Province Reaffirms Role

Aboriginal Affairs Minister Michael Baker said Nova Scotia will continue to work toward a comprehensive negotiation process with the Government of Canada and Nova Scotia Mi'kmaq.

"Our government will represent the province's interests as we continue to discuss a wide range of outstanding issues," said Mr. Baker during the annual Treaty Day ceremony. "For too long, the public has witnessed continued litigation and conflict. It's in the public interest to resolve these issues through dialogue instead of allowing the courts to decide issues for us."

During today's Treaty Day ceremony at Province House, Mr. Baker said the province has been in preliminary discussions with the Mi'kmaq and federal government. Now, it's time to work together to shape a joint process for future negotiations.

"It would be an opportunity to provide more clarity and certainty over treaty-related issues," he said.

Mr. Baker added that all parties should be open to reaching interim agreements to address pressing issues that can be solved on a more timely basis.

Mr. Baker said if and when a formal joint statement is signed, his government is committing to work with the other parties to develop a process that would involve extensive public and stakeholder consultation.

"While many of these issues are complex, we want to be very clear and open so people can understand what's being discussed and what we as a province are prepared to consider."

In a poll commissioned by the Office of Aboriginal Affairs earlier this year, two-thirds, or 67 per cent, of respondents indicated that governments should negotiate outstanding Mi'kmaq issues.

There are 13 Mi'kmaq First Nations in Nova Scotia, with an estimated on-reserve population of 12,000.