Concerns of the Assembly surround items such as, but not limited to, Mi’kmaq food, social and ceremonial fishery within or near the project area; Mi’kmaq communal commercial fishery within or near the project area; serious environmental impacts and the protection of submerged Mi’kmaq archaeological resources.

Recently it has come to the attention of the Assembly that three representatives of Kelly Cove Salmon/Cooke Aquaculture have been charged with violating sections of the federal Fisheries Act. Environment Canada is alleging that Kelly Cove Salmon released a cypermethrin-based pesticide into the waters of Maces Bay, Passamoquoddy Bay as well as the water near Deer Island and Grand Manan Island between November 2009 and November 2010. Environment Canada indicated that cypermenthrin is not authorized for use in marine environments in Canada as it is harmful to crustaceans including, but not limited to, lobster and shrimp. 

The Assembly has contacted the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, on behalf of the Mi’kmaq, to express how they are concerned that an unauthorized pesticide was used as the Mi’kmaq have exercised their Treaty and Aboriginal Right to fish within the Bay of Fundy for those species identified by Environment Canada.

It was made clear in the communication with the government that the Assembly does not support Kelly Cove Salmon/Cooke Aquaculture or any other aquaculture companies that intends to harm and destroy marine species and ecosystems important to the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia.

Kwilmu'kw Maw-klusuaqn Negotiation Office works to ensure the claims for Aboriginal rights and title are recognized, on behalf of the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi'kmaq Chiefs and the Mi’kmaq through the ongoing Made-In-Nova Scotia Process and as well as under the Terms of Reference for a Mi’kmaq-Nova Scotia-Canada consultation process. 

Joe B. Marshall Receives the Order of Nova Scotia

Governor General David Johnston will present the centrepiece of Canada’s honours system which recognizes a lifetime of outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation. The Officer title acknowledges a recipients’ “high degree” of achievements that contribute to Canada or “humanity at large”.

Viola Robinson, from Acadia First Nation, is a trusted and inspiring leader for the Mi'kmaq of Nova Scotia and was recently appointed the Lead Negotiator position for Kwilmu’kw Maw-klusuaqn Negotiation Office. From the 1970’s she has worked to end discrimination against the Mi'kmaq people, advocating in particular for changes to sections of the Indian Act that discriminated against Aboriginal women. She served as president of the Native Council of Nova Scotia from 1975 to 1990 and as president of the Native Council of Canada from 1990 to 1991. She was one of seven commissioners who travelled across Canada with the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples in the early 1990s.  

Having received an honorary Doctorate of Laws from Dalhousie University, she went on to study law, graduating with a law degree in 1998.  Dr. Robinson contributed to the development of the Made-in-Nova Scotia Process, a forum for negotiating treaty rights and governance with representatives from the Mi'kmaq community and the provincial and federal governments.

The Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq Chiefs and Kwilmu’kw Maw-klusuaqn Negotiation Office would like to congratulate Dr. Robinson on this prestigious recognition of her continuing efforts to bring wisdom, persistence, and vision to achieving a just and inclusive society for our people. 

More than 5,000 Canadians have been named to the Order of Canada since it was created in 1967.

Mrs. Robinson, from Acadia First Nation, has worked with KMKNO contributing to the development of the Made-In-Nova Scotia Process, a forum for negotiating treaty rights and governance with representatives from the Mi’kmaw community and the federal and provincial governments.   Mrs. Robinson is a trusted an inspiring leader who has worked since the 1970’s to end discrimination against the Mi’kmaw people and advocated for the rights of Aboriginal women. Having received an honorary Doctorate of Laws from Dalhousie University, she went on to study law, graduating with a law degree in 1998. Mrs. Robinson received the Order of Nova Scotia in 2009 and is a recipient of the 2011Order of Canada, recognizing her work towards social justice and Mi'kmaq rights.

"It is an honour to be appointed by the Assembly as the Lead Negotiator," said Viola Robinson, "Together, with KMKNO and the Assembly we can continue to strive for the betterment of the Mi'kmaq nation."

The Assembly's decision to appoint Viola Robinson acknowledges the wealth of knowledge and capabilities that Viola brings to the Lead Negotiator position. Mrs. Robinson will be replacing Bruce Wildsmith, who has taken on the role as legal counsel for the Assembly.

Bruce Wildsmith is a lawyer and a retired Professor of Law from Dalhousie University. His first involvement representing Mi'kmaq was in 1974 in the Stephen Isaac case, establishing the right of Mi'kmaq to hunt on reserve land free of provincial hunting regulations. Mr. Wildsmith’s continued involvement as the Assembly's Legal Counsel will provide essential services and support to both the Assembly and the negotiation process.

