08/26/2025
Proclamation of Acknowledgment and Respect for Mi’kmaq Sovereignty
We, the undersigned representatives of the non-native communities residing on Mi’kmaq’ki, acknowledge and affirm the following principles regarding the land on which we live:
Whereas the Mi’kmaq people have inhabited and cared for these lands for thousands of years, and their connection to this land is rooted in their cultural, spiritual, and historical identity;
Whereas Section 35 of the Canadian Constitution recognizes the rights of Aboriginal peoples, including the Mi’kmaq, to their lands and resources, and affirms their treaty rights;
Whereas the Royal Proclamation of 1763 asserts that lands not ceded or sold by Indigenous nations remain their property;
Whereas the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) affirms the rights of Indigenous peoples to self-determination and governance;
Whereas the Marshall decision of 1999 establishes the ongoing recognition of the Mi’kmaq peace and friendship treaties;
We hereby acknowledge:
1. The Mi’kmaq’ki is unceded, sovereign Mi’kmaq land, and we recognize the inherent rights of the Mi’kmaq people as the rightful stewards of this territory.
2. Our presence here should not be seen as ownership or entitlement but as a responsibility to honor and respect the rights of the Mi’kmaq people and their governance.
3. We commit to engaging in meaningful dialogue with Mi’kmaq leadership and communities to work towards reconciliation, understanding, and respect for their rights, culture, and traditions.
4. We encourage all non-native individuals and communities to educate themselves about the history and rights of the Mi’kmaq people and to actively participate in efforts to support their sovereignty.
5. We pledge to advocate for policies and practices that recognize and uphold the rights of the Mi’kmaq people, including land restitution and the protection of their cultural heritage.
In conclusion we express our commitment to fostering a relationship based on mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation with the Mi’kmaq community, recognizing that true reconciliation is a journey we must undertake together.
Date: October 1st 2025
Signed: Rebecca Wall
I genuinely hope that this proclamation inspires the beginning of many important conversations that are essential for our communities.
