News release

Cabinet Sets Priorities with Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi'kmaq Chiefs

Aboriginal Affairs (to Feb. 2021)

Premier Darrell Dexter and his cabinet met today, Nov. 26, for the first time with the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi'kmaq Chiefs. The group discussed priorities and reviewed the progress of government-to-government relations between the province and the Mi'kmaq.

This is the second annual joint meeting of the provincial cabinet and the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi'kmaq Chiefs.

The province is engaged with the Mi'kmaq in a number of processes, including the Made-in-Nova Scotia negotiations, the Mi'kmaq-Nova Scotia-Canada Tripartite Forum and a Consultation Terms of Reference.

The premier and co-chairs of the assembly, Chief Gerard Julian and Chief Terrance Paul, said that Mi'kmaq self-sufficiency and government-to-government relations must be established.

"I am hopeful that the term nation-to-nation will travel beyond the walls of this gymnasium and become evident in our joint negotiations," said Chief Julian, co-chair of the Nova Scotia Assembly of Mi'kmaq Chiefs.

"Social and economic progress for the Mi'kmaq is good for Mi'kmaw communities and good for Nova Scotia," said Premier Dexter. "We look forward to working with the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi'kmaq Chiefs to make progress in the areas identified as priorities for the Mi'kmaq of Nova Scotia."

Chiefs and members of cabinet participated in the meeting, which was held in Paqtnkek First Nation. The group discussed opportunities in energy, land and resources, as well as improvements in health, education and employment for Mi'kmaq of Nova Scotia.

The two governments will continue to meet and review again in one year progress on priorities set today.