The Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi'kmaq Chiefs, with Co-Chairs, Chief Terrence Paul of Membertou and Chief Gerard Julian of Paqtnkek, Darrell Dexter, Nova Scotia’s Premier and Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and the Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians finalized an agreement today to create a one-window access to consultation with the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia on August 31, 2010, in Millbrook, NS.
The Agreement signed today establishes an independent, clear and efficient means for Canada and Nova Scotia to consult the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia on proposed activities or projects. The Agreement on consultation is part of the broader negotiations to resolve outstanding questions in relation to Aboriginal and treaty rights and self-government between Canada, Nova Scotia and the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia, called the Made-in-Nova Scotia Process. It addresses the direction provided by the Supreme Court of Canada regarding the legal duty to consult.
In the 2004 Haida and Taku River decisions, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled that the federal and provincial Crown have a legal duty to consult, and, where appropriate, accommodate when Crown conduct may adversely impact established or potential Aboriginal and Treaty Rights.
“Canada is pleased to be a signatory to this important Agreement,” said Minister Duncan. “This Agreement demonstrates Canada’s commitment to finding common solutions that will lead to a more effective and efficient consultation process and consistent decision making. The spirit of co-operation that led to this agreement will allow us to continue to make progress on other, longer-term rights negotiations with the Mi’kmaq.” 
The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence, Member of Parliament for Central Nova, extended his congratulations to the parties on the finalization of the agreement. "The clarity and consistency this Agreement brings to the consultation process will make a lasting and positive difference in the years ahead,” said Minister MacKay. “My congratulations to all of the representatives of the parties who negotiated this unique agreement for their leadership and dedication."
"This agreement - the first of its kind in Canada to include all First Nations within a province - supports a collaborative approach to consultation with the federal government and the Mi'kmaq of Nova Scotia," said Premier Darrell Dexter. "This single-window approach makes life better for Nova Scotians because it helps the province make more informed decisions."
Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq Chief’s (ANSMC) Co-Chair, Chief Terrance Paul said, “Today’s signing ceremony represents the commitment of three governments -- Federal, Provincial, and Mi’kmaq -- to make things right. We must not forget that this tri-partite relationship is unique in Canada. The entire Nation is looking upon us to show that such cohesion is possible. We must not fail.”
ANSMC Co-Chair, Chief Gerard Julian, says today’s agreement demonstrates the three parties’ growing government-to-government and nation-to-nation relationship. “The Crown has a legal duty to consult the Mi’kmaq when the actions of Canada or the Province might affect the constitutional rights or title of the Mi’kmaq.  With today’s signing Canada and Nova Scotia create a process to carry out their duty to the Mi'kmaq of Nova Scotia."
The Agreement formalized during the signing ceremony today builds on the success of a pilot project that has been in place since 2007. The Mi'kmaq of Nova Scotia, the Province of Nova Scotia and Canada signed an Umbrella Agreement on June 7, 2002 under which they undertook as one its central elements to negotiate the terms of reference for a consultation process. After trial running a pilot agreement for several years, the parties were now ready to sign this formal agreement.
Witnessing the signing ceremony are Mi’kmaq Grand Council representatives, Grand Chief Ben Sylliboy and Grand Keptin Andrew Denny.

The wait is finally over! Mi'kmaq Rights Initiative/Kwilmu'k Maw-klusuaqn is please to announce the release of the new website. The new website is a giant leap from the previous website with the most notable difference is the vibrant Mi'kmaq colors. Another notable feature that lacked in the previous website were people. Mi'kmaq Rights Initiative communication officer, George Paul said, "The one thing that I wanted in our website is pictures of our people. Everyone enjoys pictures. Especially if it's family, friends other Mi'kmaq people from different communities."
Please note the website is not officially completed. There will be more information added in the future. The website will grow as time goes on. So please check back often.
The website officially went live on July 26, 2010 at 12 noon.
To send your comments or ideas email us at info@mikmaqrights.com

Creating a Reality by Sharing a Common Vision 

Creating a Reality by Sharing a Common Vision 

The restoration of Mi’kmaw Nationhood is becoming a reality in Nova Scotia. During the Chief and Council Nationhood Conference held at the World Trade and Convention Center in Halifax on March 30, 31, 2010, the Mi’kmaq Political leadership passed a Resolution to develop a Political Accord on Mi’kmaq Governance. The Political Accord on Mi’kmaq Governance represents the next step in the journey towards Mi’kmaw Nationhood in Nova Scotia. 

