Dear Editor:

Treaties between the Europeans and the Mi’kmaq people of Eastern Canada were entered into for the benefit of both parties in order to co-exist on the land in peace and friendship.   Historically, the Mi’kmaq have always had laws and agreements that governed their interactions and relations with one another, with surrounding Nations, and with the land and its’ resources. These laws were referred to as the “Law of Nikmanen”. Constant and long term contact with various European groups resulted in additional agreements being formed in order to govern their interactions and relations. Religious and political struggles were mounting in Europe and they brought these with them when they entered and settled among the Mi’kmaq. Being aware of this and in planning the future of the Mi’kmaq, Membertou sought an alliance with the Catholic Church in order to avoid the dire consequences of the Mayan people when the Spanish invaded Mexico. A formal treaty (the Mi’kmaq Concordat) was negotiated between Membertou and the Holy Roman Empire in 1610. The purpose of this treaty was a survival strategy in that the Mi’kmaq would be recognized as a Catholic nation on an equal level with Spain, Portugal, and France.  The Treaties were formal, legal agreements entered into for political reasons with careful forethought, planning, and negotiation by both parties. Treaties were also made for the purpose of trade and occupation, peaceful co-exist ...