Joint statement on negotiations with the Mi’gmaq of New Brunswick

 The Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, Carolyn Bennett, and Chiefs George Ginnish and Rebecca Knockwood, co-Chairs of Mi’gmawe’l Tplu’taqnn Incorporated, representing eight of the nine Mi’gmaq communities in New Brunswick, issued the following statement today:

“The Government of Canada and Chiefs of the Mi’gmawe’l Tplu’taqnn Incorporated met to reaffirm their commitment to advancing reconciliation and renewing the nation-to-nation relationship based on recognition of rights, respect, cooperation, and partnership.

Through a tripartite negotiation table, which includes the Province of New Brunswick, we have been working hard to find shared solutions that benefit the Mi’gmaq of New Brunswick and all Canadians. The focus of the negotiations is to seek the implementation of Aboriginal and treaty rights, the resolution of Aboriginal title, and the self-determination of the Mi’gmaq of New Brunswick.

Guided by a Framework Agreement signed by all parties, we will continue to focus discussions on the priorities identified by the Mi’gmaq of New Brunswick, including: the Mi’gmag language, culture, and heritage; economic development; protection of land and water; parks and other protected areas; resource revenue-sharing; law enforcement and policing; and self-government.

Through these negotiations, we are co-developing agreements that will support the implementation of Aboriginal and treaty rights while supporting economic growth and creating new investment opportunities for the benefit of Mi’gmaq communities now and for generations to come.

Through understanding, good will and cooperation on all sides, we are confident that we can continue to renew our relationship rooted in the Peace and Friendship Treaties to advance reconciliation in a way that meets the needs, goals, and interests of all the parties.”