Kwilmu’kw Maw-klusuaqn Negotiations Office/Mi’kmaq Rights Initiative works on behalf of the Assembly in the negotiations and consultations between the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia, the Province of Nova Scotia and the Government of Canada. KMKNO was developed by the Mi’kmaq, for the Mi’kmaq. The purpose of these negotiations and consultations is to implement our Aboriginal and treaty rights from the treaties signed by our ancestors in the 1700’s. 

KMKNO wishes to thank Mr. Wildsmith for his dedication and hard work as the Lead Negotiator on the negotiation process. Congratulations to Viola, Bruce and the re-elected Co-Chairs, Chief Terrance Paul and Chief Gerard Julian on their appointments sanctioned by the Assembly.

The Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq Chiefs (ANSMC) have concerns with respect to a proposed $6.2-billion Lower Churchill Hydroelectric Project in Labrador. The power will be delivered from the hydroelectric dam in Labrador through an undersea cable.

Two regional energy companies from Newfoundland (Nalcor Energy) and Nova Scotia (Emera), are teaming up for this mega-project to build a generating plant and place an undersea cable to carry electricity to Nova Scotia and on to the New England states.

The Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq Chiefs are concerned with the potential traditional and environmental impacts this could have when the cable is put down under sea and land. The environmental impacts must be taken into consideration and addressed prior to project approvals.

The Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq Chiefs also believes that if this project goes forward, one or more Mi’kmaq Communities will be affected. If this is the case, the ANSMC have concerns about possible archaeological disturbance through Mi’kmaq territory of lands and waters.

The Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq Chiefs released a statement on the importance of protecting and preserving archaeological resources, “Archaeology is the most abundant source of information about our past and is a key piece of evidence in demonstrating our rights and title to this land. We must be diligent in protecting the archaeological resources as proof not just of rights and title, but of the ancestors and culture that we come from.”

The Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq Chiefs want to make it known to all organizations and/or companies that will be involved in the Lower Churchill Hydroelectric Project that there is a consultation process that must be followed when Mi’kmaq rights may be impacted. 

The Mi'kmaq of Nova Scotia, government of Nova Scotia and the government of Canada committed to a Consultation Terms of Reference (TOR) process document which sets out a Consultation Process between the Mi'kmaq and the Crown. The Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq Chiefs expects that this process is followed and the needs of the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia are adequately met.

SUMMER EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (post secondary)
4 Mi’kmaq Summer Student Internship Pilot Project

This pilot project is NOW seeking applications from students for summer employment. The employment is scheduled to begin in May 2011 and can continue each summer, upon meeting performance targets,  up to 3 years.  The location of the employment will depend on the location of the successful candidates, their area of interests they could be placed in Dartmouth, Sydney and Yarmouth DFO offices possibility of other DFO field location.
KMKNO is assisting with outreach and the will do the screening of the Candidates. DFO along with Representation of KMKNO will interview.  The Successful candidate will be employees of DFO.
We encourage all qualified persons to apply,  All qualified Mi’kmaq and  Aboriginal  applicants will be given priority in accordance with the Aboriginal employment preference policy of the Canadian Human Rights Commission.
Employer: DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES- Government of Canada
LOCATION: DARTMOUTH, SYDNEY, YARMOUTH (depends on the successful candidate)
Period of employment: 90 days from May – Aug 2011  ( possibility of renewal 3 years upon successful completion.
Wage :  $19. 79 per hour for a full time work week at 37. 5 hours per week.
Qualifications:  Mi’kmaq/Aboriginal students going into university or attending University in September 2011
Deadline: Monday February 22, 2011
Please forward resumes and cover letter to:
Attention Debbie Paul
851 willow street, Truro Ns , BEN 6N8
Phone (902) 843- 3008 fax (902) 843-3882
Email: debbiepaul@mikmaqrights.com

For further information please contact Jean Knockwood @  843-3880 or through email jeanknockwood@mikmaqrights.com

Fisheries Coordinator (2 positions)
1- Negotiaions support
1- Consultation support (upon budget approval)

Fisheries Coordinator (2 positions)
1- Negotiaions support
1- Consultation support (upon budget approval)

The Kwilmu’kw Maw-klusuaqn Negotiation Office (KMKNO) is currently seeking a full-time , term position, Fisheries coordinator position to support KMKNO and the fishery working group. The Coordinators will work  in communities on focused on Negotiations and the other focused on Consultation and operate under the direct supervision of the KMKNO Executive Director  

Specific duties include but are not limited to:

- Develop work plan in accordance with fishery activities
- Conduct various research initiatives in accordance to an approved work plan
- Produce reports and research papers in accordance to sound research practices
- Develop baseline data for the Mi’kmaq with respect to all aspects of fisheries.
- Conduct presentations and facilitate workshops
- Develop draft Fishery management plans
- Provide regular updates

Qualifications:

- Demonstrated research experience through the production of reports and / or research papers
- Ability to conduct independent research in a team environment with, at times, limited supervision 
- A college degree in science or fisheries and or management, or related field or equivalent experience
- Strong interpersonal skills and is able to work in a team environment
- Excellent communication, public speaking, writing and analytical  skills
- Experience or education in project development and implementation
- Be highly organized and able to multi-task
- Familiarity with the Mi’kmaq culture and associated communities
- Knowledge of Mi’kmaq  / Aboriginal community issues and perspectives 
- Have valid driver’s license, access to a reliable vehicle and be wiling to travel.

