Growing Relationship with Mi'kmaq Showing Results

Premier Rodney MacDonald said today, Oct. 1, the growing relationship between the Mi'kmaq and the province is showing positive results in treaty negotiations, and in areas of justice, health, economic development and culture.

"Our future has never looked brighter and I envision a future where the Mi'kmaq of Nova Scotia assume greater control over the issues affecting them," Premier MacDonald said at the annual Treaty Day ceremony in Halifax.

"A future where the Mi'kmaq decide how resources can be used in the best interests of Mi'kmaq people."

The premier said negotiations between the Mi'kmaq, the province and federal government on treaty and rights issues, known as the Made-in-Nova Scotia Process, reached a Framework Agreement earlier this year with 11 bands, and the Tripartite Forum, which is also a three party arrangement is celebrating its 10th anniversary.

He said the signing of the Framework Agreement ensures that the spirit of goodwill and co-operation which has developed since the three-party talks began in 2002 will continue as the negotiators get into specific areas such as fisheries, forestry, land and resources.

The premier said the Tripartite Forum, which involves more than 100 representatives from Mi'kmaq communities, provincial and federal governments, has made significant progress to address justice, health, economic, social and cultural issues.

During the Treaty Day ceremony the premier, acting Aboriginal Affairs Minister Angus MacIsaac and Mi'kmaq representatives presented a number of awards to elders and youths from Mi'kmaq communities throughout the province.

The Treaty Day ceremonies began in 1986 with the signing of a proclamation by then Grand Chief Donald Marshall Senior. The day marks the beginning of Mi'kmaq History Month in Nova Scotia.

There are 13 Mi'kmaq communities in Nova Scotia with an on-reserve population of 8,963 according to 2006 statistics. The off-reserve population is 4,555.