I would like to acknowledge that today is Treaty Day, which has become even more pronounced this year as the Mi’kmaq are exercising their Treaty right to fish for a moderate livelihood that the Supreme Court upheld in the Marshall Decision in 1999. This decision by the Mi’kmaq is also under their right to self-government and to regulate their own fishery. Of course, conservation is part of this decision and the Mi’kmaq want the fishery to continue to flourish for all.
This is also the beginning of Mi’kmaq History Month and a time to reflect and continue to learn of the wonderful progressive Mi’kmaw communities in Nova Scotia. If true reconciliation is to happen then there must be more understanding of the lives of the Mi’kmaq. This includes learning of the Atlantic Peace and Friendship Treaties, the Indian Act, residential schools, the Sixties Scoop, and modern contemporary issues that affect the Mi’kmaw communities today.
Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, there will be no in-person events this year but there are some virtual celebrations that have been created by the Halifax Regional Municipality and the Halifax Public Library, and I encourage you to set some time aside to take a look.
Treaty Day: A virtual celebration