**** ABORIGINAL AFFAIRS Media Release
Treaty Day Honours Relationship with Mi’kmaw People
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Treaty Day is celebrated today, Oct. 1, in Nova Scotia. The day honours the relationship and important contributions of the Mi’kmaq in Nova Scotia.
“On Treaty Day, we come together in the spirit of peace and friendship to celebrate our relationship,” said Premier Stephen McNeil, who is also the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs. “As this is my last Treaty Day as premier, I want to thank all of the chiefs and say how much I value the relationships we have developed. We have accomplished a lot and I know we all share a commitment for an even brighter future.”
Due to COVID-19, most of this year’s Treaty Day celebrations are being marked online. Messages from Lt.-Gov. Arthur J. LeBlanc, Grand Chief of the Mi’kmaq Norman Sylliboy, Premier McNeil and others are available at http://www.halifaxpubliclibraries.ca/local-and-family-history/mikmaw-history-culture/ .
Treaty Day marks the beginning of Mi’kmaq History Month in Nova Scotia. The theme of this year’s Mi’kmaq History Month is plant knowledge and use. Videos of the unveiling of the 2020 Mi’kmaq History Month poster and cultural performances are available at http://www.halifaxpubliclibraries.ca/blogs/post/mikmaq-history-month-2020-a-virtual-celebration/ .
Through treaty education programs, students, public service employees and Nova Scotians can learn more about the contribution of the Mi’kmaq to the province’s history, culture and economy.
Quotes:
“By celebrating Treaty Day, we are acknowledging and giving thanks to our ancestors, the Mi’kmaq and the Crown for signing treaties of peace and friendship to protect our traditional way of life. I want to encourage everyone in Mi’kma’ki to continue to unite and strengthen our treaty relationship.”
-Norman Sylliboy, Grand Chief of the Mi’kmaw Grand Council
“The flag-raising ceremony at Government House is far more than an event held every October. This ceremony symbolizes the Crown – Mi’kmaq relationship and demonstrates to all Nova Scotians the importance of honouring the Mi’kmaw people and how their history, heritage and culture are integral parts of today’s Nova Scotia.”
-Arthur J. LeBlanc, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia
Quick facts:
— the achievements of Mi’kmaw elders and youth are recognized each year on Treaty Day. This year, 17 elders and young people have won awards and scholarships. The list of recipients follows this news release.
— Treaty Day began in 1986 with the signing of a proclamation by then Grand Chief Donald Marshall Sr.
Additional resources:
Treaty relationship and education: http://novascotia.ca/treaty-education
Peace and Friendship Treaties: http://archives.novascotia.ca/mikmaq/results/?Search=AR5&SearchList1=all&TABLE2=on
Government of Nova Scotia’s Treaty Day website: http://novascotia.ca/abor/office/what-we-do/public-education-and-awareness/treaty-day/
Mi’kmaq History Month: http://mikmaqhistorymonth.ca/
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Media Contact: Kristen Rector
902-219-3780
Email: kristen.rector@novascotia.ca
This year’s scholarship and award recipients are:
Grand Chief Donald Marshall Sr. Memorial Scholarship
— Cody Julian, Sipekne’katik, Hants Co.
— Dawson Trimper, Bear River, Annapolis Co.
— Charise McDonald, Sipekne’katik, Hants Co.
— Jeneva Dennis, Potlotek, Richmond Co.
— Lauren Francis, Eskasoni, Cape Breton Regional Municipality
Sister Dorothy Moore Education Scholarship
— Shawnee Paul, Eskasoni, Cape Breton Regional Municipality
— Angie Stevens, Eskasoni, Cape Breton Regional Municipality
— Katelyn Francis, Eskasoni, Cape Breton Regional Municipality
— Pamela Paul, Pictou Landing, Pictou Co.
— Tamara Cremo, We’koqma’q, Inverness Co.
Chief Noel Doucette Memorial Youth Education Award
— Annie Doucette, Potlotek, Richmond Co.
— Trinity Stephens, Millbrook, Colchester Co.
— Noah Cremo, Membertou, Cape Breton Regional Municipality
Grand Chief Donald Marshall Sr. Memorial Elder Award
— George Sylliboy, Eskasoni, Cape Breton Regional Municipality
— Grace Sylliboy, Eskasoni, Cape Breton Regional Municipality
— Lorraine Whitman, Glooscap, Hants and Kings counties
— Clark Paul, Membertou, Cape Breton Regional Municipality
