Cabinet Sets Priorities with Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi'kmaq Chiefs
Thursday, November 26, 2009
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.
