MEMBERTOU FIRST NATION, NOVA SCOTIA (February 23, 2007)
The Honourable Jim Prentice Minister
of Indian Affairs and Northern
Development and Federal Interlocutor
for Métis and Non-Status
Indians, Michael G. Baker, Q.C.,
Nova Scotia’s Minister of
Aboriginal Affairs and Mi’kmaq
Grand Chief Ben Sylliboy today
took part in a important signing
ceremony.
Signed today was a Framework
Agreement under the Made-in-Nova
Scotia negotiation process. This
process is designed to address
the treaty and Aboriginal rights
and title of the Mi’kmaq
in Nova Scotia.
The parties will now begin negotiations
under the directions and principles
set out in the Framework Agreement.
“Canada’s New Government
is committed to moving negotiations
forward, ” said Minister
Prentice. “This agreement
provides a solid foundation that
empowers communities to take control
of their own affairs and participate
more fully in the Canadian economy.”
"This historic signing
of the Framework Agreement is a
vital part of the Assembly of Nova
Scotia Mi'kmaq Chiefs dream to
bring our people to a better life
- now, and for future generations," said
Chief Terrence Paul, Assembly of
Nova Scotia Mi'kmaq Chiefs co-chair.
"We will finally be able
to achieve what our ancestors set
out to do for our people - to protect
a way of life that would allow
us to provide for ourselves and
our families. It is time to make
things right. And this negotiation
process will help us achieve that,” said
Chief Lawrence Paul, Assembly of
Nova Scotia Mi'kmaq Chiefs co-chair.
“Today’s signing
is a landmark in relations between
the Nova Scotia government and
the Mi’kmaq and bodes well
for the future,” said Minister
Baker. “It is significant
that we have reached this point
in a spirit of goodwill and co-operation.
We now have an opportunity to build
upon our common learning and our
shared interest in building a strong
Nova Scotia - culturally and economically.”
The parties began the process
in January, 2001, when they released
a joint statement asserting their
willingness to work together to
resolve outstanding Aboriginal
issues. In June, 2002, they signed
an Umbrella Agreement which reaffirmed
their commitment by agreeing to
develop a Framework Agreement.
The Framework Agreement sets out
the process and the subjects to
be discussed in full negotiations
that fall broadly under the categories
of land, resources and governance.
This release is available online at:
Government of Nova Scotia
Mi'kmaq Rights Initiative
For more information please contact:
Deirdra McCracken
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Jim Prentice
819 997-0002
Diana Campbell
Communications Officer Kwilmu’kw
Maw-klusuaqn
Mi’kmaq Rights Initiative
902-843-3880
Email: info@mikmaqrights.com
John Soosaar
Office of Aboriginal Affairs
902 424-7409
Email: soosaajo@gov.ns.ca
Backgrounder - Made-in-Nova Scotia Process Framework Agreement
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