Brook and Wilfred D. Prosper of Eskasoni.

The award was established by the provincial government in honour of Grand Chief Marshall. It is presented to Mi'kmaq elders who have made outstanding contributions to the native community. Recommendations are made by the Grand Council.

The Donald Marshall Sr. Memorial Scholarship Fund was introduced this year by the Mi'kmaq Education Authority. It provides scholarships of $1,000 to support post-secondary education. One is for undergraduate studies and the other is for post-graduate education. Candidates must submit an essay and transcript of their marks. The scholarships were presented to Amanda Ginnish of Membertou and Caroline Joan Christie of Waycobah.

The Chief Noel Doucette Memorial Youth Education Award was presented to Tonya M. Francis of Pictou Landing and Craig M. Hodder of Membertou. It was established two years ago and is given to Mi'kmaq youth who possess leadership qualities that will assist the Mi'kmaq nation to achieve self-determination. The recipients are determined by the Grand Council.