“The Political Accord on Mi’kmaq Governance exists as a commitment by the Mi’kmaq political leadership to develop a united governance structure for the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia.  It will allow the Mi’kmaq to take custody of our rights through the development of our own laws and institutions of Mi’kmaq governance” said Janice Maloney, Executive Director of the Kwilmu’kw Maw-klusuaqn Negotiation Office (KMKNO).

Conference participants included the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq Chiefs (ANSMC), Councils, Mi’kmaw Grand Council and Mi’kmaq organizational leaders.  Assembly presentations focused on four “core values” of Mi’kmaq Nationhood which includes: respect, heart, truth and trust. Past accomplishments and future challenges of the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia was also discussed.

“Mi’kmaq Nationhood is like building a home that serves our needs and not government’s...The foundation for our Nationhood must be grounded in respect, for without it, we can never be united... We must assert our Nationhood.  We must lead!” said Chief Gerard Julian, Co-Chair of the ANSMC.

Throughout the two day conference participants reviewed and discussed a draft Assembly Resolution that focused on three areas.  It involved gaining approval: to develop a Political Accord on Mi’kmaq Governance, to build a Mi’kmaq government building and to change the Assembly’s Constitution to address emerging nationhood issues.    

“Governance is a journey that never ends.  It is the mechanism and manner in which we decide to take care of ourselves...When we begin to connect as Mi’kmaq, our hearts become our Nation’s spirit” said Chief Deborah Robinson, Chair of the Governance Planning Committee. 

The Assembly Resolution was unanimously passed with two additions.  These focused on the need to follow an “inclusive” approach in the developing a “contemporary” model of Mi’kmaq governance in Nova Scotia.  

“We possess an inherent right for self-government on our traditional lands...Nationhood is like a flame that must be carried throughout our Nation.  It must, like the Olympic torch, be considered a flame of hope” said Chief Terrance Paul, Co-Chair of ANSMC.  

The Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia Nationhood Proclamation was proclaimed on Treaty Day, 2008. It proclaimed and asserted Mi’kmaq Nationhood over our traditional lands and waters. The Political Accord on Mi’kmaq Governance will build on the Proclamation’s momentum and provide substance and meaning to our Nationhood.

“In many Aboriginal Nations the sacred pipe exists as an important symbol for the establishment of trust...When a relationship of trust emerges, great things can happen...Our greatest ideas and accomplishments are ones that are born out of the Mi’kmaq imagination...”said Chief Morley Googoo, Co-Chair of the Governance Planning Committee.

The Assembly Resolution represents a firm mandate to begin discussions and develop options on a united governance structure for the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia.  These options will be further discussed at future Nationhood conferences.

“When Mi’kmaq values and traditions inspire a common vision on Mi’kmaq leadership – great things happen.  When we develop our own values of respect, heart, truth and trust, our dream of Mi’kmaq Nationhood becomes our Nation’s dream” said Viola Robinson, KMKNO Senior Advisor.

The ANSMC encourages all Mi’kmaq people, Councils, groups and organizations to become actively involved in this historic undertaking. Re-establishing Mi’kmaq Nationhood represents our Nation’s biggest challenge.  It will take the efforts of many Mi’kmaq to turn this vision into a reality.      

“Throughout the years the Mi’kmaq have overcome challenges and achieved many accomplishments.  These are our Nation’s accomplishments. Our Nationhood is like a foretold journey.  Our values, customs and traditions allow us to chart a course towards a shared destiny of independence and wellbeing,” said Joe B Marshall, KMKNO Senior Advisor.

Nova Scotia Mi'kmaq Leaders Have Commenced Legal Action ....read more