(Note: Kwilmu’kw Maw-klusuaqn hires on the basis of merit and is committed to employment equity.  We encourage all qualified persons to apply; however, qualified Aboriginal applicants will be given priority in accordance with the Aboriginal Employment Preference policy of the Canadian Human Rights Commission.)

Term:   Term Contract with possibility for renewal  
Salary: Commensurate with knowledge and experience

Deadline for applications is February 18, 2011

Forward resumes and cover letter with two references to:

Attention: Debbie Paul – Kwilmu’kw Maw-klusuaqn Negotiation Office
851 Willow Street, Truro, NS. B2N 6N8
Ph: (902) 843-3880 Fax: (902) 843-3882 Email debbiepaul@mikmaqrights.com
Toll Free - 1-888-803-3880

Only successfully screened applicants will be contacted for an interview

 Viola Robinson has been appointed the new chair of the Order of Nova Scotia Advisory Council Premier Darrell Dexter announced today, Jan. 17.
 "I congratulate Ms. Robinson on becoming the new chair of the advisory council," said Premier Dexter. "I know her dedication and leadership will be a strong addition to the advisory council and the Order of Nova Scotia program."
 Ms. Robinson is from Truro and has been a longtime advocate for Mi'kmaq people and the advancement of Aboriginal and treaty rights in Nova Scotia and Canada. She contributed to the development and implementation of the Made-In-Nova Scotia Process which is designed to address Mi'kmaq social, legal and political issues between the federal and provincial governments.
 Her dedication to her fellow Mi'kmaw has led to many positive changes within First Nations communities. Ms. Robinson received the Order of Nova Scotia in 2009.
 Ms. Robinson takes over for Sister Dorothy Moore who served as chair for three years.
 "I want to thank Sister Dorothy for her commitment and contributions over the past three years and wish her the best in the future," said Premier Dexter.
 The premier also announced the addition of two advisory council members, who will help review the nominations and select Order of Nova Scotia recipients.
 Ray Ivany has been president and vice-chancellor of Acadia University since April 2009. Originally from Sydney, Mr. Ivany was previously chair of the Workers' Compensation Board and principal of the consulting firm Ivany and Associates. Between 1998 and 2005, he was president and CEO of Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) and, prior to that, served as executive vice-president at the University College of Cape Breton, now Cape Breton University.
 Mahmood Naqvi of Sydney has been highly involved in the improvement of health care in Cape Breton. Dr. Naqvi was instrumental to the opening of the Cape Breton Cancer Centre and helped develop an intensive care unit at the former Sydney City Hospital. He served as co-chair of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation and helped consolidate the services of Sydney City and St. Rita's hospitals into a regional facility.
 "Mr. Ivany and Dr. Naqvi are both welcome additions to the council," said Premier Dexter. "Working together, the advisory council will select Nova Scotia's finest citizens for this prestigious award."
 Returning members of the advisory committee are Chief Justice Michael MacDonald, Executive Council Clerk Greg Keefe, Joseph Hickman, Helen MacDonald and Irene Swindells.
 The Order of Nova Scotia is the province's highest honour.
 The nomination deadline for the 2011 Order of Nova Scotia is Friday, March 18. For more information visit www.gov.ns.ca/iga/order.asp.

Happy Holidays to You and Your Family!
Embrace the warmth and comfort of this
Holiday Season in your Hearts and Souls and
spread the goodwill throughout our Nation.

Happy Holidays to You and Your Family!
Embrace the warmth and comfort of this
Holiday Season in your Hearts and Souls and
spread the goodwill throughout our Nation.

From The Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq Chiefs and staff of Kwilmu’kw Maw-klusuagn Negotiation Office.

Mi'kmaq communities of Nova Scotia are invited to a Moose Meeting to discuss Moose Management issues in the Cape Breton Highland. Your input is greatly appreciated and valued.
Hosting the meeting is the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq Chief's - Moose Working Group. The Moose Working Group is laying the groundwork towards the establishment of a Mi’kmaq-led Moose Management Plan for the Cape Breton Highlands.
To find out more or when these Moose meeting will take place near or in your community, go to our Calender section of the website under Our Community.

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