The Agreement provides for the establishment of a shared governance framework between the Mi'gmaq and Parks Canada
Today, eight Mi'gmaq First Nations in New Brunswick, represented by Mi'gmawe'l Tplu'taqnn Inc. (MTI) and Kopit Lodge, and the Government of Canada announced the signing of a Rights Implementation Agreement with respect to natural and cultural heritage sites administered by Parks Canada in New Brunswick. This Agreement is about the implementation of Indigenous and Treaty rights, respect, cooperation, and partnership between the parties.
The Agreement aims to renew and further strengthen Mi'gmaw ties to both Kouchibouguac National Park and Fundy National Park, as well as several national historic sites, recognizing that the culture and identity of the Mi'gmaq are intimately tied to their ancestral territory.
Shared decision making is an important aspect of recognizing and implementing Indigenous rights and is evident throughout the Agreement. The Agreement provides for the establishment of a shared governance and decision-making between the Mi'gmaq First Nations in New Brunswick and Parks Canada-administered places in the province.
Key aspects of the Agreement include collaboration on studies and restoration activities; shared stewardship planning, covering areas such as conservation, safety, and species management; harvesting activities of flora and fauna; the protection and promotion of the heritage, culture and language of the Mi'gmaq and Mi'gmaq Indigenous Knowledge; procedures and protocols on areas such as sacred sites and the use of Mi'gmaw language; and economic development opportunities.
The signing of this Agreement demonstrates the Mi'gmaq and the Government of Canada's shared desire to advance their relationship in keeping with Mi'gmaw values and principles, while facilitating the exercise of the rights and responsibilities of the Mi'gmaq as stewards of the territory they have inhabited since time immemorial.
The Agreement exists both as a written record and as a Wampum Belt-an expression of how different legal orders and perspectives are intertwined in the care of the shared territory. Wampum has long been used by Indigenous Peoples in the northeastern part of North America to record and convey important messages. It is considered sacred and treated with great respect because the knowledge and commitments it carries hold deep significance. A Wampum Belt ceremony will take place at a later date.
The cultures and identities of Indigenous Peoples are closely tied to their territories, and honouring these ties is an important element of reconciliation actions and outcomes. Parks Canada is committed to honouring these special ties and to ensuring that the rights of Indigenous Peoples are taken into consideration and respected.
