Parks Canada signs agreements with Mi’kmaw chiefs in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick

The Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs along with the Mi’kmaw First Nations in New Brunswick have signed agreements with the Government of Canada to co-manage Parks Canada sites. (Source: Government of Canada)

The Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs along with the Mi’kmaw First Nations in New Brunswick have signed agreements with the Government of Canada to co-manage Parks Canada sites.

The Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia signed the Toqi’maliaptmu’k co-management arrangement with the federal government. The arrangement ensures the shared responsibility of management at Parks Canada-administered places in Nova Scotia.

Toqi’maliaptmu’k, which means “we will look after it together,” expresses the new way Mi’kmaq and Parks Canada will work together and honour Mi’kmaw ancestors, a government release said.

“This Arrangement is the first of its kind for the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia; it is a tool for us to fully co-manage and govern some very important areas within our traditional territory. This Arrangement was built upon years of collaboration and shared desire to care for our natural and cultural resources in the best way possible,” said Glooscap First Nation Chief Sidney Peters. “It strengthens our role in helping to oversee national parks and national historic sites, protects our Mi’kmaw rights, and ensures that the Mi’kmaw voice is part of decision making on these lands going forward.”

More details on how the arrangement will be implemented will evolve over the coming months and years. A co-management board will be established and operated to shape and guide the arrangement as it develops.

“The Government of Canada remains dedicated to reconciliation and fostering a renewed relationship with Indigenous Peoples, grounded in the recognition of rights, mutual respect, collaboration, and partnership. On behalf of the Government of Canada, I am honoured to have signed this Arrangement, which represents a tangible commitment to supporting the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia in the stewardship of their lands and waters, including areas Parks Canada administers,” said Julie Dabrusin, minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature.

The Mi’kmaw in New Brunswick also signed a Rights Implementation Agreement with respect to natural and cultural heritage sites administered by Parks Canada in the province.

This agreement is about the implementation of Indigenous and Treaty rights, respect, cooperation and partnership between the parties.

“We welcome the signing of this Agreement. When our ancestors signed the Peace and Friendship treaties, the Mi’gmaq were supposed to share in the decisions that affect our lands and waters. For generations, our rights were ignored, and we were not seen as partners. The signing of this Agreement will see the implementation of our treaty rights and to work together with Parks Canada. We cannot change the events of the past, but we can continue to work together to ensure that the Mi’gmaq remain the custodians of the lands and waters of their sacred ancestral territory for today and for our future generations,” said Amlamgog First Nation Chief Rebecca Knockwood.

The agreement aims to renew and strengthen ties to Kouchibouguac National Park and Fundy National Park, as well as several national historic sites. The federal government says it recognizes the culture and identity of the Mi’gmaq are tied to their ancestral territory.

“Recognizing rights and preserving the traditions and cultures of Indigenous communities is critical to advancing reconciliation. I’m grateful to Mi’gmawe’l Tplu’taqnn Inc. and Kopit Lodge for their partnership in making this happen. The Agreement restores stewardship rights, strengthens Mi’gmaq heritage, culture, and language, and creates economic opportunities for Mi’gmaq people in New Brunswick’s national parks and historic sites. It reflects our shared commitment to a future built on respect and partnership,” said Rebecca Alty, minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations.

Details of the agreement will develop as the co-management board in formed and begins to operate.