Mi’kmaq Chiefs Address Questions on Energy Consultation

For Immediate Release

March 31, 2014

Today Mi’kmaq protesters interrupted the Maritimes Energy Association meeting, stating that the government has not consulted with the Mi’kmaq on energy exploration.

The Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq Chiefs have had ongoing conversations with the Province, including the Department of Energy, as well as other proponents when work is being considered for Nova Scotia.

“We continue to monitor any work or exploration that is happening in our territory as the protection of our Mi’kmaq Rights and Title is paramount,” said Chief Paul J. Prosper, Assembly Lead Chief of the Energy Portfolio. “Our primary focus will always be on the long-term health and well-being of our lands, waters and environment.”

Since 2004 the Mi’kmaq Rights Initiative has been actively engaged in meaningful and productive consultations with a number of proponents and in a diverse field of private and public sector developments, including the energy field.

Based upon these efforts, in 2010 the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia, the Province and Canada signed and committed to a Terms of Reference for a Mi’kmaq-Nova Scotia-Canada Consultation Process which sets out a formal process between the Mi’kmaq and the Crowns. The Crown has a duty to consult when Mi’kmaq Rights may be impacted.

“There are procedures and agreements in place for how we move forward and we are always working to ensure that our Mi’kmaq community members are kept informed and up to date on the work that we do,” continued Chief Prosper.

The Kwilmu’kw Maw- klusuaqn Negotiation Office/Mi’kmaq Rights Initiative works on behalf of the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq Chiefs in the negotiations and consultations between the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia, the Province of Nova Scotia and the Government of Canada. KMKNO was developed by the Mi’kmaq, for the Mi’kmaq. The purpose of these negotiations and consultations is to implement our Aboriginal and Treaty Rights from the Treaties signed by our ancestors in the 1700’s.

For further information visit our website at www.mikmaqrights.com

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For more information contact:

Crystal Dorey, Communications Officer
Mi’kmaq Rights Initiative
Phone: (902) 843-3880
Cell: (902) 957-0549
E-mail: crystaldorey@mikmaqrights.com

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