Chiefs and Ministers Make Progress

Nova Scotia is a step closer to a formal negotiation process with Mi'kmaq chiefs and the federal government. Michael Baker, the Minister responsible for Aboriginal Affairs, hosted a meeting in Truro last night with Mi'kmaq chiefs and Robert Nault, federal Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development.

"I'm extremely pleased that we agree that discussions, based on respect and fairness, are the answer to resolving outstanding issues," said Mr. Baker. "We have always maintained that negotiation, not litigation, is the best approach."

Mr. Baker said he thanks the 13 Nova Scotia chiefs and Mr. Nault for their commitment to a made-in-Nova Scotia process for addressing issues around aboriginal rights and other treaty- related matters.

Details of a new process will be worked out over the next three months.