Mi'kmaq Conservation Officers Appointed

Three Mi'kmaq have become the Department of Natural Resource's first full-time aboriginal conservation, enforcement and liaison officers.

The positions were established by the Department of Natural Resources to further promote positive working relationships with the Mi'kmaq community in Nova Scotia and to encourage better co-operation in the management of the province's natural resources.

"I am proud to be the minister who announces this initiative," Natural Resources Minister David Morse said today, April 19, during a news conference in Eskasoni First Nation with Mi'kmaq leaders. "The province is committed to working collaboratively with Mi'kmaq, to sharing our concern for, and interest in, the natural resources this province offers."

Eskasoni Chief Charlie Joe Dennis, speaking on behalf of the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi'kmaq Chiefs, said it was an historic day for Nova Scotia Mi'kmaq. "Early on in developing a management plan for the Unama'ki (Cape Breton) moose herd we identified enforcement as an important part of the picture," he said. "Having First Nation's conservation officers in the field across the province is a step forward for us to take responsibility ourselves for the management and enforcement of our people's rights."

The three conservation officers are located in Whycocomagh, Inverness Co.; Shubenacadie, Hants Co. and Milton, Queens Co.