Minister’s Statement on National Indigenous Peoples Day

NOTE: The following is a statement from Karla MacFarlane, Minister of L’nu Affairs.

Today, June 21, we celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day from coast to coast to coast. It’s a time meant to focus our attention on the cultures, traditions and experiences of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people throughout Canada.

It’s also an opportunity for us to reflect on our relationship with Mi’kmaq, the First People of Nova Scotia.

I encourage all Nova Scotians to make some time today, and every day, for personal and professional learning and discovery.

I invite you to engage with Treaty Education Nova Scotia to learn about the historical and current contributions of L’nu’k to our province and understand what it means to be a treaty person.

You can find out more by visiting https://novascotia.ca/treaty-education/

We are all treaty people.

With the recognition of Mi’kmaq as the province’s original language, I encourage you to download the L’nui’suti app and learn a little Mi’kmaw this month from https://www.kinu.ca/app/lnuisuti .

The Province continues to work with Mi’kmaw partners and communities to support efforts to preserve and promote the language.

Whatever you choose to do – whether it’s reading a book by an Indigenous author or exploring Mi’kmaw music and art – I hope you will be part of the conversation and celebration.

You might also attend a community event today to celebrate.

As Minister of L’nu Affairs, I have had the honour of visiting most Mi’kmaw communities around the province and meeting with leaders and community members, including Elders and Knowledge Holders. Working with Mi’kmaw leaders, organizations and community members, relationships have been built, and I’ve gained new knowledge and understanding.

I encourage you to continue your learning beyond today and the month of June, which is National Indigenous History Month.

From July 15 to 23, the North American Indigenous Games is bringing more than 5,000 participants from over 750 Indigenous Nations to Kjipuktuk – Halifax, with competition also taking place in Millbrook First Nation, Sipekne’katik and Dartmouth.

Whether it is through volunteering for the Games or taking in the athletic and culture events, I hope you make time to celebrate with the participants and their families.

By making the most of opportunities to listen, learn and share, we help lift the voices of Indigenous peoples.

We also help dismantle systemic racism, inequalities and discrimination, and walk the path of reconciliation together.

By doing so, our journey continues and so does our healing.

Mawkina'masultinej (Maw-ginah-mahsul-dee-nedge): Let’s learn together.