News release

Treaty Day Celebrations

Aboriginal Affairs (to Feb. 2021)

Treaty Day celebrations are being held today, Oct. 1, to honour our historic relationship and the important contribution of the Mi’kmaq in Nova Scotia.

“I encourage all Nova Scotians to take this opportunity to reflect on our shared history and the importance of our relationship,” said Premier Stephen McNeil, who is also Minister of Aboriginal Affairs. “I am proud of the achievements we have made together to recognize the Mi’kmaw language, promote treaty education and celebrate Mi’kmaw culture and heritage.”

Treaty Day marks the beginning of Mi’kmaq History Month in Nova Scotia. This year is also the United Nations International Year of Indigenous Languages.

Treaty Day activities in Halifax include a flag raising ceremony at Government House, a church service at St. Mary’s Basilica, a Veteran’s Parade of Honour, a flag raising ceremony at Grand Parade Square, and a Mi’kmaw gathering feast and awards celebration.

Quote:

“I am honoured and proud to celebrate Treaty Day as Grand Chief of the Mi’kmaw Nation and to share the accomplishments of this year’s award recipients. Today, we focus on strengthening our treaty relationship as we work together toward reconciliation. I look forward to building a bright future together.”

– Norman Sylliboy, Grand Chief of the Mi’kmaw Grand Council

Quick Facts:

Awards and recipients are: Chief Noel Doucette Memorial Youth Education Award:

  • Kieran Johnson, Eskasoni, Cape Breton Regional Municipality
  • Haley Paul, Paq’tnkek, Antigonish Co. Grand Chief Donald Marshall Sr. Memorial Elder Award:
  • Jane Meader, Membertou, Cape Breton Regional Municipality
  • Gloria (Marie) Sack, Sipekne’katik, Hants Co. Grand Chief Donald Marshall Sr. Memorial Scholarship:
  • Christena Dykstra, Pictou Landing, Pictou Co.
  • Bertram Bernard Jr., Eskasoni, Cape Breton Regional Municipality Sister Dorothy Moore Education Scholarship:
  • Nicole Johnson, Eskasoni, Cape Breton Regional Municipality
  • Mary Elizabeth Denny, Eskasoni, Cape Breton Regional Municipality
  • Tiffany Gould, We’koqma’q, Inverness Co.
  • Sarah Doucette, Membertou, Cape Breton Regional Municipality

Additional Resources:

Treaty Day began in 1986 with the signing of a proclamation by then Grand Chief Donald Marshall Sr. For more information on the treaty, visit https://novascotia.ca/treaty-education

Follow Us