by Crystal Dorey, Communications Officer, KMKNO
While the Daniels Decision is a reason for celebration by the Métis Nation of Canada, Nova Scotia has always been the traditional homeland of the Mi’kmaq. While we continue to share our lands with others, Aboriginal and Treaty Rights and Title of this region belong distinctly to the Mi’kmaq.
“The Daniels ruling will have major impacts for the Métis Nation, but it does not change that our Treaties were signed by the Mi’kmaq. We remain the exclusive Rights holders in this region”, said Chief Deborah Robinson, Lead Chief of Governance for the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq Chiefs.
In the spring of 2013, at a Daniels and Manitoba Métis Federation conference, the Métis Chair and Lead Council in Powley, Jean Teillet stated: “a progressive change in language has meant that, if you are not accepted by a First Nations, they use Métis. This is the wrong definition of Métis… Métis is about distinct peoples, not a historical genealogy.”
The Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq Chiefs recognize that the decision also impacts Non-Status individuals.
“In Nova Scotia, many Non-Status people are connected to our Mi’kmaw communities,” continued Chief Robinson. “This is why we are working to create our own process for citizenship and beneficiaries. We need to know who the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia are, by our rules, not by the court’s or Federal government’s. Our process may include many Non-Status Mi’kmaq from Nova Scotia.”
