Premier Gives First Treaty Day Address as Minister of Aboriginal Affairs

NOTE: A social media release, including downloadable hi-res photographs and audio clips is available at http://gov.ns.ca/news/smr/2009-10-01-treaty-day.asp .

Government will continue to work with Mi'kmaq leadership to enhance educational and employment opportunities for young Mi'kmaq people, Premier Darrell Dexter said today, Oct. 1.

"Fifty per cent of today's Mi'kmaq in Nova Scotia are under 25 years of age - and that number is growing," Premier Dexter said. "The new generation can be part of stronger communities and a stronger provincial economy.

"We need to work together to ensure young aboriginal people have the knowledge and skills to participate in the workforce."

He described some of the progress in this area, including Michelin's aboriginal workforce participation initiative, which has been successful in recruiting, retaining and promoting aboriginal employees through skills training, and the Sydney tar ponds clean-up project, which has helped increase the capacity of Mi'kmaq businesses in the Nova Scotia economy.

The premier, who is also Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, said he is looking forward to more productive dialogue on this topic, and others of mutual interest, when the Executive Council meets with the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi'kmaq Chiefs on Nov. 26.

Also attending today's ceremony were Chief Lawrence Paul and Chief Terrance Paul, co-chairs, Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi'kmaq Chiefs; Indian and Northern Affairs Canada representative Ian Gray and Grand Chief Ben Sylliboy.

There are 13 Mi'kmaq First Nations in Nova Scotia with a total on- and off-reserve population of 13,724, according to 2006 statistics.

Treaty Day ceremonies began in 1986 with the signing of a proclamation by then-Grand Chief Donald Marshall, senior. The day marks the beginning of Mi'kmaq History Month in Nova Scotia and provides an opportunity to recognize the Mi'kmaq's important contribution to the province's history, culture and economy.