News Release Archive
PREMIER'S OFFICE--Tripartite Agreement Signed During Treaty Day
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Nova Scotia First Nations and the provincial and federal
governments today signed a five-year Mi'kmaq Family and
Children's Services Agreement during Treaty Day celebrations held
at Province House in Halifax.
The agreement is a renewal of a tripartite agreement signed in
1985 with the First Nations of Nova Scotia establishing a Child
and Family Services Agency for the delivery of child welfare on
all 13 First Nation communities. The agreement continues to
change to reflect Mi'kmaq needs.
"This agreement reflects the desire of all levels of government
to work together on programs to help and protect Mi'kmaq
children," said Premier Russell MacLellan, Minister responsible
for Aboriginal Affairs. "The Mi'kmaq Family and Children's
Services of Nova Scotia is integral to our child protection
system. All 13 chiefs of the Mi'kmaq bands in Nova Scotia sit on
the board of directors, which symbolizes their commitment to the
cause of Mi'kmaq children."
Jane Stewart, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern
Development, said, "By investing now in the well-being of today's
children, we improve the long-term health of our society. There
are a number of partners with a role to play in making this
investment in aboriginal communities. Working together we can
ensure aboriginal people shape the delivery of services in their
community to strengthen the community and foster the growth and
health of its children."
"The Canada-Nova Scotia-Mi'kmaq Family and Children's Services is
being continued as the result of the agency's efficiency and its
importance to the community as a whole," said Chief Lawrence
Paul, chairman of Mi'kmaq Family and Children's Services.
Other Treaty Day celebrations held at Province House included the
presentation of the Grand Chief Donald Marshall Sr. Memorial
Elder Award to Sarah Denny of Eskasoni and Charles Labrador from
Acadia Band, Gold River, and the Chief Noel Doucette Memorial
Youth Education Award to Trina Louise Michael of Whycocomagh and
Robert Johnson of the Millbrook Band.
The elder award was established by the provincial government in
1993 in honour of former grand chief Marshall. It is presented to
Mi'kmaq elders, as recommended by the Grand Council, who have
made outstanding contributions to the Mi'kmaq community over
their lifetime.
The youth education award was established last Treaty Day and is
given to Mi'kmaq youth who, in the wisdom of the Grand Council,
possess leadership qualities that will assist the Mi'kmaq Nation
on achieving self-determination.
During the celebrations the work of Mi'kmaq artist Leonard Paul
was on display. He was chosen to create this year's artwork for
Mi'kmaq History Month posters in Nova Scotia.
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Contact: Allan Clark
Aboriginal Affairs
902-424-6918
Patricia Ellis
Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development
902-661-6232
Chief Lawrence Paul
Millbrook First Nation
902-897-9199
ngr October 1, 1997 2:00 pm
